Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
A deliciously creamy Tuscan-inspired pasta dish with succulent chicken, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes, ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 ounces favorite pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced)
Vegetables
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- to taste Salt and pepper
Garnish
- to taste Fresh basil (optional) For garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sautéing the Chicken
- In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the sliced chicken breasts and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and smooth.
- Add the spinach and cherry tomatoes, and cook until the spinach wilts.
Combining Ingredients
- Return the chicken to the skillet, and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat well in the creamy sauce.
Serving the Dish
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes can elevate the flavor of your dish. Customize Your Protein: Substitute chicken with turkey or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian twist! Don’t Rush the Sauce: Allowing the sauce to simmer lets all those wonderful flavors meld beautifully together.