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Quick Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Quick Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta - featured image
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A fast and flavorful creamy Tuscan chicken pasta recipe that comes together in just 20 minutes, featuring garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich yet light cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 medium boneless, skin-on chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed preferred)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml) or half-and-half for lighter option
  • ½ cup chicken broth (120 ml)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz (225 g) fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh basil for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) pasta and cook until al dente, about 9–11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
  2. Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Add chicken skin-side down and cook 5–6 minutes without moving until golden and crispy.
  4. Flip chicken and cook other side 4–5 minutes until cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and let rest. Slice into strips once slightly cooled.
  5. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Add ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and 2 cups fresh spinach. Cook until spinach wilts, about 1–2 minutes.
  7. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and ½ cup chicken broth. Stir and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Stir in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add salt and pepper to taste. Loosen sauce with reserved pasta water if too thick, a tablespoon at a time.
  9. Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken back to skillet. Toss gently to coat pasta evenly with sauce.
  10. Serve immediately, optionally topped with red pepper flakes and fresh basil.

Notes

Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a good sear. Use medium-high heat for chicken and reduce to medium when adding cream to prevent curdling. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Freshly grated Parmesan is preferred for best sauce texture. Can be adapted for low-carb, dairy-free, or vegetarian diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach pasta, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://islatable.com/quick-creamy-tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe-20-minute-easy-dinner-idea/