Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and indulgent dish that combines tender chicken, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and aromatic garlic in a creamy and rich sauce. This dish is inspired by the cuisine of Tuscany, a region in central Italy known for its simple yet flavorful dishes.
How To Mke:
To make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, first, you need to cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through. Then, in the same pan, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the pan and stir until the sauce is smooth and thickened. Finally, add spinach to the sauce and let it wilt before adding the cooked pasta to the pan.
The result is a decadent and satisfying pasta dish that is perfect for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion. The combination of the creamy sauce, juicy chicken, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes creates a harmony of flavors that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is also a versatile dish that can be customized to your preferences. You can use any type of pasta you like, from spaghetti to penne, and add other ingredients such as mushrooms or bacon for an extra burst of flavor. You can also adjust the amount of cream and Parmesan cheese to your liking, making the dish lighter or more indulgent.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
For the greatest results, use skinless, boneless chicken breasts. Cut them into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly and quickly.
Don't overcook the chicken. Cook it just until it's no longer pink in the middle, and remove it from the pan to prevent it from becoming tough and dry.
Use good quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for maximum flavor. Drain off any excess oil before using them in the recipe.
Add a splash of white wine to the pan after sautéing the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for an extra layer of flavor.
In case the sauce gets too thick, save some of the pasta boiling water.
Variations:
For a spicy kick, season the sauce with red pepper flakes. To give the sauce more depth of flavor, mix in some chopped artichoke hearts or sliced mushrooms.
Substitute the heavy cream with half and half or milk for a lighter version of the dish.
Use whole-wheat or gluten-free spaghetti for a healthier alternative.
For a spicy kick, season the sauce with red pepper flakes.
Garnish with chopped fresh herbs such as basil or parsley for added freshness and color.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. fettuccine pasta
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp. dried basil
- 1/2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Instructions:
To prepare the fettuccine pasta, follow the directions on the package until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Salt, black pepper, garlic powder, dried basil, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using) should be added after adding the chicken pieces. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is no longer pink.
Add the sun-dried tomatoes, chopped, and garlic, minced, to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the liquid is reduced by half.
Add the heavy cream to the skillet and whisk once the sauce is smooth. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Add the cooked fettuccine pasta to the skillet and toss until the pasta is coated with the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach has wilted.
Serve the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta hot and garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley if desired.