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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

A creamy, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach that brings family together over delicious meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Proteins
  • 8 oz penne pasta (or ziti, rotini, ditalini) High-quality, dried pasta recommended.
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced Fresh or leftovers can be used.
Oils and Seasonings
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
Vegetables
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, blotted and diced) Use oil-packed for best flavor.
Creamy Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional but recommended)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
  • 1½ cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan (plus more for garnish)
  • optional Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions, reserving 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat and sauté diced chicken seasoned with oregano, salt, and pepper for about 5 minutes or until golden brown. Remove it from the skillet.
  3. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed and sauté diced onion for 4-5 minutes, then add minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste, cooking for an additional minute.
  4. Add the chicken broth and cream to the skillet, stirring in grated Parmesan and bringing to a gentle simmer.
  5. Return the chicken to the skillet to simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes until cooked through.
  6. Stir in fresh spinach and cooked pasta, mixing to combine until the spinach wilts and adjusting sauce consistency with reserved pasta water.
  7. Season and serve garnished with additional Parmesan and fresh herbs.

Notes

Best enjoyed warm; refrigerate for up to 3 days. Can make ahead by prepping chicken and vegetables separately. Not recommended for freezing.