Description
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe features tender chicken breasts combined with flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and a luscious cream sauce, all tossed with penne pasta and fresh spinach for a delightful meal.
Ingredients
2 medium chicken breasts (approx. 1 pound)
pounded to an even thickness
1 tsp EACH garlic powder
onion powder
paprika
1/4 tsp EACH salt
pepper
Olive oil for drizzling
16 oz. penne pasta
2 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 large shallot
chopped
about ½ cup
4 oz. sun-dried tomatoes in oil
rinsed and chopped
4–6 cloves garlic
minced
1/4–1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/4 cup flour
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups half and half or milk whisked with 1 TBS cornstarch
or evaporated milk mixed with 2 tsps cornstarch
2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
1 tsp EACH dried parsley
dried basil
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 tsp EACH salt
pepper
1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
1 1/2 cups (100g) FRESHLY grated Parmesan cheese
packed
4 cups baby spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil, and cook in a skillet over medium-high heat until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and add the shallots. Sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add red pepper flakes and flour, stirring to combine.
- Gradually pour in the chicken broth and half and half, whisking to avoid lumps. Add chicken bouillon, dried herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Add grape tomatoes and fresh spinach to the sauce, cooking until the tomatoes are soft and the spinach is wilted. Stir in the pasta and mix until well coated. Slice the cooked chicken and arrange on top.
- Finish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and enjoy your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta!
Notes
Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for additional flavor and nutrition. Adjust the red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Dinner
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600
- Protein: 40g
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, chicken pasta recipe, easy pasta recipe, Tuscan chicken recipe