If you’re in a rush and need something yummy to serve for dinner, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is your go-to dish. It’s a simple recipe that combines penne pasta with chicken in a creamy sauce infused with garlic, Parmesan, and spinach. This meal is not only tasty but can be whipped up in just half an hour, making it a family favorite.
The sweet-tart flavor of sun-dried tomatoes enhances the flavors, ensuring this pasta will make your taste buds sing. It’s a dish that comes together in under an hour. Ideal for those busy evenings when time is of the essence but you don’t want to compromise on taste.
Make This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Easy To Make
If you’re worried about complex recipes or tedious techniques, this pasta changes the game. It’s simple to prepare and cook. Even beginners can master it with ease.
- Simple Ingredient List
This recipe uses only a few basic ingredients that are readily available. No need to hunt for exotic items. This dish keeps things simple yet flavorsome with staples you likely have in your pantry.
- Delicious Italian Comfort Food
Why settle for anything less than a meal that warms the soul? This pasta is not just food; it’s Italian comfort food at its best—rich, creamy, and utterly delicious.
- Made In One Pot
For those who dread the aftermath of cooking, this one pot recipe means easy cleanup. It’s convenient, requires less washing, and everything cooks together in a single vessel, blending flavors perfectly.
Ingredient
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and perfect for sautéing; other substitutions like thigh meat are also great.
- Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper: Enhances the savory flavors in the dish.
- Olive oil: Ideal for cooking; can be substituted with sunflower, safflower, or avocado oil.
- Unsalted butter: Used to control the sodium content. Adds richness without making the dish too salty.
- Fresh, minced garlic: Adds a sharp aromatic flavor that is simply the best for pasta sauces.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Drained and roughly chopped. Offer a tangy sweetness that balances the creamy texture.
- Heavy cream: Makes the sauce creamy. For a healthier option, look for substitutions like light cream.
- Dairy or non-dairy milk: Depending on dietary preferences, both work to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Cheese infuses a nutty and salty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- Penne or macaroni noodles: Either type of noodle works well.
- Baby spinach: Add as much or as little as you prefer; wilts perfectly into the pasta, adding color and nutrients.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Prepare the Chicken
- First, take your chicken tenders and generously rub them with your chosen seasonings. In a heavy-bottomed skillet, pan fry the chicken over high heat. Ensure it’s cooked through and seared nicely on both sides.
- Each side usually takes about 3-4 minutes depending on how thick the chicken is. After frying, let the chicken rest for a bit before slicing it into thin, long strips.
- Set aside these strips and remember, slicing against the grain helps when you pull it into smaller pieces with a fork while eating.
Boil the Pasta
- Next, boil the pasta according to the instructions on the package until it’s al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it.
- Don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water before you drain it. Immediately run it under cold water to prevent the strands from sticking together.
Make the Creamy Tuscan Pasta Sauce
- Using the same pan, melt some butter and sauté garlic on medium heat until fragrant. Add sundried and freshly chopped cherry tomatoes, letting them soften as they mix with the seasonings.
- Pour in milk and cream, stirring on medium-low heat until the sauce becomes cohesive and begins to thicken.
- Now, stir in parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water, and continue cooking until you reach the desired consistency. It should be neither too liquid nor too thick.
- Remember it will continue to thicken as it cools. To finish, fold in chopped spinach and basil leaves, then turn off the heat.
Assemble and Serve
Finally, add your sliced chicken to the sauce and give it a good stir. Mix in the boiled pasta, taste, and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Now it’s ready to serve. I like to garnish the dish with more chopped basil leaves, parmesan cheese, and a mix of sundried and cherry tomatoes for an extra pop of flavor and color. Serve this pasta with breadsticks or cheesy garlic bread.
Leftovers and storage
When you have leftovers of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, keep it fresh by storing it in the fridge for 3-4 days in an airtight container. Reheating is best done gently. Use a covered saucepan over low heat to ensure the sauce doesn’t separate.
If the pasta seems a bit dry, adding a splash of cream can really revive it, bringing back that creamy texture.
For More Recipes
– High Protein Chicken Alfredo
Can I Skip the Chicken
Certainly, if you choose to omit the chicken, it will still taste delightful. Feel free to add a mushroom or two for an earthy flavor boost.
Do Chicken Thighs Work as Well as Breasts
You don’t have to stick to chicken breasts. Substitute them with thighs if you prefer. Just keep in mind that the cook time may vary depending on your choice.
Can This Pasta Be Made in Advance
While it’s best to prepare this pasta fresh before serving for optimal results but you can make it ahead of time. However, beware that the sauce might thicken and the pasta may become a bit mushy once refrigerated.
