This Chicken Creamy Tuscan Pasta is a comforting dish packed with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s a one-pot meal that’s sure to please everyone!
I love how quickly you can whip this up after a busy day. Just cook everything together, and you’ll have a yummy dinner that feels special without a lot of fuss. So good! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Chicken breasts are the star here, but thighs work well too! They’re juicier and can add extra flavor. If you’re in a pinch, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a big time saver.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add great flavor. If you can’t find them, you can use roasted red peppers for a milder taste. Just chop them into smaller pieces.
Heavy Cream: I love using heavy cream for that rich, creamy texture. If you’re looking for lighter options, half-and-half or a plant-based cream can work, but the sauce won’t be as thick.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is ideal for this recipe, but you could substitute kale or baby kale. Just cook it a bit longer until it’s tender.
How Do You Make a Creamy Sauce That Won’t Curdle?
To ensure your creamy sauce stays smooth, there are a few easy tricks to keep in mind. First, always cook your ingredients at low to medium heat rather than high to avoid scalding.
- Make sure to add the cream gradually, stirring constantly.
- Mix in the Parmesan cheese off the heat to prevent curdling. If it’s too hot, it can separate and become grainy.
- If it thickens too much, whisk in a little pasta water before serving.
These simple techniques will help you achieve a silky, luscious sauce every time!
Delicious Chicken Creamy Tuscan Pasta Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 8 oz fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta, cooked and drained
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Chicken Creamy Tuscan Pasta recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15-20 minutes for cooking. In total, you’ll need approximately 30 to 35 minutes to enjoy this tasty meal from start to finish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper. This simple step helps to enhance the chicken’s flavor while cooking.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Sauté the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add in the finely chopped onion. Sauté for about 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and gently stir to combine, scraping any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Add Seasonings:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix until the cheese melts into the sauce, helping it to thicken slightly.
6. Incorporate Spinach:
Add the roughly chopped spinach to the sauce and allow it to wilt down, which should take about 2 minutes. The spinach adds a lovely burst of color and nutrition!
7. Combine Chicken and Pasta:
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat it with the creamy sauce. Then, add the cooked fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy goodness.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve this delicious Chicken Creamy Tuscan Pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color. Enjoy your meal!
This delightful dish blends the rich and creamy sauce with tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and savory sun-dried tomatoes, making it a true Tuscan-inspired comfort meal! 😊
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s completely thawed first! Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the fridge or quickly using a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.
Can I Substitute the Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based alternative like coconut cream. However, keep in mind that the sauce may not thicken as much, so you might need to adjust it with a touch of flour or cornstarch mixed in cold water if needed.
How to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to bring back the creamy texture.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the creamy sauce and chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat and add freshly cooked pasta, and stir until heated through. This makes it a great meal prep option!
