Tuscan Chicken Cottage Cheese Pasta (Printable Version)
# What You’ll Need:
→ For the Chicken
01 -
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
03 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
04 -
½ teaspoon garlic powder
05 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ For the Pasta
06 -
8 ounces penne or any pasta of your choice
07 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
08 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
09 -
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
10 -
2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
11 -
1 cup cottage cheese
12 -
½ cup heavy cream
13 -
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 -
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
15 -
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
16 -
Salt and pepper to taste
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken in the skillet for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and no longer pink inside. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
02 -
While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
03 -
In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
04 -
Reduce the heat to low and add the cottage cheese, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet. Stir well to combine and cook until the mixture is heated through and slightly thickened, about 3-4 minutes. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
05 -
Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together until well-coated with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
06 -
Transfer the Tuscan chicken pasta to serving plates or a large serving dish. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
# Additional Notes:
01 -
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in Italian seasoning and olive oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
02 -
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer a healthier or dietary-specific option.
03 -
If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can blend the cottage cheese before adding it to the skillet.