Monday, June 24, 2013

Tuscan Chicken Pasta



Just in case you don’t have enough pasta in your life, here’s some more for you!
It is perfection. 



I just can’t get enough carbs. It is a problem, but as you can see I am working on it!


What you need,

2-4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded thin
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper
½ tsp. dried basil
½ tsp. dried oregano
2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
6 oz. fresh baby spinach
½ cup low sodium chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup 1% milk
2 tsp. cornstarch
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
1 lb. box of linguine or fettuccine noodles
Salt and Pepper to taste

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Pat the chicken dry with a paper towel. In a shallow dish, stir together the flour, salt, pepper, basil and oregano.

Dredge the chicken pieces in the flour, shake to remove any excess. Cook in the skillet for 3-4 minutes per side until brown and crisp and cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken to a plate and cover with foil to keep warm.

Meanwhile cook the pasta according to the package directions, drain and set aside.

Add the second tablespoon of oil to the pan and heat over medium high heat. Add the red pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and cook for 2 minutes until it has reduced a little.

Add the spinach and cook until it begins to wilt, about 2 minutes.

Stir together the cream, milk and cornstarch. Add to the pan and let it simmer over medium heat until thickened.

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Add the cheese and season with salt and pepper.

Sprinkle the basil over the pasta and serve with the chicken.

I served my chicken pieces whole but you could cut them into strips and stir it right into the pasta. I think I will do that next time!



This pasta was SO good. Perfectly creamy and delicious!
The left overs were fantastic too!

Enjoy!


Jen

Recipe adapted from Mel’s Kitchen CafĂ©

Check out Mel’s site if you haven’t, she has a million amazing recipes!!

1 comment:

  1. Oh, this looks fab!! Can never have too many pasta dishes! (Not in our house anyway) & new ideas for chicken are always a bonus. This is a MUST try! It's easy, yummy & looks great! Plus it has green!! Spinach is so good!! Thanks for another great dish!! <3
    Oh! I noticed the recipe says to pound the chicken breasts till thin. Would buying chicken cutlets work? I always see them but never buy them. I'm not sure if they're pounded for thinness or for tenderizing. I don't even know if chicken cutlets even ARE breast meat. lol Thanks, you rock!! :)

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