Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Table of Contents
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A Slice of Italy on Your Table
Ever dreamt of a quick trip to Italy, without the pesky airport queues? I'm here to let you know about this recipe that is the one!
This Tuscan Chicken Pasta is like sunshine on a plate. Honestly, you get that rich, creamy Italian vibe without needing a Michelin star chef. Plus, who doesn’t love Sun-dried tomato pasta ?
From Tuscany with Love
This isn't just another Chicken Pasta dish, you know. It's got that rustic Italian soul! Tuscan Chicken recipes are all about simple ingredients singing in harmony.
This version is super easy, ready in under 45 minutes, and feeds about 4-6 hungry folks. So it's perfect for a cozy night or a casual get-together.
Benefits That Will Blow Your Socks Off
One of the best things? This Creamy Tuscan pasta is packed with goodness. Spinach is a nutritional powerhouse. It's loaded with vitamins and minerals.
Serve this up for a family dinner, a date night, or heck, even just a treat for yourself! It's special because it tastes like you spent hours slaving away, but really, you didn't.
Gather Your Italian Troops
Ready to get started? Here's what you'll need:
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Pasta: 1 pound fettuccine
- Sauce: Butter, garlic, chicken broth, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan cheese. Don't forget the red pepper flakes if you're feeling spicy! I mean it totally is a winner using the Roasted Garlic !
- Seasoning: Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, pepper, fresh basil
Next, you'll need to know How to Make the Magic Happen..
Ingredients & Equipment for Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Right, so you want to make Tuscan Chicken Pasta ? Fab! Let's gather what you need. Honestly, this isn't rocket science.
You can totally nail this pasta recipe easy ! I will tell you what you need for this Italian chicken recipes .
Main Ingredients for Your Tuscan Dream
Okay, listen up. Let's break down what you need. This Creamy Tuscan pasta will blow your mind.
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cube them into 1 inch pieces. Quality is key here . Get chicken that looks plump and pink, not pale and sad.
- Pasta: 1 pound (450g) fettuccine pasta. Fettuccine pasta recipe is awesome, but linguine works too.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml) for searing that chicken.
- Butter: 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted. Because butter makes everything better!
- Garlic: 4 cloves , minced. Roast garlic for extra flavour!
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup (120 ml) . Low sodium is always a good call.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240 ml) . Don't skimp! It's creamy Tuscan pasta.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup (50g) , oil-packed, drained and sliced. These are little flavour bombs. Sun-dried tomato pasta is the key!
- Spinach: 5 ounces (140g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped. Don't use frozen, trust me. Spinach pasta recipe must be followed exactly.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/4 cup (25g) grated, plus more for serving. Because cheese!
- Water: 8 cups (2 liters) for cooking the pasta
Seasoning Notes for the Tuscan Chicken Magic
Let's talk flavour. This is where things get fun.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon (5g) . It's a classic blend.
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon (3g) . More garlic? Always yes.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste. Season generously!
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon (optional) for a bit of heat.
- Fresh Basil: Chopped, for garnish. Makes it look all fancy and adds a pop of freshness.
Equipment You'll Need (Nothing Too Scary)
Honestly, you probably have all this already.
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: For cooking the chicken and making the sauce.
- Large Pot: For boiling the pasta.
- Colander: For draining the pasta. Obviously.
- Cutting Board and Chef's Knife: For chopping stuff. Duh.
Honestly, the most important thing is to enjoy the process. So crank up some tunes, pour yourself a glass of wine, and get cooking! This Tuscan Chicken Pasta is gonna be epic.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A Slice of Italy on Your Table
Oh my gosh, are you ready for this? This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is seriously divine. It’s like, imagine yourself chilling in Italy.
Sunshine, good vibes, and a bowl of total comfort. And the best part? You can totally nail this even if you’re not a whiz in the kitchen.
I’m not kidding! This isn't just any pasta recipes easy , this is a trip for your taste buds!
Difficulty Level: Easy
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Serves: 4-6 hungry peeps
Prep Steps: Mise en Place Magic
- Get all your ingredients chopped and ready to go. Trust me; this saves time. Honestly, I can't stress enough how much this helps. We're talking 1.5 lbs chicken breast cubed, 4 cloves of garlic minced, 5 ounces spinach roughly chopped. Sorted!
- Drain and slice 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes . Honestly? Use the good stuff. You'll taste the difference.
- Safety check: Make sure your cutting board is stable. Also, watch those fingers when slicing the veggies.
step-by-step Process to Heaven
- Toss the chicken with 1 tbsp olive oil , 1 tsp Italian seasoning , 1/2 tsp garlic powder , salt, and pepper. Get it really coated.
- Sauté the chicken in a large skillet until cooked through. About 5- 7 minutes on medium heat should do the trick. It should be lightly browned. Set aside.
- Boil 1 pound fettuccine pasta until al dente. Don’t forget to salt the water first. Reserve about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water, it's liquid gold for the sauce!
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until you can smell that beautiful, Roasted Garlic aroma.
- Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream . Simmer and then stir in the Sun-dried tomato pasta with the sun-dried tomatoes and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if you like a bit of heat.
- Throw in the spinach and cook until it wilts. Should take about 2 minutes max.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Toss in the cooked pasta and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese . Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and more Parmesan. Boom, you got yourself a Tuscan Chicken Pasta .
Pro Tips for Your Inner Chef
- Don't overcook the chicken. Dry chicken is sad chicken.
- Taste as you go. Seasoning is key! Remember the Parmesan is salty.
- If you want to get ahead, you can make the sauce earlier in the day. Just add the pasta and chicken when you're ready to serve.
This Tuscan Chicken dish will become a family favorite, trust me. It's really that easy to bring this classic Italian chicken recipes straight to your dining table.
You'll be saying "bellissimo" after every bite. This could also be a yummy Spinach pasta recipe , if you decide to add a little bit more of it, and even a Fettuccine pasta recipe , based on the pasta you use.
Recipe Notes: Nailing Your Tuscan Chicken Pasta !
Right then, let's get down to the nitty gritty. You know, those little tips and tricks that turn a decent dish into a "Oh my gosh, this is amazing!" kind of meal.
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is pretty forgiving, but a few pointers never hurt anyone.
Serving Suggestions: Plating Like a Pro
Presentation matters, doesn't it? Nobody wants a splodge of beige on a plate, however delicious it tastes! Think about twirling your fettuccine pasta recipe into a neat nest.
Arrange the Tuscan Chicken pieces artfully on top. Sprinkle with a generous handful of fresh basil. A drizzle of olive oil? Oh, go on then!
For sides, a simple green salad with a zingy vinaigrette cuts through the richness beautifully. And crusty bread? Essential! Seriously, you'll want to mop up every last drop of that creamy Tuscan pasta sauce.
A light, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works a treat. You could also go for a cheeky glass of Chianti Classico because, you know, Tuscany.
Storage Tips: Keeping the Tuscan Dream Alive
Leftovers? If you're lucky enough to have any! Honestly, this Chicken Pasta is usually devoured in one sitting at my place.
But if you do have leftovers, pop them in an airtight container and into the fridge. They'll be good for up to three days .
Freezing? Not really recommended. The cream sauce can separate and become a bit grainy when thawed. Reheating? Gently reheat in a pan on the hob over a medium low heat.
Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Don't nuke it in the microwave! Trust me.
It's just not the same.
Variations: Make It Your Own, Mate!
Feel free to play around. Want it spicier? Add a pinch (or three!) of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
No chicken? Use white beans for a vegetarian version. dairy-free? Coconut cream works a charm, and add some nutritional yeast.
Boom, creamy and cheesy without the dairy. I’ve even used Kale instead of Spinach and it was delicious.
Nutrition Basics: A Quick Look
Alright, so let’s talk numbers. One serving of this Tuscan Chicken Pasta will give you around 650 calories . You'll get a hefty dose of protein ( 45g ) from the chicken and Parmesan.
There's some healthy fats ( 35g ). It's got carbs ( 50g ) from the pasta. Fibre will be about 4g .
Not too much sugar, about 5g . Sodium is around 600mg per serving. But honestly? It's all about enjoyment.
Give this Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe a whirl. Don't be afraid to experiment! Let me know how you get on in the comments. Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Tuscan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prep elements in advance. Cook the chicken and sauce separately, then combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving. This prevents the pasta from soaking up all the sauce and becoming mushy nobody wants pasta that's lost its 'oomph'!
What are some good substitutions for spinach in this Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe?
If you're not a fan of spinach (each to their own, like marmite!), kale or Swiss chard make excellent substitutes. Just remember that kale might need a bit longer to wilt than spinach, so add it a few minutes earlier. You could even throw in some rocket (arugula) at the end for a peppery kick!
How can I make this Tuscan Chicken Pasta spicier?
Want to dial up the heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes, about ¼ to ½ teaspoon, added to the sauce does the trick. Alternatively, use a chili infused oil to sauté the garlic for a subtle but noticeable warmth. Just remember, a little goes a long way nobody wants to breathe fire after dinner!
What's the best way to store leftover Tuscan Chicken Pasta?
Store leftover Tuscan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to loosen the sauce, as the pasta tends to absorb it overnight. Microwaving is quickest, but a gentle simmer in a pan on the stovetop will yield the best texture.
Can I make this Tuscan Chicken Pasta vegetarian or dairy-free?
Absolutely! For a vegetarian version, swap the chicken with white beans, grilled zucchini, or even roasted portobello mushrooms. To make it dairy-free, use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream, and omit the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
A sprinkle of nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavour!
What type of pasta is best for Tuscan Chicken Pasta and can I substitute it?
Fettuccine is traditionally used for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, but you can definitely experiment! Linguine works beautifully as it's similar in shape. Penne or rigatoni are also great options because their ridges help grab onto the delicious sauce. Just choose your favourite pasta and enjoy!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 35g |
| Fiber | 4g |