Quick Tuscan Chicken Pasta (Printer-Friendly Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Chicken & Spice Rub
01 -
4 chicken cutlets or 2 chicken breasts, halved
02 -
2 teaspoons garlic powder
03 -
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
04 -
2 teaspoons dried parsley or oregano
05 -
1½ teaspoons salt
06 -
½ teaspoon black pepper
→ Pasta & Sauce
07 -
16 oz rigatoni pasta
08 -
4 tablespoons oil
09 -
2 tablespoons butter
10 -
4 garlic cloves, minced
11 -
2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
12 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
13 -
2 cups heavy cream
14 -
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour mixed with ½ cup water for slurry
15 -
2 teaspoons garlic powder
16 -
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
17 -
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
18 -
Salt and pepper to taste
# Let's Cook!:
01 -
In a small bowl, mix all the spice rub ingredients. Coat both sides of the chicken cutlets evenly.
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
03 -
In the same pan, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, then add cherry tomatoes. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
04 -
Stir in the tomato paste, mixing well, then pour in the heavy cream. If the sauce needs thickening, whisk together the flour and water to make a slurry, remove the pan from heat, and gradually stir it in to prevent clumps.
05 -
Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
06 -
Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chopped spinach. Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat it in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
07 -
Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Serve immediately.
# Recipe Notes:
01 -
This creamy Tuscan-style pasta combines juicy chicken, cherry tomatoes, and spinach in a rich cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting dinner.