Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness of Tuscan Chicken Pasta, a dish that beautifully combines tender chicken, wholesome pasta, and a medley of fresh herbs. This recipe is not only simple to prepare but also bursts with flavors reminiscent of the Italian countryside. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this dish is sure to impress and become a cherished favorite in your home.
Ingredients
– 2 chicken breasts
– 8 oz rotini pasta
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup spinach
– 1 tsp Italian seasoning
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 25 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Based on a serving size of one plate (1/4 of the recipe), this dish contains approximately 450 calories, 35g of protein, 25g of carbohydrates, and 25g of fat.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot for the pasta.
2. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
3. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
4. Sear the chicken in the hot skillet until golden brown on both sides, about 5-7 minutes each side.
5. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
6. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes.
7. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
8. Stir in the spinach until wilted, then add the Parmesan cheese.
9. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
10. Slice the chicken and combine everything in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
Alternative Ingredients
If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt. Additionally, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for a juicier flavor.
Serving and Pairings
This Tuscan Chicken Pasta pairs wonderfully with a side salad, garlic bread, or a glass of white wine to enhance the meal’s flavors.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed. This dish is not recommended for freezing due to the cream sauce.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking the chicken can lead to dryness.
- Not seasoning the pasta water adequately can result in bland noodles.
- Forgetting to stir the cream sauce may cause it to curdle.
- Using low-quality sun-dried tomatoes can diminish flavor.
- Not letting the chicken rest before slicing can result in lost juices.
Helpful Tips
- Use fresh herbs for a more vibrant flavor.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by varying the amount of cream.
- For added heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.
- Make sure to taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute rotini with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time as necessary.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Tuscan Chicken Pasta can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for easy meals throughout the week.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If sun-dried tomatoes are unavailable, you can use roasted red peppers or fresh cherry tomatoes for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms to create a delicious vegetarian version.
How can I make the dish spicier?
You can add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce for some extra heat.
Conclusion
Tuscan Chicken Pasta is an exquisite dish that brings the warmth of Italian cuisine to your table. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and wholesome pasta, this recipe is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the delightful flavors and impress your guests with your culinary skills!
Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a large pot for the pasta.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Sear the chicken in the hot skillet until golden brown on both sides.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest.
- Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the spinach until wilted, then add Parmesan cheese.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
- Slice the chicken and combine everything in the skillet, tossing gently to coat.
