Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

– **For the Chicken:**
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper, to taste

– **For the Pasta:**

– 8 ounces penne pasta
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1 teaspoon dried basil
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. **Cook the Pasta:**
– Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. **Cook the Chicken:**
– In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil.
– Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
– Cook the chicken in the skillet for about 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through.
– Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest. Once cooled, slice the chicken into strips.

3. **Prepare the Sauce:**
– In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
– Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
– Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, sun-dried tomatoes, and dried basil.
– Simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

4. **Combine:**
– Add the cooked pasta and fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring to coat in the sauce.
– Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
– Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet, mixing gently to combine.

5. **Serve:**
– Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
– Serve warm.

Enjoy your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta!