Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Effortless Recipe
This easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe is ready in under 30 minutes! It’s a delicious, satisfying weeknight meal perfect for beginners. We’ll guide you through each step with simple instructions and helpful tips, resulting in a restaurant-quality dish you’ll love.
Cooking a delicious and satisfying meal shouldn’t feel like a marathon. Many people find weeknight dinners stressful, juggling work, family, and the ever-present question: “What’s for dinner?” This recipe is your solution. We’re making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, and it’s easier than you think. Follow our step-by-step guide, and you’ll be enjoying a restaurant-worthy meal tonight. Let’s get started!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather everything we need. Having all your ingredients prepped will make the cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|———————–|—————-|——————————————|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 1.5 lbs | Cut into 1-inch cubes |
| Pasta (Linguine or Fettuccine) | 1 lb | Your favorite pasta shape will work too! |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons | |
| Butter | 2 tablespoons | Unsalted butter is preferred |
| Garlic | 4 cloves | Minced |
| Sun-dried Tomatoes | 1/2 cup, oil-packed | Drain well before using |
| Spinach | 5 oz | Fresh baby spinach is best |
| Heavy Cream | 1 cup | For extra creaminess, use a higher fat cream|
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup, grated | Freshly grated is best for maximum flavor |
| Chicken Broth | 1/2 cup | Low sodium is recommended |
| Salt and Pepper | To taste | Adjust to your preference |
| Red Pepper Flakes | Optional | For a little heat |
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Now for the fun part – let’s cook! These steps are designed to be clear and easy to follow, even for beginners.
1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Sauté the Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet with the chicken. Cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Create the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce slightly thickens.
5. Combine and Finish: Add the cooked pasta and spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach is wilted and the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if desired).
Tips for Success
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ingredients significantly impact the flavor of your dish.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken can be dry and tough. Cook until it’s just cooked through.
Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Taste the sauce as you go and adjust the seasoning to your liking.
Add Protein: Consider adding some cooked Italian sausage or shrimp for extra protein.
Make it Vegetarian: Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few variations to explore:
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp Pasta: Substitute cooked shrimp for the chicken.
Creamy Tuscan Vegetable Pasta: Add your favorite vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
Spicy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes for added heat.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)
The nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients used. This is an approximation based on a 1.5 lb chicken breast, 1 lb pasta and other listed ingredients. Use a nutrition calculator for precise values.
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|———————-|————————–|
| Calories | Approximately 500-600 |
| Protein | Approximately 35-40g |
| Fat | Approximately 25-30g |
| Carbohydrates | Approximately 50-60g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use different types of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Linguine and fettuccine are great choices, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook the pasta, and combine.
Q: What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
A: You can omit them or substitute with a similar ingredient like chopped tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, this dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Q: How can I make this recipe healthier?
A: Use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of heavy cream, and add more vegetables.
Q: What kind of chicken broth should I use?
A: Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the salt content of the dish.
Conclusion
There you have it – a simple, delicious, and incredibly satisfying Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Remember, cooking should be enjoyable. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. Happy cooking!