Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cottage Cheese – when it comes to comfort food, nothing beats a creamy pasta dish.
But what if we told you that you could make a healthier version without sacrificing any of the deliciousness?
This recipe combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious cottage cheese sauce to create a dish that’s as nutritious as it is tasty.
Perfect for a family dinner or a meal prep option for the week, this pasta will quickly become a household favorite. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Pasta with Cottage Cheese
Here are some serving suggestions to complement your delicious Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cottage Cheese:
Garlic Bread: Serve the pasta with warm, buttery garlic bread or garlic knots. The crispy, garlicky bread pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta sauce.
Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette makes a great side dish. Consider a simple mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with a side of roasted vegetables such as asparagus, bell peppers, or broccoli. The roasted veggies add a nice crunch and complement the flavors of the pasta.
Wine Pairing: Pair the dish with a glass of white wine such as Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. The acidity and lightness of these wines balance the richness of the pasta.
Lemon Wedges: Garnish with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty contrast. A squeeze of lemon juice over the pasta can brighten up the flavors.
Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano over the top before serving for added color and flavor.
Grated Parmesan: Serve extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side so guests can add as much as they like.
Crusty Bread: Offer slices of crusty bread or a baguette for mopping up any extra sauce from the plate.
Appetizers: Start the meal with light appetizers such as bruschetta, caprese salad, or stuffed mushrooms.
Dessert: Finish the meal with a light and refreshing dessert like lemon sorbet, fruit salad, or a simple panna cotta.
These serving suggestions will enhance your Tuscan Chicken Pasta dining experience, making it a delightful meal for family and friends. Enjoy!
Cooking Tips
Here are some cooking tips to ensure your Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cottage Cheese turns out perfectly:
Tender Chicken: Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before cooking. This ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Marinate for Extra Flavor: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Cook Pasta Al Dente: Cook the pasta until just al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, ensuring it doesn’t become overcooked and mushy.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the cooking water. This starchy water can be added to the sauce if it needs thinning out and helps the sauce adhere to the pasta.
Fresh Spinach: Add the spinach at the end of cooking to retain its bright color and nutrients. It wilts quickly, so only a minute or two in the pan is sufficient.
Smooth Cottage Cheese: For a creamier texture, blend the cottage cheese in a food processor or blender before adding it to the sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If your sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them well before using to prevent the sauce from becoming too oily. If using dry-packed tomatoes, rehydrate them in hot water for a few minutes.
Garlic: Mince the garlic finely and cook it just until fragrant to avoid burning it, which can make it taste bitter.
Heavy Cream Substitute: If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream. The sauce will be less rich but still delicious.
Season Gradually: Taste the sauce before adding salt, as some ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan can be quite salty. Season gradually to avoid over-salting.
Rest the Chicken: After cooking the chicken breasts, let them rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps retain their juices and keeps the meat tender.
Mix Gently: When combining the pasta with the sauce and chicken, mix gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cottage Cheese is flavorful, perfectly cooked, and irresistibly delicious!
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, you can use ricotta or cream cheese, but the nutritional profile and texture will be different.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when cooking the chicken for a spicy kick.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cottage Cheese
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces penne or any pasta of your choice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach roughly chopped
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: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.
- Cook the Pasta: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.
- Prepare the Sauce: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.
- Combine Ingredients: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.
- Assemble the Pasta: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.
- Serve: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!
Notes
- Chicken: For extra flavor, marinate the chicken breasts in Italian seasoning and olive oil for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Pasta: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you prefer a healthier or dietary-specific option.
- Creaminess: If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can blend the cottage cheese before adding it to the skillet.