Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips - 8 oz penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Use 8 ounces of penne pasta for four servings. - Two chicken breasts should be about one pound. - Measure two tablespoons of olive oil for sautéing. - Four cloves of garlic create a strong flavor. - One cup of heavy cream adds a rich touch. - Half a cup of grated Parmesan gives a cheesy taste. - Adjust salt and pepper based on your preference. - If you lack chicken, try using tofu or mushrooms. - Swap penne pasta with fusilli or spaghetti if needed. - Use vegetable oil instead of olive oil. - Greek yogurt can replace heavy cream for a lighter option. - Nutritional yeast can stand in for Parmesan cheese. - Fresh spinach can be swapped with kale or Swiss chard. This recipe is flexible. You can easily make changes to fit your taste. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. Bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it for about 10-12 minutes or until it's al dente. Remember to stir it occasionally. When done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season 2 sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet. Cook it for 5-7 minutes. Make sure it turns golden brown and cooks through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest. In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for about 30 seconds until they smell great. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until they soften a bit. Now, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring it to a gentle simmer. Add 2 cups of fresh spinach and stir until it wilts. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta too. Stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything until it's well combined and heated. Serve the pasta hot. Garnish it with fresh basil leaves for extra flavor and a nice look. Enjoy your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta! To make a great sauce, start with fresh ingredients. Use ripe cherry tomatoes for a sweet taste. Sauté the garlic until it smells good but don’t burn it. When you add the cream, stir slowly. This helps mix in all the flavors. Let it simmer gently; this thickens the sauce without making it too heavy. When cooking the chicken, slice it into even strips. This helps it cook evenly. Season it well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Don’t overcrowd the pan; give it space to brown properly. Cook until it’s no longer pink. If you have leftovers, they also taste great later in salads or wraps. For a beautiful plate, add fresh basil on top. It gives a nice pop of color and flavor. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on each serving. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. Pair this dish with garlic bread or a simple salad for a full meal. Enjoy your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavors of the dish, making it taste more vibrant and delicious. Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or use a lighter cream alternative. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Make sure to cook the penne pasta just to al dente. This will ensure it retains a bit of bite and doesn't become mushy when mixed with the sauce. Garnish Wisely: Fresh basil leaves not only add flavor but also make for a beautiful presentation. Consider adding a drizzle of olive oil for an extra touch. {{image_2}} To make a vegetarian version of creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, skip the chicken. Use mushrooms instead. They add a nice, meaty texture. You can also use tofu for protein. Cook it just like the chicken for the best taste. Replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth for added flavor without meat. You can add more veggies to your dish. Bell peppers, zucchini, or broccoli work well. Just sauté them with the garlic. They will add color and nutrition. Try adding artichokes or sun-dried tomatoes for a twist. These will enhance the flavors and make the dish heartier. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste. You can always add more if needed. For a milder dish, leave them out. You can also add fresh herbs like oregano or thyme for a fragrant touch. Adjusting spice makes the pasta dish fit your taste. After cooking, let your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta cool down. Store it in an airtight container. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to keep it away from strong-smelling foods. This helps keep its great flavor. If you want to freeze the pasta, use a freezer-safe container. Leave a little space at the top to allow for expansion. The pasta can freeze well for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. This way, it will taste good again. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to the pasta. This helps restore its creamy texture. Heat it in a skillet over low heat. Stir it often to avoid sticking. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Enjoy every bite! You can use half-and-half in place of heavy cream. It gives a nice creaminess but less fat. Another option is to use coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Greek yogurt can also work well, but mix it with a bit of milk to thin it out. Each option adds its own flavor, so choose what suits your taste. To make this dish gluten-free, swap the penne pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options now, and they cook just like regular pasta. Check the package instructions for the best results. Also, ensure other ingredients, like broth or sauces, are gluten-free too. Yes! You can use any pasta you like. Fusilli, spaghetti, or even zoodles (zucchini noodles) work well. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes may cook faster or slower. Choose what you enjoy most, and it will still be delicious! This blog post shared all you need for a great pasta dish. We covered the right ingredients, measurements, and substitutes for easy cooking. I provided step-by-step instructions for cooking pasta, chicken, and sauce, plus tips to make it perfect. You learned options for vegetarian meals and storage tips too. Remember, cooking is about fun and learning. Enjoy creating your dish!$

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, spinach, and tomatoes.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

2 breasts boneless, skinless chicken
8 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted.
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, along with the cooked penne. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing everything together until well combined and heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves on top for added flavor and presentation.

Notes

Serve hot with fresh basil for garnish.

Keyword chicken, creamy, pasta, Tuscan