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My Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta has become our favorite weeknight dinner miracle. The combination of tender chicken sun dried tomatoes and spinach in that silky sauce makes everyone at my table happy. After a long day nothing beats throwing everything in one pot and having dinner ready in just half an hour. The best part is watching my kids devour their vegetables without any complaints.
A True Family Favorite
This pasta dish has saved dinner time in my house countless times. The creamy sauce rich with Italian flavors brings restaurant quality taste right to your kitchen table. My husband who usually isn't a pasta fan asks for seconds every time. Plus with everything cooking in one pot cleanup is a breeze which makes this busy mom very happy.
What You'll Need
- Chicken: 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; seasoned with salt and pepper for rich flavor.
- Pasta: 12 oz penne; perfect for holding the creamy sauce.
- Spinach: 2 cups baby spinach; adds freshness and nutrients.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: ½ cup, drained and chopped; for a tangy, savory kick.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced; fresh for optimal flavor.
- Cheese: 1 cup grated Parmesan; adds a nutty richness to the sauce.
- Cream: 1 cup heavy cream; for the ultimate creamy texture.
- Milk: 1 cup; can be dairy or non-dairy for versatility.
- Seasoning: 1 tsp Italian seasoning; enhances the dish's Italian-inspired flavors.
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp; for cooking the chicken.
- Butter: 2 tbsp unsalted; for sautéing the aromatics and adding richness.
Let's Cook Together
- Start with the Chicken
- Give those chicken breasts a good seasoning with salt and pepper then cook them in olive oil until they're golden brown. Once they're done slice them up and set them aside.
- Create the Base
- In that same pot melt your butter and add garlic sun dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Let those flavors bloom until your kitchen smells amazing.
- Make It Creamy
- Pour in your cream milk and Parmesan along with the pasta. Let everything simmer together stirring now and then until the pasta is just right.
- Bring It All Together
- Add your chicken back in along with fresh spinach and watch it all come together into something truly special.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I toss in some mushrooms or swap the spinach for kale when I want to change things up. If you're watching calories coconut cream works beautifully in place of heavy cream. When the sauce feels too thick a splash of pasta water works wonders to thin it out.
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Save Some For Later
This pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge for quick lunches during the week. I often make a double batch and freeze portions for busy nights. When you're ready to enjoy it again just warm it gently on the stove giving it a good stir to bring that creamy sauce back to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, you can add mushrooms, kale, butternut squash, or extra spinach to make the dish more nutritious and varied.
- → Can I use a lighter cream option?
You can use coconut cream or lower-fat milk, but the sauce won't be as thick and creamy as with heavy cream.
- → How long does this keep?
It keeps for 3-4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months.
- → How do I reheat after freezing?
Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat gently. If the sauce separates, just stir while reheating to bring it back together.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Penne or macaroni work well in this recipe. Any short pasta shape that can hold the creamy sauce will work.