Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy one-pan dish made with crispy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, shell pasta, and soaked in …
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Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe Video: A Flavorful Journey to Italy
If you’re looking to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress guests with a delightful dish, look no further than Tuscan Chicken Pasta. This recipe captures the essence of Italian cuisine with its creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken, all served over perfectly cooked pasta. Here’s how you can recreate this mouthwatering meal, along with tips to enhance your cooking experience.
Ingredients you’ll need:
To whip up this Tuscan Chicken Pasta, gather the following ingredients:
- Pasta: 12 ounces of your favorite pasta (fettuccine or penne works beautifully)
- Chicken Breasts: 1 pound, sliced into strips
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1 cup, chopped
- Spinach: 2 cups, fresh
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated
- Italian Seasoning: 2 teaspoons
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
- Basil: Fresh, for garnish
The Cooking Process
1. Cook the Pasta
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the sliced chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked, usually about 6-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté Vegetables
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then add the sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for an additional minute before adding fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
4. Make the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture back to a simmer and allow it to thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary.
5. Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
6. Serve and Garnish
Plate the pasta and chicken mixture into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy your Tuscan Chicken Pasta warm, alongside a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Cooking Tips and Variations
- Protein Options: Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp or even a meat alternative like chickpeas for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: You can enhance the dish with other vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
- Pasta Choices: While fettuccine and penne are classic options, any pasta shape can work well. Just remember to adjust cooking times as needed.
- Make It Spicy: If you like a kick, add red pepper flakes to the garlic while sautéing.
Watch the Recipe Video
To see this Tuscan Chicken Pasta come to life, watch our step-by-step video tutorial, where we guide you through each stage of the cooking process, ensuring you achieve the perfect balance of flavors. The video provides tips on techniques and plating for a stunning presentation.
Final Thoughts
Tuscan Chicken Pasta is not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings a piece of Italy to your kitchen. With its rich flavors and creamy texture, this dish is sure to become a staple in your dinner rotation. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, follow along with our recipe video, and treat yourself and your loved ones to an Italian culinary delight tonight!
Buon Appetito!
