Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato-based sauce with pasta. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner, offering a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe – Creamy, Cheesy
Why This Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Is the Best
- Creamy and Rich Sauce: The creamy tomato-based sauce is perfectly balanced with herbs and spices, making it rich and flavorful.
- Tender Chicken: The chicken pieces are seasoned and cooked to a golden brown, adding a delicious savory element to the dish.
- Fresh Spinach: The addition of fresh spinach not only adds a burst of color but also provides a nutritious boost.
- Hearty Pasta: Penne pasta is ideal for holding onto the sauce, making each bite satisfying and delicious.
- Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with fresh herbs, this dish is visually appealing and perfect for any occasion.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a comforting and flavorful dinner option, Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh spinach makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe – Creamy, Cheesy
Ingredient Notes
- Rigatoni: Perfect for holding the creamy sauce in its ridges, ensuring flavorful bites.
- Chicken Breasts: Tender chunks seasoned with a flavorful blend of paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Onion and Garlic: Create a fragrant, savory base for the sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add a tangy, sweet depth, balancing the creaminess of the sauce.
- Red Bell Pepper: Brings a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- Tomato Purée: Concentrates the tomato flavor and enriches the sauce.
- Chicken Stock: Provides a savory backbone for the sauce.
- Double Cream (Heavy Cream): Adds richness and smoothness to balance the spices.
- Parmesan Cheese: Infuses the sauce with salty, nutty depth and helps thicken it.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: Wilts into the sauce, adding a burst of green and earthy flavor.
- Chopped Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that complements the creamy sauce.
Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe – Creamy, Cheesy
Tips for Making the Best Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh chicken, spinach, and high-quality pasta.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the herbs and spices – they add a lot of flavor to the dish.
- Cook Chicken Evenly: Ensure the chicken is cooked evenly to achieve a tender and juicy texture.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the dish with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Serve Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Include steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for added nutrition.
- With Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
- With Parmesan Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
A Must Try
Imagine digging into this Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta—each bite filled with tender chicken, hearty pasta, and fresh spinach, all coated in a rich and creamy sauce. Whether you’re sharing it with family and friends or enjoying it on your own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients and create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. You’ll love sharing this comforting dish with loved ones and making special moments even more memorable!
Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe – Creamy, Cheesy
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Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe – Creamy, Cheesy
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 300 g 10.5 oz pasta shapes (I use rigatoni)
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 chicken breasts - approx. 525g/1.1lbs, chopped into bitesize chunks
- ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ,1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried thyme ,1.5 teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sauce:
- 160 gram 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper de-seeded and sliced
- 2 tablespoon tomato puree
- 330 ml 1 1/3 cups chicken stock
- 1 onion peeled and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- pinch salt and pepper
- 90 ml 1/3 cup double (heavy) cream
- 50 gram 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 90 gram 3 packed cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Place the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water and cook until tender, following the time suggested on the package (typically 10-12 minutes). Drain thoroughly.
- While the pasta cooks, warm the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, then season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns lightly golden. Stir in the onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until it begins to soften.
- Stir in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper, and tomato puree, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring with a spatula.
- Pour in the chicken stock and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir the cooked pasta, cream, Parmesan, and spinach into the sauce. Cook for a few minutes until the spinach wilts. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.
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Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe – Creamy, Cheesy