Description
Hearty Tuscan chicken pasta delivers a symphony of Mediterranean flavors dancing through creamy, sun-kissed ingredients. Rich parmesan, tender chicken, and silky spinach create a comforting meal you’ll savor with pure Italian-inspired delight.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta and Base:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
Flavor Enhancers and Vegetables:
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil for cooking
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil penne pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, then drain and reserve.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then sear in hot olive oil at medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
- Remove chicken from skillet, let rest briefly, then slice into thin diagonal strips.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until aromatic.
- Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 45 seconds to release their rich flavors.
- Pour heavy cream into skillet, creating a smooth base for the sauce.
- Gradually whisk Parmesan cheese into the cream until completely melted and integrated.
- Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the sauce, allowing them to wilt and release their vibrant green color.
- Combine sliced chicken and cooked penne pasta into the creamy sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately while sauce is hot and pasta remains perfectly al dente.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
- Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior with crispy edges.
- Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter versions of the dish.
- Customize protein by substituting chicken with grilled shrimp or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg