Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

This rich and flavorful pasta dish is great for a weeknight dinner and is packed with fresh ingredients including vegetables. Even my 4 year old son is a big fan, which works out great since I don’t have to prepare something separately for him (he can be such a picky eater!).

ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

1. Use your choice of pasta. I have successfully used thick spaghetti, fettuccine, and linguine for this recipe, depending on whatever I have at home.
2. Are you a vegetarian or pescatarian? Go ahead and skip the chicken altogether or replace with another option such as shrimp, depending on your preference. It’ll taste great regardless!
3. The crushed red pepper is optional but will add such a boost to the overall flavor. I usually take out a portion of the pasta for my son in the end, but will add the flakes to the remaining pasta since my husband and I love the extra kick.
4. Slap Ya Mama Original Cajun Seasoning is one of my favorite and most frequently used seasonings at home. I use it in many of my chicken and seafood recipes and it seriously never disappoints. I seriously recommend getting your hands on this stuff!

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serving: 2-3 people

Ingredients:

For the pasta:

• 8 oz Barilla®Linguine
• water for boiling pasta
• salt for boiling pasta

For the chicken:

• 1 cup chicken breast, cut into small cubes
• 1 tbsp Slap Ya Mama Original Cajun Seasoning
• 1 tbsp oil

Remaining ingredients:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1/4 cup chopped mushroom
• 1 tomato, diced
• 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper, or to taste
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (optional for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Bring water and salt to a boil in a large pot.
2. Add in pasta and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
3. Strain out the water and set the pasta aside.
4. Coat the cut chicken with the Cajun seasoning.
5. Heat the oil in a large pan and add in the chicken.
6. Cook the chicken on medium high heat for 3-5 minutes, or until chicken is cooked all the way through.
7. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. Wipe the pan clean with a paper towel.
8. Melt butter in the same pan on medium high heat. Add in the onion and garlic, stirring until the onion becomes translucent.
9. Stir in the tomato, spinach, and mushroom. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach becomes wilted.
10. Add the heavy cream and bring to a boil.
11. Add in the salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper.
12. Reduce the heat down to medium and stir in the cheese until a thick creamy sauce forms.
13. Stir in the chicken and pasta.
14. Garnish with fresh basil. Enjoy!