Instant creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is a quick and easy version of the classic Italian-American dish. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or when you don't have a lot of time to cook, but still want a satisfying and delicious meal.
How To Make:
To make instant creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, you will need some pre-cooked chicken, such as rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken strips, as well as some jarred Alfredo sauce and sun-dried tomatoes. You will also need some dried pasta, such as fettuccine or penne, which can be cooked in just a few minutes.
To prepare this dish, you will start by cooking the pasta according to package directions, then draining it and setting it aside. Next, you will heat up the pre-cooked chicken in a large skillet or saucepan, adding in some minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Alfredo sauce. You can also add in some chopped spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Finally, you will add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce and the chicken and other ingredients are evenly distributed. Garnish with some chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
Tips:
If you're using pre-cooked chicken, make sure it's not too dry. You can drizzle it with some olive oil or chicken broth to keep it moist.
Add some extra herbs and spices, such as basil, oregano, or red pepper flakes, to give your dish more flavor and complexity.
Use fresh ingredients whenever possible, such as fresh garlic, tomatoes, and spinach, to enhance the taste and texture of the dish.
Reserve some pasta cooking water to use as needed to thin the sauce and prevent it from becoming too thick.
Don't overcook the pasta. Cook it until it's al dente, or firm to the bite, to prevent it from becoming mushy or overcooked.
Variations:
Use a different type of pasta, such as rigatoni or farfalle, for a different texture and presentation.
Substitute the chicken with shrimp or Italian sausage for a different protein source.
Use different types of vegetables, such as roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or zucchini, to add some color and variety to the dish.
Add some chopped bacon or pancetta for a smoky and savory flavor.
Use a different type of sauce, such as marinara or pesto, for a different taste profile.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz dried pasta (fettuccine, penne, or similar)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce (14 oz)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions:
Pasta should be prepared according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Sun-dried tomatoes and diced chicken should be added to the skillet, and they should be cooked thoroughly after two to three minutes. Cook the spinach in the skillet for 1-2 minutes, or until it has wilted.
Pour in the jar of Alfredo sauce and stir to combine with the chicken and vegetables.
When the pasta is completely covered in sauce, add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss everything together.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Garnish with chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Serve immediately and enjoy!
This recipe serves 2-3 people, but you can easily double or triple the recipe to serve more. You can also adjust the amount of sauce and vegetables to your liking. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious and satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
