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
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
- Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss well to coat.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- 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
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt and bubble.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- 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
- In a separate large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes. Sauté until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Season with a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
- Toss the cooked fettuccine with the sautéed spinach and tomato mixture.
- Plate the fettuccine and top generously with the creamy Tuscan chicken bites.
- Garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil or parsley.
- 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.
PrintCreamy Tuscan Chicken Bites with Spinach And Tomato Fettuccine
- Total Time: 45 minutes
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
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
- Drain the pasta, toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Bites
- Season the chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Toss well to coat.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- 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
- In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow the butter to melt and bubble.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes, scraping any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream. Stir continuously until the sauce begins to thicken (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- 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
- In a separate large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes. Sauté until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are softened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Season with a pinch of salt. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5: Combine & Serve
- Toss the cooked fettuccine with the sautéed spinach and tomato mixture.
- Plate the fettuccine and top generously with the creamy Tuscan chicken bites.
- Garnish with additional freshly grated Parmesan and chopped basil or parsley.
- 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