Healthy Twist on Tuscan Chicken Pasta
A delicious and healthier take on traditional Tuscan chicken pasta featuring whole wheat pasta, chicken, spinach, and cherry tomatoes in a light creamy sauce.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream or a dairy-free alternative For a dairy-free option
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Begin by cooking the whole wheat pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining and set aside.
Cooking
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add some olive oil and sauté the diced chicken until browned and cooked through—about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
- Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and tomatoes soften—about 3-4 minutes.
- Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth and heavy cream (or dairy-free alternative). Stir well and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the drained whole wheat pasta to the skillet. If the mixture seems too dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Plate up your delicious Healthy Twist on Tuscan Chicken Pasta, and garnish with Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Feel free to replace the chicken with cubed tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version. Always taste your pasta throughout cooking to catch it at the perfect al dente stage. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring in between.