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Creamy Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

creamy tuscan sun-dried tomato spinach chicken pasta - featured image
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A comforting and flavorful creamy Tuscan pasta featuring sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and tender chicken in a velvety sauce. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 ounces (225g) penne pasta
  • 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
  • 4 cups loosely packed fresh spinach (about 120g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
  • 4 ounces (115g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional pinch

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces (225g) of penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup (120ml) of pasta water for later.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning.
  3. Add chicken to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for 1-2 minutes to release their flavor. Then add the fresh spinach, stirring until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  7. Stir in 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  8. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add the drained pasta and mix gently until everything is well combined and heated through, about 2 minutes.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with extra Parmesan before serving.

Notes

Use room temperature cream cheese to avoid lumps. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure browning. Avoid burning garlic to prevent bitterness. For dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream and nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For vegetarian, substitute chicken with mushrooms or roasted chickpeas.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, spinach pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food, creamy sauce

Find it online: https://milaspoon.com/creamy-tuscan-sun-dried-tomato-spinach-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-and-perfect/