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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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A comforting and easy-to-make creamy Tuscan chicken pasta featuring juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a silky garlic cream sauce that delivers a perfect balance of rich and tangy flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
  • 3 to 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of basil, oregano, thyme)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine or penne)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, slice chicken breasts into thin strips about ½ inch thick. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to release flavor.
  6. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup chicken broth. Stir to combine, scraping browned bits from the pan. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
  7. Stir in ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
  8. Add 2 cups fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
  9. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then toss in drained pasta. Mix gently to coat pasta and chicken evenly with sauce. Heat together for 1-2 minutes.
  10. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if available.

Notes

Do not overcook chicken to keep it juicy. Use gentle simmer for the sauce to prevent breaking. Reserve pasta water to loosen sauce if needed. Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for best flavor. Add spinach last to keep it vibrant. Freshly grate Parmesan for smoother sauce. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with vegan cheese alternative. For low-carb, use zucchini or shirataki noodles instead of pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomatoes pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, creamy Tuscan pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://elvafood.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-with-sun-dried-tomatoes/