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For a tasty Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Here’s what you'll need: - 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Salt and pepper, to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning - Fresh basil, for garnish These ingredients blend together to create a rich, creamy dish that warms the heart. To make this dish, gather some basic kitchen tools. You will need: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A large skillet for cooking the chicken and sauce - A cutting board for chopping - A chef's knife for slicing - A measuring cup for liquids - A spatula or wooden spoon for mixing Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more fun. Get creative with your flavors! Here are some optional garnishes and add-ins you can try: - Crushed red pepper flakes for heat - Fresh parsley for a burst of color - Extra Parmesan cheese for richness - Sliced olives for a briny touch - Sun-dried tomatoes for added sweetness These extras can enhance the dish and make it your own. You can find the full recipe for this delightful meal in the complete article. Enjoy cooking! Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add 12 oz of fettuccine or penne pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, as the package suggests. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When done, save 1 cup of the pasta water. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the chicken breasts and let them cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet. Allow it to rest briefly before slicing it into strips. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes. Watch closely to ensure the garlic does not burn. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 3-4 minutes, until they soften. Then, toss in 1 cup of fresh spinach and let it wilt. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and add ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. If the sauce gets too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until it is just right. Finally, add the sliced chicken and cooked pasta into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is covered in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. To get the best texture for your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, cook the pasta al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite. When you mix it with the sauce, the pasta will soak up flavor and remain perfect. Avoid overcooking the pasta. It will become mushy and lose its charm. Boost the flavor of your dish by adding more garlic or using fresh herbs. You can try adding red pepper flakes for some heat. If you want a tangy twist, a squeeze of lemon juice works wonders. For a richer taste, use more Parmesan cheese. Adjust the seasonings based on your taste preferences. One common mistake is skipping the pasta water. This starchy water helps to bind the sauce to the pasta. Another mistake is not letting the chicken rest after cooking. This keeps the juices inside, making the chicken delicious and tender. Lastly, be careful not to burn the garlic. It can turn bitter and ruin your sauce. For a full recipe, check out the complete guide for creamy Tuscan chicken pasta. {{image_2}} You can change the pasta to suit your taste. Fettuccine gives a nice, creamy feel. Penne works well too, as its shape holds sauce perfectly. You can try whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Gluten-free pasta is great if you need to avoid gluten. Each pasta type brings a unique flavor and texture to the dish. Want to switch up the protein? Shrimp adds a lovely seafood twist. Just sauté them until they turn pink and firm. Tofu is a great option for a plant-based meal. Use firm tofu and sauté it until golden and crispy. You can even mix different proteins if you like. This way, you create your own version of this delightful dish. To make this dish vegetarian, simply skip the chicken. You can add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Mushrooms also add a nice earthy flavor. Swap the heavy cream with a plant-based cream for a vegan option. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy taste. These changes keep the dish rich and satisfying without meat. For the full recipe, check out the complete guide on Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. To keep your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta fresh, place it in an airtight container. Let the pasta cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent moisture build-up, which can make the dish soggy. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, take care to maintain the creamy texture. I recommend using a stovetop instead of a microwave. Heat a skillet over low heat and add a splash of water or broth. This helps loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through. If it seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. If you want to save it for later, freezing works well. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it will expand when frozen. You can store it for up to three months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta section. Yes, you can use different cheeses for this dish. Mozzarella or goat cheese works well. They add a creamy texture and unique flavor. Just remember to adjust the amount. Parmesan gives a sharp taste, but others can add mildness. Experiment with your favorites to find what you like best! If you want a lighter option, try using half-and-half. It gives creaminess but with less fat. You can also use milk, but the sauce will be thinner. For a dairy-free choice, coconut milk is a great option. It adds a nice flavor, too. Just keep in mind, the taste will change slightly. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce, then store them separately. When ready to serve, combine them in a pan. Heat gently, adding a splash of pasta water if needed. This keeps your pasta from getting too dry. Enjoy a warm meal without the last-minute rush! This blog post covered all you need for delicious Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. We explored the best ingredients, cooking steps, and handy tips. You learned how to cook pasta perfectly, sear chicken, and make a rich cream sauce. Remember, you can swap pasta types and proteins to fit your taste. Storing leftovers is easy, too! With these instructions, you can enjoy this meal anytime. Embrace your kitchen creativity and make this dish your own!

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy Tuscan chicken pasta with this easy recipe! Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish features tender chicken, fresh spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a luscious garlic cream sauce that clings to every bite. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s a delicious way to impress your family or guests. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your pasta game tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest before slicing.

      Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

        Add Vegetables: Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until they start to soften. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.

          Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and well combined. Add the Italian seasoning and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

            Combine: Slice the rested chicken and place it back into the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

              Serve: Divide the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta among plates or in a large serving bowl. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added flavor and color.

                Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 35 mins | Servings: 4