Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Spinach
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Spinach is a rich, comforting dish with tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce tossed with fettuccine.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
- Colander
Ingredients
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound chicken breast sliced
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. Set the pasta aside.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they soften. Add 2 cups of fresh spinach and stir until wilted.
- Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and sprinkle 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs into the skillet. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy sauce. Add the drained fettuccine and toss everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the comforting flavors of this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Spinach.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the garlic to avoid bitterness.
- Adding pasta water to the sauce helps it stick to the noodles better and keeps it silky.
- Fresh basil garnish adds brightness right before serving.