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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy Sun-Dried Tomato Dinner

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A creamy Tuscan chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich garlic cream sauce that comes together quickly for a comforting and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon more if needed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (blend of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 12 oz of fettuccine or penne according to package instructions until al dente (usually 10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Add chicken to the pan in a single layer and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium and add 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
  5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Let the spinach wilt into the sauce, about 2 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to loosen it up.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before seasoning to get a good sear. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Simmer sauce gently to prevent cream from curdling. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Add spinach last to avoid overcooking. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-sun-dried-tomato-dinner/