Are you craving a delicious, comforting meal that's also quick and easy to make? Look no further! This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the perfect recipe for a charmed life – a delightful blend of savory chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy, dreamy sauce that will leave you feeling utterly satisfied. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, perfect for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend supper. This easy recipe is surprisingly simple, even for beginner cooks, and offers a delicious escape from the ordinary.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, chicken broth can be substituted)
- 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1 pound pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Sauté the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Build the Flavor: Add the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until fragrant. If using white wine, add it now and let it simmer for a couple of minutes until slightly reduced.
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Create the Sauce: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
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Add the Spinach: Add the spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Cooking Tips for a Perfect Dish:
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian dressing for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Don't overcrowd the skillet when cooking the chicken; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.
- If you don't have heavy cream, you can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly thinner.
- Feel free to add other vegetables to this dish, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini.
Variations:
- Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick.
- Vegetarian Tuscan Pasta: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like roasted eggplant or artichoke hearts.
- Lemon Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Add the zest and juice of one lemon to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 500-600
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 40-50g
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe is a testament to the magic of simple, homemade cooking. It’s a delicious dish that’s easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a perfect choice for any occasion. Enjoy this taste of charmed life!