Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

by Jessica | February 15, 2024 9:41 am

A Journey Through Tuscany on a Plate

As I embarked on the creation of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, I couldn’t help but marvel at the way this dish encapsulates the essence of Tuscany. The olive oil, a staple in Italian cooking, not only adds a silky texture but also brings with it a host of health benefits, including a generous dose of antioxidants and heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The sun-dried tomatoes, rich in vitamins C and K, offer a tart contrast to the creamy sauce, providing a burst of flavor as well as a touch of color reminiscent of the Tuscan sun setting over verdant hills. This dish is more than a mere assembly of ingredients; it’s a celebration of the Mediterranean diet’s cornerstones, which promote longevity and well-being. Each forkful of pasta, intertwined with the savory chicken and the lush sauce, serves as a reminder of the simple pleasures that wholesome ingredients can bring to our plates and palates.

 

The Heart of Italian[1] Cuisine

The history of pasta in Italy is a tale as rich and varied as the country’s many regions. Penne, with its ridges and hollow center, is designed to hold onto every drop of sauce, ensuring a perfect balance of flavor in every bite. The choice of penne for this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a nod to the ingenuity of Italian pasta design, which has evolved over centuries to create the perfect marriage between pasta shapes and their sauces. This dish, with its roots in the rustic elegance of Tuscan cuisine, reflects the Italian culinary tradition of using a few high-quality ingredients to create meals that are both nutritious and deeply satisfying. As the creamy sauce clings to the penne, mingling with the tender pieces of chicken and the verdant spinach, it’s a testament to the timeless beauty of Italian cooking, where every ingredient has a purpose and every dish tells a story of cultural heritage and culinary craftsmanship.

 

On a particularly whimsical weekday, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden hue through my kitchen window, I found myself craving something that whispered of Italian countryside evenings and the comfort of home-cooked meals. The answer, as it often does, came in the form of pasta – but not just any pasta. I embarked on a culinary adventure to create Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, a dish that promised to transport my taste buds to the rolling hills of Tuscany with its rich flavors and heartwarming embrace.

 

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Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/8 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 garlic cloves
• 3 cups baby spinach
• 8 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
• 3 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1/2 lb penne pasta

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken: Season chicken tenders with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken until golden on both sides, then set aside to cool before dicing into cubes.
2. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté minced garlic, drained sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach until the spinach has wilted.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce: Add the heavy cream to the skillet, bringing it to a simmer. Remove from heat and stir in salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
4. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add it to the skillet along with the cubed chicken. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta and chicken are coated in the creamy sauce.
5. Serve: Dish out generous helpings of this creamy, dreamy pasta, and watch as it disappears before your eyes.

Notes

• Spinach Substitutes: Not a fan of spinach? Feel free to swap it out for other greens like broccoli or asparagus. The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility.
• Freezing: This dish freezes beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead meal. Just ensure it’s cooled before sealing in an airtight container.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is a classic choice, feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand. Just be mindful of cooking times.

 

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

For a lighter version, you could use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream. The sauce might be less rich, but it will still be delicious.

 

How do I ensure the chicken is perfectly cooked?

Cook the chicken over medium-high heat until it’s golden brown and the juices run clear. Letting it rest before dicing will keep it juicy.

Can I add more veggies to the dish?

Definitely! This pasta is a great vehicle for veggies. Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers would make excellent additions.

 

In crafting this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, I’ve realized that some dishes do more than just feed the body; they nourish the soul. This dish, with its garlicky, cheesy goodness enveloping tender chicken and pasta, does just that. It’s not merely a meal; it’s a journey to a place where every bite is a reminder of the beauty of simplicity in cooking. Serve it alongside focaccia bread for an unforgettable dining experience that’s as comforting as a Tuscan sunset.

Source URL: https://ladysuniverse.com/creamy-tuscan-chicken-pasta/

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