Description
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender chicken with a luscious sauce made from smoked turkey bacon, grape juice, and shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). This comforting yet elegant pasta offers a perfect balance of creamy, smoky, and subtly sweet flavors, ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with a taste of Tuscany.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Main Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 strips smoked turkey bacon, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni)
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 cup grape juice
- 1 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream alternative
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and chop the smoked turkey bacon into small strips. Mince the garlic and set aside the shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). Have the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach ready for later use.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving one cup of pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency if needed.
- Sauté the Chicken and Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until it starts to crisp. Add chicken pieces and sauté until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and cook the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in grape juice and allow it to reduce slightly. Stir in the heavy cream or plant-based cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese and Vegetables: Lower the heat and stir in shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal) until melted and incorporated. Toss in sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, letting the spinach wilt softly.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken and smoked turkey bacon to the skillet. Stir to combine, then add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce texture if necessary.
- Season and Serve: Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Toss the pasta once more and serve hot for the best creamy and flavorful experience.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and spinach to brighten the flavors instantly.
- Do not overcook chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Melt the cheese gently at low heat to prevent curdling.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce for perfect coating.
- Adjust herbs and spice levels according to your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, smoked turkey bacon pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Tuscan pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner