Creamy Tuscan Chicken Penne

Indulge in the rich flavors of Italian cuisine with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Penne recipe. This dish features tender pieces of chicken, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and nutritious spinach all enveloped in a deliciously creamy sauce. Enjoy this satisfying meal that combines the comfort of pasta with wholesome, natural ingredients. Without further ado, let’s dive into the cooking process!

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 3 cups baby spinach leaves
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth, low sodium
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish (optional)

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a generous pinch of salt to the water. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet or pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the pan and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves. Cook until the spinach has wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Mix in the Liquids: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle simmer.
4. Incorporate Parmesan Cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine All Ingredients

1. Mix Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked penne and chicken back into the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir well to ensure the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated with the sauce.
2. Cook Together: Allow the mixture to simmer for another 3-4 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Dish: Serve the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Penne hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves for an extra touch of freshness, if desired.

Recipe Summary

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Penne is a delightful mix of tender chicken, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and nutritious spinach, all in a lusciously creamy sauce. With simple yet flavorful ingredients, this comforting meal can be prepared in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for both cozy weeknight dinners and entertaining guests. The dish yields approximately four servings, with each portion containing around 650 calories. Bon appétit!