If you're craving a hearty, comforting dish that's bursting with flavor and a hint of elegance, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Spaghetti is for you. It's a delightful fusion of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant veggies that’s bound to become a family favorite.
Spaghetti serves as the hearty base, absorbing all the creamy, flavorful sauce. You'll want to cook it to al dente so it holds up well in the dish. The chicken breasts, when cut into bite-sized pieces, cook quickly and evenly, offering protein and substance. Olive oil is used for sauteing and adds a subtle fruitiness to the dish. Seasoning with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning infuses the chicken with a savory, aromatic flavor. Sun-dried tomatoes provide a sweet-tart kick, while fresh spinach leaves add color and a boost of nutrients. The sauce's richness comes from heavy cream and is balanced with the savory depth of chicken broth. Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding a salty umami punch. Fresh basil and garlic lend freshness and aromatic complexity, while pine nuts bring a delightful crunch. Finally, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes gives a gentle heat that ties it all together.
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. For a bit more indulgence, serve it alongside buttery garlic bread to mop up the creamy sauce. A crisp, chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc also complements the meal perfectly.
Start by cooking the spaghetti according to the package instructions. Make sure to salt your water generously—it should taste like the sea! Once cooked, drain and set it aside while you prepare the rest.
Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add in your chicken pieces and season them with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until it's no longer pink, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Remove it from the skillet and set it aside for later.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté them for just a minute or two until they're fragrant. This step will help infuse the oil with their flavors.
Next, pour in the chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This is called deglazing, and it adds loads of flavor. Follow this by adding the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a simmer.
Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Add the spinach and cook until it wilts down, which should only take about 2 minutes.
Return the chicken to the skillet, mixing everything together well. Add your cooked spaghetti to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce until well-coated.
Before serving, garnish with fresh basil, pine nuts, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat and extra flavor.
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