Tuscan Chicken Cottage Cheese Pasta (Print)
Smooth Italian-style noodles featuring juicy chicken, oil-packed tomatoes and wilted greens in a rich cottage cheese mixture.
# Ingredients:
→ For the Chicken
01 -
2 chicken breasts without skin or bones
02 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
03 -
1 teaspoon Italian herbs mix
04 -
½ teaspoon powdered garlic
05 -
Salt and pepper as needed
→ For the Pasta
06 -
225g pasta (penne or your favorite kind)
07 -
1 tablespoon olive oil
08 -
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
09 -
1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
10 -
2 cups spinach leaves, roughly cut
11 -
1 cup cottage cheese
12 -
½ cup heavy cream
13 -
¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
14 -
1 teaspoon Italian herbs mix
15 -
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if you want spice)
16 -
Salt and pepper as needed
# Steps:
01 -
Warm up a big skillet on medium-high and pour in 1 tablespoon olive oil. Rub the chicken with Italian herbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Fry chicken about 6-7 minutes on each side until it's cooked through with no pink parts. Take it off the heat, let it sit briefly, then cut into strips or small chunks.
02 -
While your chicken cooks, get a big pot of salty water boiling. Cook your pasta following the box directions until it's tender but still firm. Drain and put aside.
03 -
Using the same pan from the chicken, add 1 tablespoon olive oil on medium heat. Toss in the chopped garlic and let it cook for a minute until you can smell it. Add your sun-dried tomatoes and cook them for another 2-3 minutes.
04 -
Turn down the heat and add cottage cheese, heavy cream, Parmesan, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if you want some kick. Stir everything well and cook until it's hot and slightly thick, around 3-4 minutes. Throw in the spinach and cook till it wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Add salt and pepper to match your taste.
05 -
Add your cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the pan, mixing so everything gets covered in sauce. Let it all warm up together for 2-3 minutes.
06 -
Scoop the pasta onto plates or a big serving dish. Top with extra Parmesan and some fresh basil or parsley if you'd like. Eat while it's hot!
# Additional Notes:
01 -
For tastier chicken, soak it in Italian herbs and olive oil for at least half an hour before cooking.
02 -
Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if you want something healthier or can't eat regular pasta.
03 -
If you like smooth sauce, blend the cottage cheese first before adding it to your pan.