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Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe – Creamy, Flavorful & Easy

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe – Creamy, Flavorful & Easy

Description

Welcome to this delightful recipe for Tuscan Chicken Pasta, a creamy and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. With its rich blend of parmesan cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, this pasta offers a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily prepare at home. Plus, this recipe is SEO-optimized to make sure your search for the perfect chicken pasta ends here!

Ingredients

Scale

 

Chicken:

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Pasta:

  • 8 ounces rigatoni pasta (cooked al dente according to package instructions)
  • 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup shallot, finely diced
  • ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, softened in hot water and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups milk
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for garnish)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over both sides of the chicken breasts and rub it in well.
  3. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture evenly on all sides of the chicken.
  4. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Sear the chicken for 3 minutes on each side until browned.
  5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake the chicken for 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  6. Once done, place the chicken on a plate, cover with foil, and set aside while you prepare the pasta and sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Pasta and Sauce

  1. In a large pot, cook the rigatoni pasta according to the package instructions, until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced shallots and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are soft and translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, paprika, and tomato paste. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
  4. Slowly add the heavy cream and milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  5. Once the sauce is thickened, add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts. Mix in the grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine and Serve

  1. Toss the cooked rigatoni pasta into the skillet, mixing it well with the creamy sauce until fully coated.
  2. Slice the cooked chicken breasts into thin strips and place them on top of the pasta.
  3. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes, fresh parsley, and additional parmesan cheese if desired.
  4. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Tuscan Chicken Pasta!

Equipment

Notes

  1. Use fresh spinach for a more vibrant flavor, but if you don’t have fresh spinach, you can substitute it with frozen spinach. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.
  2. To make this dish gluten-free, you can substitute the rigatoni pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
  3. For a dairy-free version, replace the butter and heavy cream with plant-based alternatives, such as coconut milk or almond cream.

Find it online: https://optimalrecipes.com/tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe-creamy-flavorful-easy/