Description
This Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta combines tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with fettuccine or penne pasta. It’s a comforting Italian-American dish perfect for an easy, flavorful weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet straightforward to make.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
Seasonings and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken strips, season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to release their flavors.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything to coat evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Simmer and Serve: Let the pasta and chicken simmer in the sauce for another 2 to 3 minutes until heated through. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra richness, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce while simmering.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter creamy sauce.
- Use grilled chicken instead of pan-cooked chicken for added smoky flavor.
