Delicious Tuscan Chicken Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach

Tuscan Chicken Pasta

ByCasey Monroe

why make this recipe

Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that blends rich flavors and creamy textures. It’s not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight meal or a special dinner. The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach creates a vibrant and satisfying meal that your whole family will love.

how to make Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 500 g (1 lb 2 oz) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tsp sea salt flakes
  • ½ tsp cracked black pepper
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste (concentrated puree)
  • ⅔ cup (100 g) sundried tomatoes (see note 1 for substitutions)
  • 3 cups (750 ml) chicken stock
  • 1 cup (250 ml) thickened (heavy) cream
  • 250 g (9 oz) pasta (see note 2)
  • 1 cup (100 g) grated parmesan
  • 2 cups (90 g) baby spinach leaves

Directions:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-based frying pan over medium–high heat.
  2. Add the chicken, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Cook for 6–8 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add the butter and minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds, then add the tomato paste.
  4. Add the sun-dried tomatoes, chicken stock, and cream. Bring it to a gentle boil.
  5. Add the pasta and submerge it in the liquid. Cook according to the pasta packet instructions, minus 1 minute, stirring regularly.
  6. Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the parmesan, spinach, and chicken. Mix well and serve. Enjoy!

how to serve Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Serve Tuscan Chicken Pasta in bowls while it’s hot. You can sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top and add a few fresh basil leaves for an even greater flavor. It goes well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.

how to store Tuscan Chicken Pasta

If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or microwave it until heated through.

tips to make Tuscan Chicken Pasta

  • To prevent overcooking the pasta, make sure to stir it regularly while it’s cooking.
  • You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance the dish.
  • If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use fresh tomatoes; just cook them until they’re soft.

variation

You can swap out the chicken for shrimp or even make it vegetarian by using tofu or extra vegetables instead.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it properly and adjust the cooking time.

2. What pasta works best for this dish?
Any short pasta, like penne or fusilli, works well. Just choose your favorite!

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead and then add the pasta and spinach just before serving to keep everything fresh.