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Delicious bowl of best Tuscan Chicken Pasta with creamy sauce and fresh herbs

Tuscan Chicken Pasta

A delightful dish packed with Italian flavors, featuring tender chicken, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce over pasta.
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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: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Main Protein
  • 1 lb chicken breast, cut into strips Use chicken for its tender texture; alternative: turkey or tofu.
Liquids & Dairy
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil For sautéing chicken.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a rich sauce; alternatives: light cream or dairy-free options.
Aromatics & Vegetables
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced Adds depth to the sauce.
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved Provides sweetness and color.
  • 1 cup fresh spinach Adds color and nutrition.
Finishing Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Enhances flavor and texture; alternative: nutritional yeast.
  • fresh basil For garnish.
Seasonings
  • salt and pepper, to taste For seasoning the chicken.

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until slightly firm (al dente). Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
Sauté the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and season with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown, ensuring the chicken is cooked through.
Add the Aromatics
  1. Once the chicken is cooked, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the Vegetables
  1. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they soften.
Incorporate Cream and Spinach
  1. Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the fresh spinach until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Combine Pasta and Cheese
  1. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Serve & Garnish
  1. Serve the pasta hot, garnished with fresh basil and more Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Boost flavor with crushed red pepper flakes; customize with seasonal vegetables. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze portions for up to 2 months.