Zesty Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cottage Cheese Recipe

Crafting a delightful Tuscan chicken pasta with cottage cheese brings unexpected comfort to your dinner table.

Creamy textures and robust flavors dance together in this simple yet impressive dish.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

cottage cheese adds a surprising protein boost and silky consistency to the classic recipe.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with these straightforward ingredients and minimal preparation time.

Home cooks can easily master this technique, transforming ordinary pasta into something extraordinary.

You’ll love how quickly this meal comes together, promising satisfaction in every delicious bite.

FAQs

• Why use cottage cheese in this recipe?

Cottage cheese adds a creamy, protein-rich texture to the sauce without making it too heavy. It provides a lighter alternative to traditional cream sauces while boosting the dish’s nutritional value.

• Can I make this recipe without sun-dried tomatoes?

Yes, you can substitute with fresh cherry tomatoes or skip them entirely. The dish will still have plenty of flavor from the garlic, herbs, and other ingredients.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

This Tuscan chicken pasta is relatively balanced, offering protein from chicken and cottage cheese, nutrients from spinach, and complex carbohydrates from pasta. It’s a moderate-calorie meal with good nutritional benefits.

• How spicy is this dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that’s not overwhelming. You can adjust the amount to suit your spice preference or omit them completely for a milder flavor profile.

Why Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cottage Cheese Stands Out

• This Tuscan chicken pasta delivers rich, velvety sauce that wraps around pasta and chicken with incredible flavor complexity.
• Prepare this restaurant-worthy meal using just one skillet, reducing cleanup and making the entire cooking process super straightforward and beginner-friendly.
• Featuring tender chicken and protein-rich cottage cheese, this dish provides a satisfying and nutritious meal that keeps you full and energized throughout the day.
• Requiring minimal ingredients and cooking steps, this recipe transforms into a delicious dinner solution that's perfect for busy families seeking a fast, gourmet-style meal without extensive preparation.

What Goes Into Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cottage Cheese

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish.

• Pasta: Hearty base that carries the creamy sauce.

• Cottage Cheese, Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy elements that create rich sauce texture.

• Italian Seasoning, Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance overall flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy kick for heat lovers.

• Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach: Adds freshness and depth to the pasta.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking surface and subtle flavor.

• Fresh Basil, Fresh Parsley: Optional fresh herb topping for added aroma.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cottage Cheese

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat a large skillet over medium-high.

• Italian seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Cook each side for 6-7 minutes until fully done.

Remove and let rest briefly.

Slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Fill a pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil.

Cook pasta following package directions until perfectly al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add olive oil over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and cook until aromatic.

Introduce sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Cottage cheese
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Stir continuously until mixture warms and slightly thickens.

Fold in spinach and cook until wilted.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Marry the Components

Incorporate cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce.

Toss thoroughly ensuring even coating.

Warm everything together for 2-3 minutes.

Step 6: Present the Dish

Transfer to serving plates.

Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese.

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.

Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Smart Tips for Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cottage Cheese

• Cut chicken into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and better sauce distribution throughout the pasta.
• Gently warm cottage cheese before adding to the sauce to prevent clumping and create a creamier texture.
• Add spinach last and cook briefly to maintain its vibrant green color and prevent overcooking, preserving nutrients and fresh flavor.
• Customize red pepper flakes quantity based on personal heat preference, adding gradually to achieve desired spiciness without overwhelming the dish.
• Cook pasta just until al dente, as it will continue absorbing sauce when mixed, preventing mushy or overcooked noodles.

Saving and Reheating Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cottage Cheese

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate chicken, pasta, and sauce if possible to maintain better texture.
• Seal in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if using fresh spinach.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently and consistently until heated evenly.

Sides for Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cottage Cheese

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose crisp, medium-bodied white wines like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay that complement the creamy sauce and cut through the richness.
• Craft Herbal Beverage Companion: Prepare fresh basil-infused iced tea or sparkling water with rosemary to match the Italian seasoning and enhance the dish's herbaceous notes.
• Perfect Side Salad Match: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and shaved Parmesan to balance the pasta's creamy texture and provide a refreshing contrast.
• Texture-Enhancing Bread Option: Serve warm garlic focaccia or crusty Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy element to the meal.

Creative Spins on Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cottage Cheese

• Gluten-Free Variation: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free to accommodate those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
• Low-Carb Keto Version: Swap pasta for spiralized vegetables like spaghetti squash or cauliflower rice, using full-fat cream and increasing chicken portion to match keto macronutrient requirements.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute cottage cheese with silken tofu or cashew cream, use coconut milk instead of heavy cream, and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for those with dairy restrictions.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like grilled firm tofu, tempeh, or white beans, maintaining the rich Tuscan-inspired flavor profile while creating a meat-free meal.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cottage Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Tuscan chicken pasta blends Italian comfort with protein-packed cottage cheese for a luxurious dinner. Rich herbs, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes create a Mediterranean-inspired meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Produce and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Cooking Liquids and Pasta:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne or any pasta of your choice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Sear chicken breasts seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic powder in a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until thoroughly cooked and golden brown. Remove from pan and slice into thin strips.
2. Simultaneously, boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and reserve.
3. Using the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until aromatic. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for additional 2-3 minutes.
4. Lower heat and incorporate cottage cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously until sauce thickens slightly, approximately 3-4 minutes.
5. Fold in fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Season sauce with salt and pepper to enhance flavors.
6. Introduce sliced chicken and cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating. Warm through for 2-3 minutes.
7. Plate the pasta, garnishing with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, creamy Tuscan-inspired dish.

Notes

• Switch cottage cheese for a silky, creamy sauce by blending it until completely smooth before adding to the skillet for a more uniform texture.
• Reduce carbohydrate intake by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version of this dish.
• Create a dairy-free alternative by using cashew cream or coconut milk instead of heavy cream and cottage cheese, maintaining the rich, luxurious sauce profile.
• Elevate protein content by incorporating additional lean protein sources like white beans or grilled shrimp alongside the chicken for a more nutritionally balanced meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 575
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg