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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

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This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta features juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a rich, garlic-infused Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a high-protein, one-pan dinner that’s quick, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • 12 oz dry penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente (about 9-11 minutes or according to package directions). Drain and set aside. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
  2. While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips and pat dry. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp should be 165°F). Remove to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
  4. Lower heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Pour in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes. Add crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
  7. Add fresh baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. If sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth.
  8. Return cooked chicken (and any juices) to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss everything until well coated in sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  9. Serve in bowls, topped with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

For a gluten-free version, use chickpea or lentil pasta. For dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and vegan Parmesan. Sear chicken in batches for best browning. Prep all ingredients before starting, as the recipe moves quickly. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days and can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, high protein dinner, Italian pasta, one pan dinner, weeknight meal, sun-dried tomato pasta, spinach chicken pasta

Find it online: https://hungermind.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-high-protein-dinner/