Is there anything better than a big bowl of pasta? This recipe is a lighter version of the classic Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe which uses a hefty three cups of heavy cream. No judgement here if you like that version, but my waistline can't handle it. I've simply substituted chicken broth for the heavy cream which reduces the calories drastically. To make sure the sauce thickens, I create a roux with some oil and flour before pouring in the broth.
How to make Lighter Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Start by browning some small piece of chicken in some olive oil, salt and pepper. Be sure to cook the chicken all the way through, then remove it from the pan. Heat up more olive oil and add the flour, salt, pepper and seasoning until the flour is totally absorbed. Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of milk and bring to a simmer for 15 minutes until slightly thickened. (The Parmesan cheese will help thicken the sauce too.) Stir sundried tomatoes, spinach and Parmesan into the sauce. Toss the cooked chicken and prepare pasta into the sauce and serve immediately.
Note to only use half a box of cooked pasta for this recipe. There won't be enough sauce to cover a full pound of pasta. If you need to make enough for a crowd definitely double the chicken and sauce so it's not too dry. I like to top this recipe with some extra Parmesan too!
If you like this recipe you can rate it and leave a comment below. If you take a picture tag me on Instagram @hungrywaitress! Here's the recipe:
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Lighter Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Is there anything better than a big bowl of pasta? This recipe is a lighter version of the classic Tuscan Chicken recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breasts
- 3 Tablespoons olive oil
- 2 Tablespoon flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup milk
- 3/4 cup sundried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 5-6 oz fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup Parmesan
- 1/2 lb cooked pasta, half a box
- 1/4 teaspoons red pepper flakes, optional
Instructions
- Brown the cut up chicken for 7 - 10 minutes in one tablespoon of olive oil, then remove from pan.
- Heat up two tablespoons of olive oil and add the flour, salt, pepper and seasoning until the flour is totally absorbed.
- Pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of milk and bring to a simmer for 15 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir sundried tomatoes, spinach and Parmesan into the sauce. Carefully taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Toss the cooked chicken and prepared pasta into the sauce and serve immediately.
Notes
Depending on your chicken broth, you might need to add more salt to the salt. It's best to tast it before adding the pasta. Is the sauce too salty? No worries, just add a touch more milk.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: chicken pasta recipe, Tuscan chicken, chicken recipe, dinner idea, 30 minute meal
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