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Creamy Tuscan Grilled Chicken Pasta

creamy Tuscan grilled chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and cozy dinner featuring smoky grilled chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce served over pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights and comforting meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 4 ounces (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 8 ounces (225 g) fettuccine or penne pasta
  • A handful of fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Let rest for 10 minutes.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Reserve 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water, then drain.
  3. Heat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill chicken 5-6 minutes per side until charred and cooked through (165°F / 74°C internal temperature). Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  4. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook 1-2 minutes. Toss in spinach and cook until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low. Add heavy cream and cream cheese. Stir continuously until cream cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
  7. Stir in Parmesan cheese and remaining 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water gradually if sauce is too thick.
  8. Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to skillet. Toss gently to coat and warm through for 2-3 minutes.
  9. Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh basil on top.
  10. Serve immediately.

Notes

Rest the chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. Melt cream cheese slowly over low heat to avoid curdling. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Avoid overcooking spinach to keep it vibrant.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken pasta, creamy pasta, grilled chicken recipe, easy dinner, cozy meal, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach pasta