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Tuscan Chicken Pasta blends creamy sauce, tender chicken, and sun-dried tomato flavor.
Tuscan Chicken Pasta offers a delightful journey through layers of flavor and texture. The creamy sauce embraces each penne, while tender chicken cubes provide a satisfying bite. Sun-dried tomatoes add a rich, tangy undertone that's perfectly balanced by fresh spinach. As you cook, the aroma of garlic and onion mingling in butter fills the kitchen, setting the stage for a comforting meal.
An important technique to note is letting the Parmesan fully melt before adding spinach. This creates a luscious, smooth sauce that clings to every element of the dish. The cooking process is rewarding, with each step building toward a robust, savory finish.
Sharing this dish is a joy. It brings people together around a table, where laughter and conversation flow as easily as the pasta twirls on a fork. The final sprinkle of basil adds a fresh hint that garnishes both the meal and the experience.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta uncooked
- 1 pound chicken breast skinless, boneless, and cubed
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
- 1/2 cup yellow onion chopped
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes oil drained
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 3/4 cup parmesan cheese shredded
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili flakes
- basil optional for garnish
Directions
- Cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Add the chicken cubes to a bowl and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat a large pan with the oil and add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until fully cooked through. Remove to a plate.
- In the same pan, add the butter. Once the butter has melted, cook the garlic and onion for a few minutes.
- Add the sun-dried tomatoes and the heavy cream.
- Bring to a simmer for about 2 minutes then add the Parmesan.
- Once the cheese has melted, add the spinach. Simmer for a few moments, then add the seasonings.
- Add the cooked pasta and stir until everything is well combined.
- Serve immediately and garnish with basil and additional parmesan cheese, if desired.
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