Xavier Cooks: Tuscan Chicken Pasta

I saw this recipe on Instagram (thanks Monika for sending it my way) and knew we had to try it. While it looks like a ton of ingredients, it’s mostly things I think you’ll already have at home. I was actually surprised that it was a fairly simple recipe! This was so yummy- it didn’t even last 30 minutes once it was done… 🙂         -X

Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 1/2 lb pasta of your choice
• chicken breasts
• salt & pepper
• garlic powder
• onion powder
• paprika
• cayenne pepper
• olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 diced white onion
• red pepper
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1/2 diced shallot (optional)
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3/4 cup halved tomatoes
• 2 cups spinach
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Cook 1/2lb pasta of choice according to box directions. Reserve about 1/2 cup pasta water
2. Generously season 2 chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper and place in a hot skillet with olive oil cooking both sides for 5-6 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. In the same skillet, and 2 tbsp butter, 1 tbsp oil, 1/2 diced white onion, 1/2 diced red pepper, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/2 diced shallot and sauté until translucent
4. Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and allow to cook down for 5 minutes
5. Add in 1 and 1/2 cup heavy cream, 3/4 cup halved tomatoes, and 2 cups spinach and allow to combine. Add in 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (or more ;)).
6. Add in your pasta and coat. Place your cooked chicken breast on top of pasta. Top with more grated Parmesan and serve!