Description
Rustic Tuscan chicken pasta delight combines tender chicken with sun-kissed herbs in a creamy sauce. Mediterranean flavors dance across your palate, promising comfort and culinary satisfaction for home cooks seeking authentic Italian inspiration.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup (30 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
- 5 cups (340–390 g) short pasta like penne or fusilli
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) low sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup (57 g) butter
- 2 tbsps (15 g) Parmesan cheese
- 3 tbsps (24 g) flour
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (60 g) chopped fresh spinach
- ¼ cup (60 g) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1/8 – ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This initial step ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
- Pasta Foundations: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, then transfer to the prepared baking dish. The seasoned water enhances the pasta’s inherent flavor profile.
- Chicken Searing: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken pieces until golden and thoroughly done. Season with salt and pepper, creating a flavorful exterior while maintaining internal moisture.
- Aromatic Infusion: Using the same skillet, sauté sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes. This technique builds a complex flavor base for the sauce.
- Sauce Creation: Sprinkle flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Incorporate Parmesan cheese and spinach, cooking until the sauce thickens and greens wilt.
- Assembly and Cheese Layer: Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and chicken, ensuring complete coverage. Generously top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a rich, golden finish.
- Baking Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil in the final moments to achieve a crisp, bubbling cheese crust that adds textural complexity to the dish.
- Serving: Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to settle. Garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation.
Notes
- Chicken Cutting Technique: Slice chicken into uniform 1/2 to 3/4 inch pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
- Seasoning Secret: Generously season chicken with kosher salt and black pepper before sautéing to develop deep, rich flavor profiles.
- Sauce Smoothing Trick: Continuously whisk flour and liquid ingredients to prevent lumps, creating a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
- Cheese Melting Magic: Add cheese off direct heat to maintain its creamy consistency and prevent separation or graininess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 712
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 512 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 23 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 167 mg