Creamy Tuscan Chicken Bites with Spinach And Tomato Fettuccine

Introduction

Craving a dish that’s both luxurious and comforting? This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Bites with Spinach & Tomato Fettuccine is exactly what you need. With tender chicken bites simmered in a velvety Tuscan-style cream sauce, accompanied by spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich blend of Italian seasonings, this dish will transport you to a cozy Italian trattoria. Served over perfectly cooked fettuccine, it’s a dish that’s indulgent yet easy enough to make for a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re cooking for family, a romantic dinner, or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to impress.


Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Spinach & Tomato Fettuccine:

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Salt, to taste

Garnish:

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Preparation

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Drain the pasta, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites

  1. Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss well to coat.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken bites to the skillet in a single layer, cooking until golden brown on all sides (about 6-8 minutes). Ensure they’re fully cooked, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt and bubble.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  3. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken (about 3-4 minutes).
  6. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet, stirring well to coat them in the creamy sauce. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Prepare Spinach & Tomato Mix

  1. In a separate large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes. Sauté until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are softened (about 3-4 minutes).
  3. Season with a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

  1. Toss the cooked fettuccine with the sautéed spinach and tomato mixture.
  2. Plate the fettuccine and top generously with the creamy Tuscan chicken bites.
  3. Garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil or parsley.
  4. Serve hot and enjoy!

COOKING NOTES

  • Chicken Choices: Boneless chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful bite.
  • Heavy Cream Alternatives: For a lighter sauce, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce may be slightly thinner.
  • Pasta Options: Feel free to substitute fettuccine with any pasta of your choice like linguine, penne, or spaghetti.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use the oil-packed variety for extra flavor. You can also rehydrate dry sun-dried tomatoes in hot water for 10 minutes if you don’t have the oil-packed version.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair this dish with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette for a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
  • Serve with a side of garlic bread or warm crusty baguette to mop up the luscious sauce.
  • Complement the flavors with a glass of Italian white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.

Tips

  • Cook the pasta just right: Aim for al dente as the pasta will continue to absorb sauce when mixed, keeping it firm yet tender.
  • Make Ahead: You can make the sauce a day ahead to save time. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently over low heat before adding the chicken bites.
  • Add Vegetables: Mushrooms or bell peppers can be added to the sauce for extra texture and flavor.
  • Double the Recipe: This dish freezes well. Double the recipe and freeze half for a ready-made meal. Just defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop.
  • Don’t Overcook Chicken: Chicken can dry out if overcooked. Cook until it reaches 165°F (74°C) internally for perfect juiciness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes


Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 680
  • Protein: 34g
  • Fat: 40g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Sugar: 6g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates based on standard ingredients. Adjustments may be needed based on specific products used.


Conclusion

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Bites with Spinach & Tomato Fettuccine combines the best of Italian flavors in a single dish. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to satisfy. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish is a fantastic choice for any occasion.

Print
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Bites with Spinach And Tomato Fettuccine


  • Author: Imili Johnson
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth

For the Sauce:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Spinach & Tomato Fettuccine:

  • 8 oz fettuccine pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Salt, to taste

Garnish:

  • Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
  2. Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
  3. Drain the pasta, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites

  1. Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss well to coat.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  3. Add the chicken bites to the skillet in a single layer, cooking until golden brown on all sides (about 6-8 minutes). Ensure they’re fully cooked, then remove them from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt and bubble.
  2. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  3. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
  4. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken (about 3-4 minutes).
  6. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
  7. Return the cooked chicken bites to the skillet, stirring well to coat them in the creamy sauce. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Step 4: Prepare Spinach & Tomato Mix

  1. In a separate large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes. Sauté until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are softened (about 3-4 minutes).
  3. Season with a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 5: Combine & Serve

  1. Toss the cooked fettuccine with the sautéed spinach and tomato mixture.
  2. Plate the fettuccine and top generously with the creamy Tuscan chicken bites.
  3. Garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil or parsley.
  4. Serve hot and enjoy!
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 680
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 950mg
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 34g

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