Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Diet: Standard (Low-Carb and Dairy-Free variations mentioned)
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, but keep about half a cup of the pasta water just in case you want to thin out the sauce later. - Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. - Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant, being careful not to burn it. - Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Add the remaining Italian seasoning and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly. - Step 5: Wilt the Spinach and Melt Cheese
Stir in the fresh baby spinach and let it wilt into the sauce, which should take about a minute. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and the cheese is fully melted. - Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked chicken and the drained pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. if the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Serve immediately while hot.