There’s something irresistible about a creamy pasta dish, especially when it’s packed with bold flavors and ready in under an hour. If you’re on the hunt for an easy dinner recipe that feels both elegant and comforting, look no further than this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce, this meal will quickly become a family favorite. Bonus? It’s perfect for weeknights but fancy enough to impress guests.
Ingredients
To create this flavorful Italian-inspired dish, you’ll need:
For the chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or chicken thighs)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the pasta and sauce:
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ¾ cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves (roughly chopped)
- 1 tsp dried basil (or 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped)
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Transform a few simple ingredients into a five-star dinner with these easy steps:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta but reserve 1 cup of pasta water for the sauce. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with a mixture of Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sear for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. (Internal temperature should reach 165°F.)
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Once slightly cooled, slice the chicken into strips or cubes.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- Using the same skillet, add the butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- Add the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and dried basil, cooking for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Step 4: Put It All Together
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, mix in small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the pasta. Heat everything together for 2-3 minutes to ensure all the flavors meld.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta to a serving dish or plate it directly. Garnish with more Parmesan cheese or fresh basil for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Tips for Customization and Serving
- Switch up the protein: Instead of chicken, try shrimp, scallops, or even grilled tofu for a delicious twist.
- Add veggies: Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or roasted red peppers are wonderful additions.
- Make it lighter: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based milk like almond or oat to make the dish a bit lighter.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a slight kick.
This dish pairs beautifully with a glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water infused with lemon. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight meal or a special gathering, this easy dinner recipe is sure to satisfy every craving.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is a dish that brings the flavors of Italy straight to your table. It’s rich, indulgent, and packed with wholesome ingredients that come together faster than you’d think. Give this recipe a try tonight and watch how the delicious combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and hearty pasta earns you rave reviews from everyone at the table. Buon appetito!
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