Description
Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a quick and delicious dish that blends bold Italian flavors with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy Parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this versatile meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb)
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
- 3 tsp garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup basil pesto (optional)
Sauce Additions
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or white wine
- 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp flour
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
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- Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (165°F). Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta
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- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente (10–12 minutes). Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce
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- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts.
- Deglaze with chicken broth or white wine, then whisk in Dijon mustard and flour.
- Add heavy cream and lemon juice, simmering until the sauce thickens.
4. Combine and Serve
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- Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Slice or shred the chicken, then fold into the pasta.
- Adjust seasoning as needed and garnish with Parmesan and fresh basil.
Notes
- Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat slowly on the stovetop, adding milk or cream to maintain sauce consistency. Avoid microwaving.
- Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 840 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 105mg