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- 8 oz. penne pasta - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, packed - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnish When making Tuscan chicken pasta, you want the best ingredients. Start with the penne pasta. Its shape holds the creamy sauce well. Use two boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a lean protein source. Dicing the chicken helps it cook evenly and quickly. Next, the flavor enhancers. Extra virgin olive oil brings a rich taste. It also helps in browning the chicken. Garlic adds a wonderful aroma. Finely minced garlic will mix well and cook nicely. For the creamy sauce, cherry tomatoes add a sweet balance. They burst with flavor as they cook. Fresh spinach gives a vibrant color and nutrients. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and dreamy. Don’t forget the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. It adds a salty, nutty flavor, perfect for this dish. Finally, seasoning brings everything together. Dried oregano adds an earthy touch. Salt and freshly cracked black pepper enhance all the flavors. Use fresh basil leaves for a bright finish. They look great and taste amazing. This mix of ingredients creates a simple yet flavorful dish that everyone will love. {{ingredient_image_2}} Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz. of penne pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. Reserve a cup of the pasta water for later use. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 diced chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken turns golden brown. Once cooked, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, but don't let it burn. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally until the tomatoes soften and release their juices. Then, add 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves and cook for another 2 minutes until they wilt. Lower the heat to a simmer. Pour in 1/2 cup of heavy cream and stir gently. Add 1/2 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the mixture. Stir until everything combines into a creamy sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. Once seasoned, plate the Tuscan chicken pasta. Garnish with fresh basil leaves to enhance the flavor and look. Enjoy your meal! To ensure your pasta is al dente, follow these steps: - Boil salted water: Fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. - Check the time: Cook the penne pasta just until it’s firm, but not hard. You want a slight bite. Usually, it takes 10-12 minutes. - Taste test: A minute or two before the time is up, taste a piece. If it’s tender but still holds shape, it’s ready! Avoiding burnt garlic is key to a tasty sauce: - Heat control: Cook the garlic on medium heat. - Watch closely: Stir it often and don’t leave it unattended. Garlic can burn quickly, turning bitter. - Add in stages: If you are unsure, add garlic later in the cooking process, right before the tomatoes. To boost the flavor of your Tuscan chicken pasta, consider these suggestions: - Extra herbs: Try adding fresh thyme or rosemary for a fragrant twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. - Garlic powder: If you love garlic, a sprinkle of garlic powder can deepen that flavor. When it comes to Parmesan cheese, here are the best types to use: - Freshly grated: Always opt for freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better and tastes richer. - Aged varieties: Look for Parmigiano-Reggiano for a nutty flavor. It adds depth to your dish. Plating your Tuscan chicken pasta beautifully can elevate the meal: - Use shallow bowls: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls for a more inviting look. - Garnish generously: Top each serving with extra Parmesan and fresh basil. This adds color and flavor. For pairing suggestions, consider these options: - Crusty bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. - Wine: A glass of white wine, like Pinot Grigio, complements the dish perfectly. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your dish. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in taste! Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Always cook your pasta until al dente for the best texture. This ensures that it holds up well when mixed with the creamy sauce. Adjust the Creaminess: If the sauce becomes too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. This step helps create a velvety sauce that clings to the pasta. Garnish Smartly: Fresh basil not only adds a pop of color but also elevates the dish's aroma. Always chop it just before serving to maintain its vibrant flavor. {{image_4}} You can make this dish even more tasty by going meatless. Try using mushrooms or tofu instead of chicken. Both options soak up flavor well and add a nice texture. For mushrooms, use cremini or portobello for a rich taste. If you pick tofu, press it first to remove excess water. This helps it absorb flavors better. While penne is great, you can change things up with different pasta shapes. Fettuccine is a flat noodle that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Spaghetti also works well and adds a fun twist. The key is to cook the pasta until it’s just right, so it mixes well with the sauce. If you want a lighter sauce, consider using Greek yogurt or plant-based cream. Greek yogurt adds a nice tang without all the calories. Plant-based cream keeps it vegan while still being creamy. Both options give you a different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment. To store your Tuscan chicken pasta, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep the dish fresh. It lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Be sure to label the container with the date. This way, you know when you made it. Freezing is a great option if you want to save some pasta for later. To freeze, first let the dish cool completely. Then, use a freezer-safe container or bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Tuscan chicken pasta can last about two to three months in the freezer. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. When reheating, aim for the best flavor and texture. The microwave works, but the stove is better. Pour the pasta into a skillet. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat it on low, stirring often. This way, it warms evenly. Taste it before serving and adjust seasonings if needed. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Tuscan chicken pasta lasts up to three days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. When you reheat, make sure it is hot all the way through. If it looks dry, add a splash of water or cream while warming. Yes, you can use frozen chicken. Just thaw it fully before cooking. This helps it cook evenly. If you are short on time, you can cook it straight from frozen, but it will take longer. Ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) for safe eating. Here are some great side dishes: - Garlic bread - A crisp green salad - Roasted vegetables - A glass of white wine These options balance the rich flavors of the pasta and enhance your meal. Tuscan chicken pasta can be healthy with some tweaks. Chicken provides protein, while spinach adds nutrients. To make it lighter: - Use less cream - Choose whole grain pasta - Add more veggies These changes keep the flavor while boosting the health benefits. This blog post highlighted how to make a delicious Tuscan chicken pasta. We covered the main ingredients, including pasta, chicken, and creamy sauce elements. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and tips to enhance flavor. We also discussed variations, storage, and answered common questions. In closing, this dish is simple yet satisfying. Experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Delight

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, packed
  • 1 2 heavy cream
  • 1 2 freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • to taste salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente perfection. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a small cup of the pasta water for later use if needed.
  • Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken breasts. Season generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and cooked all the way through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate, setting it aside for later.
  • Cook the Garlic and Tomatoes: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften and release their juices.
  • Build the Creamy Base: Stir in the fresh spinach leaves, cooking for an additional 2 minutes or until wilted. Lower the heat to a simmer and carefully pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to combine all the flavors.
  • Combine the Elements: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained penne pasta and sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything vigorously to ensure that the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Season to Taste: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning, adding more salt and freshly cracked black pepper if necessary to bring out all the flavors.
  • Serve with Flair: Remove the skillet from the heat. Plate the Tuscan chicken pasta generously, garnishing each serving with freshly chopped basil leaves for a burst of color and aroma.

Notes

For an inviting presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and basil on top before serving, accompanied by a slice of crusty bread.
Keyword chicken, creamy, Italian, pasta