A recipe that deserves applause? Sounds like an oxymoron, doesn’t it? But hold your whiskers 🐱👓, this isn’t just any recipe. It’s the recipe my mother-in-law actually applauded. Yes, you heard it right, an applause from my mother-in-law, the toughest critic I know!
Meet the star of our show 🌟 – the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. A heavenly combo of juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and a cream-based sauce, all nestled up in a bed of al dente pasta. It’s like a Michelin Star dish served right at home, without the hefty bill and fancy cutlery.
The Chicken Story Begins 🐔
Chicken is the absolute comfort food staple, but what gives this dish its charm is the way the chicken is seasoned and cooked. A good dash of Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of olive oil is all it takes. Saute until the chicken is golden brown and tender.
Tip: Use boneless chicken breasts for easy cooking and eating. But feel free to use bone-in chicken for extra flavor.
Once the chicken gets cozy with the flavors, it’s time to add the knights in shining armor – the sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach 🍅🌿. They not only add color to the dish but also a burst of flavor that’s nothing short of extraordinary.
The Pasta and the Creamy Sauce: A Love Story
While the chicken is sizzling in the pan, let’s talk about the creamy sauce. It’s a blend of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic – a trio that’s bound to steal the limelight in any dish. Once mixed, it forms a velvety and luxurious sauce that’s out of this world!
Tip: Don’t hold back on the garlic. It enhances the flavor and gives the sauce an irresistible aroma.
And let’s not forget the pasta 🍝! Boiled to perfection and mixed with the creamy sauce, it’s the heart of this dish. The sauce gets into the grooves of the pasta, making every bite a creamy delight.
As the pasta, sauce, and chicken unite, it’s almost impossible to resist diving right in! But wait, it gets better. A sprinkle of Parmesan on top and a quick broil gives this dish a beautiful golden crust that’s worth the wait.
Tip: Always reserve some pasta water. It helps adjust the consistency of the sauce and adds a lot of flavor.
When I served this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, the table went silent for a moment, then the applause followed. My mother-in-law was delighted. Not just a polite clap, but a genuine, heartfelt applause 👏. It was an unforgettable moment!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Course: DinnerCuisine: Italian4
servings15
minutes25
minutes500
kcal40
minutesA delicious blend of chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, pasta, and creamy sauce that will win everyone’s heart.
Ingredients
2 boneless chicken breasts
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
2 cups baby spinach
500g pasta
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese
4 cloves garlic, minced
Italian seasoning, salt, and olive oil
Directions
- Season the chicken and sauté until golden brown.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the pan. Cook for a few more minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- In a separate pot, prepare the pasta as per the package instructions.
- For the sauce, mix heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic in a bowl. Add it to the pan with chicken and let it simmer.
- Combine the pasta with the sauce and chicken. Mix well.
- Top with more Parmesan and broil until it forms a golden crust.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with half and half for a lighter version.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or olives.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use any other type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can use any pasta of your choice. However, fusilli or penne work best as they hold the sauce well.
Q: Can this dish be made ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time. Just cook the pasta and combine everything before serving.
Q: What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
A: You can use fresh cherry tomatoes or even roasted bell peppers.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: It’s best to freeze the sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when ready to serve. The sauce can be frozen for up to a month.