Description
Simple Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a creamy and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a flavorful garlic cream sauce. Tossed with your favorite pasta, this recipe offers a perfect balance of rich and fresh flavors that are easy to prepare in about 30 minutes. Ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or serving guests without stress.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and sliced evenly
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine (optional for extra sauce flavor)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes to release flavors.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth or white wine if using. Stir and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if desired).
- Add fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss well to coat with sauce.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and gently mix everything together until pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor, or rehydrate dry ones in warm water before using.
- Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier option if preferred.
- To reduce calories, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream with a slightly longer simmer time.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
Nutrition
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