Description
Savor the delightful Tuscan-inspired Italian chicken pasta, a culinary journey that blends rich Mediterranean flavors with comforting home-style cooking. Hearty chicken, al dente pasta, and a creamy sauce promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz penne pasta or fettuccine
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 medium onion
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp dried Italian herbs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Cube chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, seasoning thoroughly with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, searing chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes.
- Remove chicken from skillet, set aside, and drain excess oil, leaving a thin layer for sautéing.
- Dice onion and mince garlic, then sauté in the same skillet until fragrant and translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Simultaneously, cook pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Add cherry tomatoes to the skillet, cooking for 2 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the vegetable mixture, stirring to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Drain pasta and transfer directly into the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Reintroduce cooked chicken to the pasta, gently mixing to combine all ingredients.
- Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the dish, stirring until cheese melts and integrates into the sauce.
- Fold in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt slightly from the residual heat.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by marinating chicken in Italian herbs and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking to deepen seasoning and tenderness.
- Choose high-quality parmesan cheese and grate fresh for maximum flavor intensity and smoother sauce texture.
- Adjust cream sauce consistency by adding pasta water if sauce becomes too thick, ensuring silky and clingy coating on noodles.
- Make gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for dietary accommodations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg