Ingredients:
2 Tablespoons butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt, to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
3 cups baby spinach
8 oz penne pasta, uncooked
1 jar Alfredo sauce (15 oz)
2 cups boiling water
1 ½ cups mozzarella cheese
Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine the cubed chicken with minced garlic, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the chicken is evenly coated with the aromatic seasonings.
Sauté Chicken: In an oven-safe deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and sauté them for 7-8 minutes until they’re golden brown and fully cooked. This step infuses the chicken with rich flavor, setting the stage for the rest of the dish.
Combine Ingredients: Turn off the heat and introduce the sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, uncooked penne pasta, and Alfredo sauce into the skillet. Stir gently to amalgamate all the ingredients, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
Add Boiling Water: Pour the boiling water over the mixture, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. This step helps to cook the pasta to perfection and melds all the ingredients together into a harmonious union.
Bake: Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil, then transfer it to the preheated oven. Allow the dish to bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the pasta is tender and cooked through. This gentle baking process allows the flavors to mingle and intensify, culminating in a sumptuous dining experience.
Cheesy Finale: Once the pasta is cooked, remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, casting a golden glow over the dish.
Garnish and Serve: For a final flourish, garnish the Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta with fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Then, serve up generous portions of this delectable dish, allowing your guests to savor every mouthful of its creamy, cheesy goodness.