Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Pasta
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Pasta, inspired by the beloved Olive Garden classic. This delightful dish features tender herb-seasoned chicken breasts sautéed to golden perfection, complemented by the sweetness of oven-roasted garlic, vibrant roasted red peppers, and fresh spinach. All of this decadence is enveloped in a luscious white wine and garlic cream sauce, served over a nest of al dente penne pasta. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive gathering with friends, this recipe brings restaurant-quality taste right into your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
497
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
1 1/2 cups (for dredging chicken)
Flour
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
Salt
1 tablespoon (to season chicken)
Black pepper
2 teaspoons (to season chicken)
Italian herb seasoning
2 teaspoons (to season chicken)
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 lbs (cut into uniform pieces)
Vegetable oil
3 fluid ounces, divided (for sautéing and sauce)
Penne pasta
1 lb (cooked al dente)
Garlic
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Red pepper
1 (julienne cut)
White wine
1/2 cup (for sauce)
Fresh spinach leaves
1/2 lb (stemmed)
Heavy cream
12 fluid ounces (for sauce)
Parmesan cheese
1 cup (grated, for serving)
Instructions
1
Prepare the chicken by combining 1 1/2 cups of flour, salt, black pepper, and Italian herb seasoning in a shallow dish; mix well.
2
Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated, then shake off any excess.
3
In a large nonstick ovenproof skillet, heat 3 fluid ounces of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sauté the chicken breasts in batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
4
Once the chicken is browned, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for approximately 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5
While the chicken cooks, prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6
In a separate saucepan, heat 1/2 to 1 fluid ounce of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and julienne-cut red pepper, cooking for approximately 1 minute until fragrant.
7
Gradually sprinkle in the remaining tablespoon of flour, stirring continuously to create a roux.
8
Pour in the white wine, bringing the mixture to a boil for about 1 minute to reduce slightly. Then, add the fresh spinach and heavy cream, boiling until the spinach has wilted.
9
Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
10
To serve, coat the cooked pasta with a portion of the sauce, transferring it to a large serving bowl or individual dishes. Top with the baked chicken, drizzle with the remaining sauce, and finish with extra grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Information
32g
Fat
30g
Carbs
32g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Pasta?
It is a rich and savory dish featuring tender herb-seasoned chicken, roasted garlic, red peppers, and spinach in a white wine garlic cream sauce served over penne pasta.
Is this recipe inspired by a specific restaurant?
Yes, this dish is inspired by the beloved Olive Garden classic.
How much chicken do I need for this recipe?
You will need 3 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into uniform pieces.
What internal temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken should be cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
What are the ingredients for the chicken dredging mixture?
The mixture consists of 1 1/2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of Italian herb seasoning.
How long should I sauté the chicken?
Sauté the chicken breasts for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy.
What oven temperature is used for baking the chicken?
The chicken should be baked in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C).
How long does the chicken bake in the oven?
After sautéing, bake the chicken for approximately 15 minutes.
What type of pasta is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of penne pasta cooked al dente.
How is the red pepper prepared?
One red pepper should be julienne cut for the sauce.
How much garlic is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of chopped garlic.
Is there alcohol in the sauce?
Yes, the sauce uses 1/2 cup of white wine, which is boiled for about 1 minute to reduce.
What type of cream is used for the Tuscan sauce?
The recipe requires 12 fluid ounces of heavy cream.
How do I prepare the spinach?
Use 1/2 lb of fresh spinach leaves that have been stemmed.
What kind of cheese is added to the sauce?
One cup of grated Parmesan cheese is stirred into the sauce until melted.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 497 calories.
How much protein is in this recipe?
There are 32g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
This dish contains 32g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this pasta dish?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much vegetable oil is needed in total?
You will need 3 fluid ounces of vegetable oil, which is divided between sautéing the chicken and making the sauce.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by stirring 1 tablespoon of flour into the oil and vegetables to create a roux before adding liquids.
What type of skillet is best for the chicken?
A large nonstick ovenproof skillet is recommended so it can transition from the stovetop to the oven.
When do I add the spinach to the sauce?
Add the spinach along with the heavy cream after the white wine has boiled and reduced slightly.
How should the final dish be assembled?
Coat the pasta with some sauce, top with the baked chicken, drizzle with remaining sauce, and finish with extra Parmesan.
What category of cuisine does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as Italian cuisine and comfort food.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 total ingredients listed in the recipe.
Can I use this for a dinner party?
Yes, it is described as an impressive dish perfect for gatherings with friends.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken pasta, creamy sauce, tuscan chicken, olive garden inspired, comfort food, dinner, and italian cuisine.
Is the chicken seasoned before or during dredging?
The seasoning (salt, pepper, Italian herbs) is mixed directly into the flour before the chicken is dredged.
How do I know when the sauce is finished?
The sauce is finished once the spinach has wilted and the Parmesan cheese is melted and well combined.