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Savory Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Easy, Creamy Delight

Savory Tuscan Chicken Pasta
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Savory Tuscan Chicken Pasta with a secret cottage cheese twist offers a creamy, rustic Italian experience that is surprisingly lighter. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach are coated in a velvety sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for chicken)
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for sauce)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups full-fat cottage cheese
  • 5 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry, cut into 1-inch pieces. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Sear the Chicken: Heat 1-2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken in a single layer until golden brown and cooked through. Cook in batches if necessary. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons olive oil if needed. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes; cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add Spices and Broth: Stir in dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using) for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 3-5 minutes to reduce slightly.
  5. Create Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, then add cottage cheese. Stir gently until cottage cheese melts and sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Wilt Spinach and Add Cheese: Add chopped spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  7. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain pasta.
  8. Combine and Finish: Add drained pasta and cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Adjust seasonings if needed.
  9. Serve: Transfer pasta to serving bowls. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Full-fat cottage cheese is recommended for the best creamy texture.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan when searing chicken for better browning.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://quizsavor.com/savory-tuscan-chicken-pasta/

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