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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

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A comforting and creamy Tuscan chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and a velvety sauce that is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb/450 g), sliced into strips or bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz (225 g) penne or your favorite pasta
  • 1/3 cup (50 g) chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil (drain excess oil)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus some for cooking chicken)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional pinch

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. While pasta cooks, season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and sauté for 5-7 minutes until cooked through and golden brown. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, then toss in minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding browning the garlic.
  4. Add 1 cup heavy cream and 4 oz softened cream cheese to the skillet. Stir gently to melt the cream cheese into the cream, creating a smooth sauce. Keep heat moderate to avoid curdling, about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency.
  6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, add drained pasta and fresh spinach leaves. Toss gently until spinach wilts and pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let sit for a minute to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Serve plated pasta garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Use room-temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps. Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan. Add reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and prevent curdling. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and cream cheese with plant-based alternatives. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken pasta, creamy pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, easy dinner, comfort food, creamy sauce, chicken pasta recipe

Find it online: https://twinkletaste.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-homemade-with-sun-dried-tomatoes/