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Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.1 from 7 reviews

This Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender chicken strips seared to perfection and tossed in a rich, creamy Tuscan sauce with cherry tomatoes, kale, and parmesan. Paired with your favorite short-cut pasta, this recipe is perfect for an easy yet elegant dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 2 lbs. organic chicken breasts, cut into strips
  • 2 Tbsps extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsps On Everything All-Purpose Blend (or homemade blend, see notes)
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Pasta + Tuscan Sauce

  • 1 lb. your favorite short-cut pasta
  • 3 Tbsps unsalted butter
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or herbed roasted tomatoes for extra flavor)
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup organic heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken stock, organic
  • 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1-2 Tbsps Tuscan Marry Me Blend (or homemade blend, see notes)
  • 1 cup chopped kale, fresh or frozen
  • ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 Tbsps chopped fresh basil

Instructions

  1. Season the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken strips with sea salt, On Everything All-Purpose Blend, and smoked paprika if using. Mix well until the chicken is fully coated. Let the chicken marinate for 5-10 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Boil the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes for rigatoni or similar short-cut pastas. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until browned and seared. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate to rest.
  4. Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of the Tuscan Marry Me Blend seasoning. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until combined. Reduce the heat to medium-low and slowly pour in the heavy cream, chicken stock, and lemon juice while stirring. Let the mixture simmer gently for 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the grated parmesan cheese until it melts completely and the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add Greens and Return Chicken: Stir the chopped kale and fresh basil into the sauce until well combined. Return the seared chicken strips to the skillet. Let everything simmer together for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and tender.
  6. Combine Pasta and Serve: Add the cooked and drained pasta into the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Tuscan sauce and chicken. Remove from heat and serve immediately for a delicious, hearty meal.

Notes

  • The On Everything All-Purpose Blend and Tuscan Marry Me Blend seasoning can be purchased for authentic flavor or made at home using your preferred herbs and spices combination.
  • For extra flavor, use herbed roasted tomatoes instead of fresh cherry tomatoes.
  • Ensure not to overcook the chicken strips to keep them tender and juicy.
  • Use fresh basil and parmesan cheese for best taste and texture.
  • This recipe works well with rigatoni, penne, or other short-cut pastas.

Find it online: https://marthatasty.com/weeknight-creamy-tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe/