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📝 Introduction

This dish brings the rich, comforting flavors of Tuscany right to your table. Juicy chicken bites are pan-seared and smothered in a creamy, cheesy garlic sauce, infused with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Paired with tender rotini pasta tossed in the same luscious sauce, this meal is indulgent, easy to prepare, and guaranteed to impress.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Bites:

• 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Optional: Red pepper flakes (for heat)

For the Sun-Dried Tomato Rotini:

• 12 oz (340g) rotini pasta
• Salt for pasta water
• 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
• 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (to loosen sauce if needed)

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🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add rotini and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain pasta and set aside.
4. Toss with 1 tablespoon of butter (optional) to prevent sticking.

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Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.
3. Add chicken to the skillet and sear until golden brown and fully cooked (about 6–8 minutes).
4. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Cheesy Tuscan Sauce

1. In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the skillet.
4. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, then stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
5. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
6. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the cheesy sauce.
7. Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

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Step 4: Combine with Pasta

1. Add the cooked rotini to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated.
2. If the sauce is too thick, loosen with reserved pasta water.
3. Simmer for 1–2 minutes until everything is heated through and the flavors are combined.

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🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil or parsley.
• Serve with crusty garlic bread or a simple green salad.

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🔁 Method Summary (Quick Reference)

1. Boil pasta → drain and set aside.
2. Sear chicken → remove and rest.
3. Make sauce with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, cream, and cheese.
4. Combine chicken and pasta into sauce.
5. Serve hot, optionally garnish.

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