– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 8 ounces of penne pasta
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust for spice preference)
– 1 cup heavy cream
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 cup spinach
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh basil, for garnish
Creating Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is straightforward when following these steps:
1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper.
3. Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped cherry tomatoes and cook for about 2-3 minutes until they start to soften. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing until fragrant.
5. Make the Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Pour in heavy cream and mix well. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
6. Add Spinach: Fold in the spinach and cook until it wilts down, about 1-2 minutes.
7. Combine: Slice the cooked chicken and add it to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well combined.
8. Serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Each step is designed for ease, enabling you to prepare this scrumptious dish without hassle!