Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta
Ingredients:
2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
12 oz (340g) penne pasta
1 tbsp butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Directions:
Cook the Chicken:
Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest, then slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes:
In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
Make the Cream Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Add Spinach:
Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. If you like a bit of heat, add 1/4 tsp of red pepper flakes.
Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
Add the cooked penne pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and chicken evenly in the sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 550 kcal per serving | Servings: 4