EASY HEALTHY TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA

The Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a popular menu item. This is a decadent pasta dish loaded with Italian flavors. My imitation recipe adds a healthy twist to this classic meal.

EASY HEALTHY TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA

This healthy Tuscan Chicken pasta has all the flavors of the restaurant version, without all the calories, sodium, and fats. I love making this recipe in one pot using an instant pan, but it can also be made in a crock pot or just above the stove.

This is one of my favorite healthy pasta recipes, and it's great for a meal preparation because it stays good in the refrigerator for a week and it freezes and reheats well.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes  sun dried with no oil or grape tomatoes, halved
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tbsp garlic minced
• 2 lbs chicken breast  (about 2 large breasts, diced into 1-inch cubes)
• 3 cups low sodium chicken broth low sodium (one cup for Crockpot and stovetop method)
• 3 cups whole wheat pasta I used one 12 oz. box
• 3/4 cup cottage cheese 2%
• 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt 2%
• 2 cups spinach baby
• 1/4 cup basil  fresh, or 1 tsp dried basil
• 2/3 cup cheese parmesan

INSTRUCTIONS:

Instant Pot Directions:

1. Set your Instant Pot to Sauté and lightly spray the pot with cooking spray. Once your pot is hot add the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Add your cut chicken to the pot, and cook 2-3 minutes stirring often. This will prevent your chicken from clumping together while it’ s under pressure. Once your chicken is browned on all sides add your chicken broth.
3. Add your pasta to the pot and stir well, ensuring that all noodles are below the liquid.
4. Close and lock the lid and turn the pressure valve to sealing. Select Pressure Cook (high) and set the time for 3 minutes.
5. While your chicken is cooking, blend the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt together until smooth, then set aside.
6. When the cook time is complete, quick release the pressure, and remove the lid. Stir. Drain any excess liquid from the pot.
7. While your noodles are still hot stir in spinach, and basil. Once the leaves have wilted, stir in your blended cottage cheese, and grated parmesan. Serve immediately.  Garnish with additional parmesan and fresh basil.

Stove Top Directions:

1. Spay a large skillet/pot with cooking spray.  Over medium/high heat sauté sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add your cubed chicken and sauté until it is browned all sides.
3. Add the chicken broth and noodles to the pot.
4. Once the broth begins to boil, cover and reduce the heat to medium.  Boil 12-15 minutes stirring often to avoid sticking.
5. Once the pasta is cooked, drain the extra liquid and add in the spinach and basil. Stir until wilted.
6. Blend the cottage cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth and stir into your noodles.
7. Add your parmesan cheese. Stir one last time and serve immediately with extra cheese and fresh basil, as desired.

Crock Pot Directions:

1. Spay a large skillet with cooking spray.  Over medium/high heat, sauté the sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning and garlic until fragrant.
2. Add your cubed chicken and sauté until browned on all sides.
3. Transfer chicken and tomatoes to your crockpot and top with chicken broth.
4. Cook on high heat 2-3 hours or low heat 4-5 hours.
5. Add your pasta during the last 30 minutes of cook time.
6. Once pasta is cooked drain extra liquid and add in spinach and basil, stir until wilted.
7. Blend cottage cheese and Greek yogurt until smooth, stir into your noodles.
8. Finally, add your parmesan cheese. Stir one last time and serve immediately with extra cheese and fresh basil, as desired.

Share this post