Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet: A Weeknight Win!
- Where Does this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Meal Come From, and Why Does It Rock?
- Why You'll Adore This Recipe.
- Ingredients & Equipment
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet: Your New Weeknight Hero!
- Recipe Notes: Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Cheat Sheet!
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Alright, gather 'round, my lovelies! let's talk chicken dinner ideas , because honestly, after a long day, the last thing anyone wants is a complicated recipe.
Have you ever craved something creamy, comforting, but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen? well, buckle up, because i've got just the ticket.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet: A Weeknight Win!
This creamy tuscan chicken pasta skillet is about to become your new best friend. this one-pan wonder gives you all the flavours of that fancy tuscan chicken you see in restaurants.
But this one is quicker than ordering a takeaway. trust me, yummy meals like this are a lifesaver!
It's basically a shortcut to deliciousness. we're talking tender chicken, a dreamy sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce, all tangled up with perfectly cooked pasta.
No fuss, no mountains of dishes, just pure, unadulterated comfort. it's like a warm hug, you know?
Where Does this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl Meal Come From, and Why Does It Rock?
While it doesn't have quite the same flair, this recipe is a simplified version of the classic tuscan chicken. no need to be boring with your cheap summer meals when you can make this dish.
This beauty is super easy to whip up!
This recipe falls into the easy category. prep takes about 10 minutes, and cooking time is around 25 minutes. this means dinner is on the table in a flash about 35 minutes total.
This recipe yields 4 servings, perfect for a family meal.
Why You'll Adore This Recipe.
Honestly, besides the fact that it tastes amazing, this creamy tuscan chicken pasta skillet boasts a sneaky health benefit. spinach packs in iron and vitamins.
It's a nutritional win!. so, you know, you're basically being healthy without even trying, skinnytaste recipes vibes.
This is the perfect dinner for those nights when you need something quick, satisfying, and a little bit indulgent. it's special because it combines simple ingredients into a flavour explosion.
We're talking creamy, savoury, and oh-so-delicious.
Okay, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up this creamy tuscan chicken pasta skillet! trust me, even if you're a complete beginner, this recipe is dead easy.
Honestly, it’s simpler than making toast (okay, maybe not, but you get my drift!). perfect for those cheap summer meals when you don't want to spend hours in a hot kitchen.
Also, great if you're looking for some skinnytaste recipes by swapping the cream.
Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Alright, let's gather the troops. Remember, fresh is always best, but we're aiming for doable here. So, don't stress too much.
- Chicken: 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Quality check: Look for chicken that is firm, pink, and doesn't smell funky.
- Pasta: 8 oz (225g) penne. I love penne, but feel free to use any short pasta you fancy.
- Olive Oil: 2 tbsp (30ml) total. One for the chicken, one for the garlic.
- Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. More if you're a garlic fiend like me. I love garlic so much!
- Sun-dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup (120ml) , oil-packed, drained and chopped.
- Chicken Broth: 1 cup (240ml) . Low sodium is always a good shout.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240ml) . Double cream if you're in the UK.
- Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup (50g) grated. Plus extra for serving, because, why not?
- Spinach: 5 oz (140g) fresh, roughly chopped. Frozen works in a pinch, but squeeze out all the water.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 tsp (5g) .
- Garlic Powder: 1/2 tsp (3g) .
- Fresh Basil: For garnish. A handful is perfect.
These amounts are ideal when you are cooking yummy meals for 4 people. Consider some of these ingredients when creating poke bowl ideas , as this recipe shares similar building blocks!
Seasoning Notes
Let's talk flavour bombs!
- Italian seasoning + garlic powder = instant Italian vibes.
- Sun-dried tomatoes are your umami superheroes. They're also used in Chicken Poke Bowl recipes.
- Parmesan adds that salty, cheesy goodness. A good sub is Pecorino Romano.
- For an extra zing, chuck in a pinch of red pepper flakes. It's delicious.
- Want to make it dairy-free meals ? Use cashew cream.
Consider that if you are planning some Weight Watchers Recipes Dinner , you should consider that the ingredients and seasoning are suitable for a low-calorie diet.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, buttercup. This isn't Masterchef.
- Large Skillet: An oven safe one is ideal, but any large skillet will do. I use my cast iron skillet.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Obvs.
- Cutting Board & Knife: For chopping things.
- Tongs: For flipping the chicken.
- Big Spoon: For the sauce.
Common household alternatives: a large pot instead of a skillet, if needed. Honestly, this recipe for Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet is so good that you'll be making it for every easy summer dinner recipes
And, thinking outside the box, these ingredients can also be adapted for a Bang Bang Chicken Bowl .
Now, off you pop! Time to get cooking.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet: Your New Weeknight Hero!
Honestly, sometimes you just crave comfort food. you know? something creamy, flavourful, and easy . that's where this creamy tuscan chicken pasta skillet comes in.
Forget slaving away for hours. this is ready faster than you can say " chicken dinner ideas "! it's proper lush, takes minimal effort and is perfect for a skinnytaste recipes kind of night without feeling deprived.
Prep Like a Pro!
First, mise en place . get all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. chop the chicken, mince the garlic, and chop your spinach.
Honestly, it makes cooking so much smoother. it's all about efficiency when you are considering cheap summer meals . time saving tip? use pre-minced garlic if you're feeling lazy.
Safety first: wash your chicken properly!
Let's Get Cooking: step-by-step
- Season your 1.5 lbs of chicken with 1 tsp Italian seasoning, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Sear the chicken in 1 tbsp olive oil over medium high heat until golden. Then, take it out of the skillet.
- Sauté 2 cloves minced garlic in the same skillet for 30 seconds, then add 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a minute.
- Pour in 1 cup chicken broth, scraping up those yummy browned bits. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup Parmesan. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add 8 oz uncooked penne pasta to the sauce and get it fully covered.
- Put the chicken back in the skillet, and stir in 5 oz of spinach.
- Lower the heat, cover, and simmer for 12- 15 minutes, until pasta is cooked and the chicken reaches 165° F ( 74° C) .
- Serve with fresh basil and extra Parmesan. Ta-da!
Pro Tips for a Perfect Pasta Skillet
Want to level up your chicken dinner ideas ? don't overcook the chicken! sear it, then let it finish cooking in the sauce.
Undercooked is better than shoe leather, i promise. one of the most common mistakes is adding too much pasta, which can make the dish dry.
So be sure to get the recipe ratios right.
For a great poke bowl ideas style twist, make the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then toss it with rice and some fresh veggies, bam! bang bang chicken bowl inspiration with an italian twist.
Looking for weight watchers recipes dinner options? using fat-free cream is a good way to go. this dish can also work as a dairy-free meals recipe if you make a couple of subs, like olive oil based cream sauce.
And, if you are a meal prep afficionado, it’s a yummy meals option that is ready to go for lunch, dinner and is one of those easy summer dinner recipes .
And here's a thought this recipe really makes you wonder how many other quick and easy Tuscan inspired recipes are out there. It's a culinary rabbit hole I'm happy to jump down!
Recipe Notes: Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Cheat Sheet!
Okay, so you're about to dive into this creamy tuscan chicken pasta skillet. let’s chat about a few things. consider this your “before you start” pep talk.
Honestly, it's easier than it looks! think about trying this for one of your cheap summer meals .
Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy (Or Not!)
Presentation matters, right? for a casual vibe, serve straight from the skillet. chuck some extra parmesan and basil on top.
If you're feeling fancy, plate individual portions and drizzle with a tiny bit of olive oil. some crusty bread is essential for sopping up that glorious sauce.
Oh, and a simple green salad on the side? chef's kiss! you can even pair it with a chilled glass of white wine.
It makes it feel like a proper grown-up dinner. this could be one of your next yummy meals .
Storage Tips: Leftovers? If There Are Any!
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container. they'll be good for about 3 days. honestly, i doubt they’ll last that long! to reheat, just microwave 'em or gently warm them up in a skillet.
If you want to freeze it, portion it out first. thaw it overnight in the fridge. then reheat as above.
The pasta might be a little softer, but the flavor will still be amazing.
Variations: Tailor It To Your Taste!
Want to lighten things up? this could become one of your favorite skinnytaste recipes . swap the heavy cream for half and-half.
The sauce won't be as thick, but it'll still be yummy. for a dairy-free meals option, try using coconut cream.
Or, if you’re craving something different, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. the slight heat can be really fun.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Bowl
This creamy tuscan chicken pasta skillet isn't exactly a salad! but it does pack a good punch of protein from the chicken.
The spinach adds some vitamins. sun-dried tomatoes are full of antioxidants, too. if you are following weight watchers recipes dinner , you could reduce the heavy cream and pasta portion.
It has about 650 calories per serving.
This is similar to Bang Bang Chicken Bowl and Chicken Poke Bowl , but richer in flavor. For more poke bowl ideas visit your favorite recipe website.
So, there you have it! all the insider info you need to make this dish a total winner. go forth and cook, my friend! and if you need easy summer dinner recipes this one is it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some other easy chicken dinner ideas using similar ingredients?
If you love the flavours of this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet, you could try a simple chicken and sun-dried tomato risotto or even a quick chicken and spinach frittata. Think of it as a flavour foundation! You can also bake chicken breasts with a creamy sun-dried tomato sauce for a lower carb version.
Can I make this creamy chicken dinner idea ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can definitely prep components ahead of time. Chop the vegetables, season the chicken, and even cook the pasta in advance. Store everything separately in the fridge, then combine and simmer when you're ready to eat.
Just be aware that the pasta may absorb more sauce as it sits, so you might need to add a splash of broth when reheating.
How do I store leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. It's perfect for a quick lunch, a "bubble and squeak" remix or another dinner later in the week.
Freezing isn't recommended as the sauce can separate upon thawing and the pasta texture may change, like something out of The Twilight Zone!
Is there a lower calorie version of this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet, or alternative chicken dinner ideas that are more health conscious?
Absolutely! To lighten it up, swap the heavy cream for half and-half (single cream), or even a light cream cheese. You can also use whole wheat pasta for added fiber. For a different "chicken dinner ideas" approach, try grilling the chicken and serving it alongside a Tuscan style quinoa salad with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach a cheeky Nando's imitation!
Can I use frozen chicken instead of fresh for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it's fully thawed before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels before searing, and adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
The texture of the chicken might be slightly different compared to fresh, but it's a perfectly acceptable shortcut when you're short on time, just don't tell Gordon Ramsay!
My sauce is too thick/thin! How can I fix it?
Ah, the Goldilocks dilemma! If the sauce is too thick, simply add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. If it's too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes, allowing the excess liquid to evaporate.
A tablespoon of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) can also help thicken it up if you're in a real pickle.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 40g |
| Fiber | 0g |
