Tuscan Garlic Chicken Linguine
Ingredients:
- Kosher salt, plus more for pasta water
- 1 pound linguine pasta
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 red bell peppers, cored, seeded, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 cup Chardonnay (or chicken stock as a non-alcoholic substitute)
- 2 teaspoons Italian Seasoning Blend
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 5 ounces fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh Italian parsley
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil water in a large pot over high heat. Salt generously and cook the linguine to al dente. Drain, reserving 2 cups of pasta water for later use.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Heat a 10-inch skillet over medium-high. Add olive oil once hot. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, then cook in the skillet until golden brown and fully cooked, about 3-5 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to a plate.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic, red bell peppers, and red pepper flakes until the peppers are slightly tender, about 3 minutes. Stir occasionally.
- Deglaze and Season:
- Pour Chardonnay into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it boil for 2 minutes. Stir in Italian Seasoning.
- Create the Sauce:
- Lower the heat and add half-and-half and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. If needed, thin the sauce with the reserved pasta water.
- Combine:
- Mix in spinach and add the cooked pasta to the skillet, using tongs to incorporate well into the sauce.
- Serve:
- Place the cooked chicken on top of the pasta. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Notes:
- Cover the pot when boiling water to speed up the process. Watch closely to prevent boil-overs.
- Substitute Chardonnay with chicken stock if preferred.
Enjoy this rich and flavorful Tuscan Garlic Chicken Linguine, a delightful mix of tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and creamy sauce, perfect for a cozy dinner.