Description
Hearty Tuscan chicken pasta brings Italian countryside comfort straight to your dinner table. Creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken create a luxurious meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 lb pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 cups heavy cream
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 4 cloves garlic
- 1 small onion
Seasoning and Cheese:
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp Italian herbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare chicken by seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, ensuring even coating on both sides.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear chicken breasts until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken from skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
- In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute to release their concentrated flavors.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Sprinkle parmesan cheese into the sauce, whisking until completely melted and integrated.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions.
- Fold fresh spinach into the cream sauce, allowing it to wilt and incorporate seamlessly.
- Drain pasta and add directly to the skillet, gently tossing to coat each noodle with the rich, creamy sauce.
- Reintroduce sliced chicken to the pasta, mixing thoroughly to distribute evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnishing with additional parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of Italian herbs if desired.
Notes
- Optimize chicken seasoning by gently pressing herbs into the meat for deeper flavor penetration.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking, maintaining juicy texture.
- Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter, lower-calorie version that still provides creamy consistency.
- Swap protein options easily by replacing chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or roasted vegetables for vegetarian adaptation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 750
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg