Description
Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, where tender chicken meets vibrant spinach and sun-kissed cherry tomatoes in a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests, this dish is not just a meal; it’s an experience that transports you straight to Italy with every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano and basil)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
- Add Garlic and Tomatoes: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary, then sauté minced garlic and halved cherry tomatoes for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while stirring continuously. Bring to a gentle simmer, then add grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Return Chicken and Spinach: Stir in fresh spinach until wilted, then return chicken to the pan. Allow flavors to meld for about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine with Pasta: Toss cooked pasta into the creamy sauce mixture, ensuring all noodles are coated evenly. Serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 735
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 43g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: For a twist, substitute spinach with kale or add mushrooms for extra texture. Experiment with different cheeses like feta or goat cheese for varying flavors.