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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy Garlic Spinach Meal

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A quick and comforting creamy Tuscan chicken pasta with garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, perfect for cozy dinners and made with simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced or cubed
  • 8 ounces (225g) pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (dried basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
  4. Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Stir in ¾ cup grated Parmesan until melted and sauce is silky. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Add 4 cups fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes. Return chicken to skillet and warm through for 2 minutes.
  6. Add drained pasta to skillet and toss to combine. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
  7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Do not overcook spinach to maintain texture and color. Avoid burning garlic by stirring frequently and cooking gently. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Thinly slice chicken for even cooking. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, garlic spinach pasta, easy weeknight dinner, creamy Tuscan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes pasta

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-garlic-spinach-meal/