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Get ready for a taste of Italy with creamy Tuscan chicken pasta! This dish combines tender chicken, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich, garlicky sauce. You can whip up this cozy meal in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Want to impress your family or guests? This one-pot wonder is sure to do the trick. It’s cheesy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying. Plus, you can easily adjust it to fit your diet needs, whether you’re looking for a gluten-free or vegetarian option.
Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)
Here’s what you’ll need to make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Don’t have everything on hand? No worries! Try these swaps:
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor
- Swap penne for any pasta shape you like
- Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or milk mixed with cornstarch
- Fresh cherry tomatoes can stand in for sun-dried
- Kale or arugula work well in place of spinach
- No Parmesan? Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago
Remember, these substitutes might change the taste a bit, but your dish will still be yummy!
Instructions
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package directions. While it cooks, prep your ingredients.
Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove the chicken and set aside. In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning.
Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan.
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Add fresh spinach and let it wilt.
Drain your cooked pasta and add it to the skillet. Toss everything together until well combined.
Serve your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if you like.
Tips, Tricks & Storing
Make your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta even better with these handy tips:
Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano to boost flavor. Chop and sprinkle them on top just before serving.
For extra creaminess, stir in a dollop of cream cheese when making the sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta. Keep it al dente for the best texture.
Try different pasta shapes like penne or fusilli to change things up.
Storing leftovers is easy:
- Let the pasta cool completely
- Put it in an airtight container
- Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days
To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta. Warm it gently on the stove, stirring often.
For a quick meal prep, cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, just cook fresh pasta and combine everything.
Freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.