This pasta recipe you will make again and again๐
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
For the chicken:
โข 1 lb boneless chicken breast fillets
โข Salt to taste
โข 1 tsp smoked paprika powder
โข 1 tbsp garlic powder
โข 1 tsp Italian seasoning
โข 1 tsp black pepper
โข 2 tbsp oil + more for cooking
For the sauce:
โข 2 cups unsweetened whippingcream
โข 1 tbsp butter
โข 2 tbsp oil
โข 1 shallot or small onion, thinly diced
โข 8 cloves garlic, finely chopped
โข 1cup mushroom
โข Salt to taste
โข 1 tsp smoked paprika powder
โข 1 tsp garlic powder
โข 1 tsp black pepper
โข ยฝ tsp Italian seasoning
โข 1 tsp red chili flakes
โข ยฝ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
โข 1 cup pasta water, reserved
โข 1 cup spinach
โข 12 cherry tomatoes, halved
โข 2 tbsp tomato paste
โข 2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes
To assemble:
โข 8 oz gigli pasta (half pack)
โข Parmesan cheese for garnish
โข 1 tbsp parsley, freshly chopped
Method:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and oil. Mix well. Heat oil in a pan on medium heat and cook chicken on both sides for 12โ15 minutes until fully cooked.
3. In the same pan, add butter ,shallots garlic & mushroom , sautรฉ for 2 minute until fragrant. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 1โ2 minutes until mushy. Add tomato paste, salt, pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes. Mix, then add sun-dried tomatoes. Turn heat to medium-low, add cream and mix until well combined.
4. Add Parmesan cheese and mix until sauce reaches desired consistency. Add pasta water if you prefer a thinner sauce.
5. Add spinach and cook for 1 minute. Add boiled pasta. Place the chicken on the top or you can slice it and add it in. Mix well.
6. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan and parsley. Serve warm.
If you're looking for a pasta recipe that balances creamy richness with vibrant flavors, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a winner. Using gigli pasta adds a unique touchโthe ruffled edges are great for holding the luscious sauce, enhancing every bite. When making this dish, I find that marinating the chicken briefly with smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder really boosts the smoky and herbal notes. Cooking the chicken to a golden brown before adding it to the sauce seals in the juices and adds fantastic flavor. The sauce itself is a harmonious blend of butter, shallots, garlic, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes, combined with tomato paste and sun-dried tomatoes to create depth and a slightly sweet tang. The addition of whipping cream and Parmesan cheese makes the sauce luxuriously creamy without overpowering the other ingredients. I recommend reserving pasta water as instructed; adding a little helps loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick, while also incorporating starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta better. Fresh spinach added at the end provides a light, fresh contrast, balancing the creaminess and adding some healthy greens. For serving, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese enhances the appearance and flavor. This recipe is perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or impressing guests with relatively simple ingredients. Sharing this recipe with friends and family will definitely make it a repeat dish in your home. The blend of smoky spices, creamy sauce, and fresh produce delivers a satisfying experience that stands out from ordinary pasta dishes.