Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a luxurious and flavorful dish that brings the essence of Italy to your dining table.
This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts with a rich and creamy sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic Italian seasoning.
The addition of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach adds bursts of vibrant flavor and color, creating a visually appealing and mouthwatering meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a beloved recipe for many reasons, offering a delicious harmony of flavors, textures, and colors. Here’s why this dish is sure to win hearts:
Rich and Flavorful Sauce: The creamy sauce, made from heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, envelops the pasta and chicken in a luxurious, velvety coat. Infused with Italian seasoning, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes, the sauce delivers a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and indulgent.
Tender and Juicy Chicken: The seasoned chicken breasts are cooked to perfection, providing tender bites of protein that perfectly complement the creamy sauce. The chicken absorbs the flavors of the garlic and Italian spices, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Vibrant and Nutritious Additions: The inclusion of sun-dried tomatoes adds a burst of tangy sweetness, while fresh baby spinach offers a pop of color and a dose of nutrients. These ingredients not only enhance the flavor profile but also create a visually appealing dish.
Perfectly Paired Pasta: Penne pasta is an excellent choice for this recipe, as its tubular shape allows it to hold the sauce beautifully. Each bite of pasta is coated in the creamy sauce, ensuring a satisfying and cohesive eating experience.
Simple and Elegant: Despite its rich and complex flavors, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is relatively easy to prepare, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. It’s a dish that feels both comforting and sophisticated, making it suitable for casual family dinners or elegant gatherings.
Key Ingredients:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless, these are the primary protein source in the dish, providing tender, juicy bites that are seasoned to perfection with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Olive Oil and Butter: This combination is used to sauté the chicken and create a rich base for the sauce. Olive oil adds a hint of fruitiness, while butter contributes a creamy, smooth texture.
Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with a fragrant aroma and a subtle kick, enhancing the savory flavors of the chicken and sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a sweet, tangy flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce, providing bursts of intensity and a beautiful burst of color.
Baby Spinach: Fresh and nutrient-rich, baby spinach adds a vibrant green hue and a delicate, earthy flavor, balancing the richness of the cream and cheese.
Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese: The heavy cream creates a luscious, velvety sauce, while Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory depth that enriches the overall flavor of the dish.
Penne Pasta: The tubular shape of penne pasta is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is flavorful and satisfying.
Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp unsalted butter
2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
1/2 tsp salt
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 garlic cloves
3 cups baby spinach
8 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
3 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
1/2 lb penne pasta
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a large cast-iron skillet with olive oil and cook the seasoned chicken breasts over medium-high heat until cooked through.
Set them aside to cool, then dice them into cubes.
3. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, sauté the butter, minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes (oil drained), and baby spinach over medium heat.
Once the spinach has wilted, add the heavy cream and let it come to a simmer.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Remove the skillet from heat and add the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese.
Then, add your cooked hot penne pasta and cubed chicken back into the skillet.
Give it a quick stir until everything is well combined, then serve immediately.
Notes:
Chicken Preparation: To ensure the chicken cooks evenly, consider pounding the breasts to an even thickness before seasoning and cooking. This will help achieve a uniform texture and prevent overcooking.
Pasta Cooking Tip: Cook the pasta to al dente according to the package instructions, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce and chicken. This ensures the pasta maintains its texture and doesn’t become mushy.
Customizing the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer a bit longer to reduce. Conversely, if you desire a lighter sauce, you can add a splash of chicken broth or pasta cooking water to adjust the consistency.
Vegetable Variations: Feel free to incorporate additional vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for added flavor and nutrients. These can be sautéed alongside the garlic and spinach.
Cheese Substitution: While Parmesan cheese is traditional, you can experiment with other hard cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a slightly different flavor profile.
Lemon Zest for Brightness: Adding a sprinkle of lemon zest to the finished dish can enhance the flavors and provide a fresh, zesty contrast to the creamy sauce.
Storing and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to the pasta to help restore its creamy consistency.
Nutrition Information:
Calories: 600 | Protein: 40 grams | Carbohydrates: 40 grams | Fat: 35 grams | Fiber: 3 grams | Sodium: 800 milligrams
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer.
While penne is recommended because its shape holds the sauce well, other short pastas like rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli are also excellent choices.
Even long pastas like fettuccine or spaghetti can work well, providing a different texture and eating experience.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
If you’re looking to reduce the fat content, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a touch of cornstarch to achieve a similar creamy consistency.
Keep in mind that the sauce may not be as rich and thick as with heavy cream.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh cherry or grape tomatoes as an alternative.
Roast them slightly to bring out their sweetness, or sauté them with the garlic and spinach for a similar effect.
However, keep in mind that sun-dried tomatoes add a unique tangy flavor that fresh tomatoes might not fully replicate.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
To prevent the sauce from curdling, ensure that you add the heavy cream gradually and keep the heat at a gentle simmer rather than a boil.
Stir continuously as you incorporate the cream, and avoid sudden temperature changes.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Although it’s best served fresh, you can prepare this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to help bring back the creamy texture.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
How can I ensure the chicken is cooked evenly?
To ensure even cooking, consider pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness before seasoning and cooking.
This helps them cook uniformly and prevents any parts from being overcooked or undercooked.
Additionally, try not to overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken to achieve a nice golden-brown crust.
What if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more heavy cream, chicken broth, or reserved pasta water.
Add the liquid gradually until you reach your desired consistency.
This will help maintain the sauce’s flavor while adjusting its thickness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can make a dairy-free version by substituting the butter with a plant-based alternative, using coconut cream or a nut-based milk for the heavy cream, and replacing Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
What should I do if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
If you don’t have Italian seasoning on hand, you can create a quick blend using common herbs and spices.
Mix together dried basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and a pinch of red pepper flakes to mimic the flavors typically found in Italian seasoning.
How can I prevent the pasta from sticking together when cooking?
To prevent pasta from sticking, ensure you use a large pot with plenty of water.
Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking, especially in the first few minutes, and consider adding a small amount of olive oil to the water.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and toss it with a bit of olive oil to keep it from clumping while you prepare the sauce.