Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces; 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 3 cups baby spinach; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

GingerApple6570

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta captures the sun-kissed flavors of Italy in a dish that's weeknight-easy yet restaurant-worthy. Golden chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, and tangy sun-dried tomatoes are nestled in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, with fresh spinach for color and nutrition. Finishing the pasta in the sauce allows the flavors to marry and ensures a perfect, silky texture, thanks to the classic Italian trick of using starchy pasta water for emulsification. It's a meal that feels both comforting and special, ideal for sharing with family or friends.

Ingredients

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until just under al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain (do not rinse).
While pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet in a single layer; cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate.
Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the same skillet. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes; cook 2-3 minutes until softened.
Reduce heat to medium. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
Return chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss to combine. Gradually add reserved pasta water as needed to create a silky sauce. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.