This Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delightful and healthy weeknight meal that brings Italian flavors to your table with ease. Perfect for busy nights, you can whip up this dish in the Instant Pot, Crockpot, or on the stove. With updated 2025 Points included, this recipe meets the needs of anyone looking to enjoy a nutritious and satisfying dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 28 minutes from prep to plate, making it perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Flavorful Experience: A blend of sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and fresh basil creates a deliciously rich flavor profile that everyone will enjoy.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with lean chicken breast and whole wheat pasta, this dish is both filling and nutritious without compromising taste.
- Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer using an Instant Pot, Crockpot, or stovetop, this recipe adapts easily to your cooking style.
- Family-Friendly: With its creamy texture and vibrant flavors, it’s a meal that even picky eaters will love.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools is essential. Below are some key items you’ll need to prepare this delicious dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Instant Pot or Crockpot
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Mixing bowl
Importance of Each Tool
- Instant Pot: Speeds up the cooking process while keeping your chicken tender and juicy.
- Large pot: Essential for boiling the pasta evenly without overcrowding.
- Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for chopping ingredients safely and efficiently.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (without oil, or you can use halved grape tomatoes)
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Main Dish
- 2 lbs chicken breast (diced into 1-inch cubes)
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth (fat free; use only 1 cup for Crockpot method)
For Creaminess
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt (fat-free plain)
- ¾ cup cottage cheese (fat-free)
For Freshness
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 2 tbsp fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)
For Topping
- ⅔ cup parmesan cheese (grated, fat free)
How to Make Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Dice the chicken breast into 1-inch cubes.
- Mince the garlic if not pre-minced.
- Measure out all herbs and spices.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot of boiling water, add whole wheat pasta.
- Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- For Instant Pot:
- Add diced chicken, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and chicken broth to the pot.
Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
For Crockpot:
- Combine diced chicken with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and only 1 cup of chicken broth.
- Cook on low for about 6-7 hours or high for about 3-4 hours.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Once cooked, stir in Greek yogurt and cottage cheese until well combined.
- Add cooked pasta to the mixture along with baby spinach and fresh basil.
- Mix gently until spinach wilts slightly.
Step 5: Serve
- Top with grated parmesan cheese before serving for an extra touch of flavor.
Enjoy your hearty Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta! This dish is sure to become a family favorite with its delicious taste and healthy ingredients.
How to Serve Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Serving Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta can be both creative and delicious. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes that enhance its flavor and presentation.
Add Fresh Vegetables
- Roasted Asparagus: Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, and roast until tender.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steam for a bright green side that adds crunch.
Garnish with Fresh Herbs
- Chopped Basil: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil on top for a burst of flavor.
- Parmesan Shavings: Add a little extra grated parmesan cheese for richness.
Serve with a Side Salad
- Mixed Greens Salad: Toss together arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
- Caesar Salad: Use a light dressing and whole grain croutons for added texture.
How to Perfect Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Perfecting your Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure it comes out great every time.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh vegetables and herbs will elevate the flavors significantly.
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: Aim for pasta that is firm to the bite. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go. Feel free to add more garlic or seasoning based on your preference.
- Incorporate Broth Gradually: When cooking in the Crockpot, add broth bit by bit to control consistency.
Best Side Dishes for Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Pairing side dishes with your Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Toast whole wheat bread with garlic butter for a crunchy side.
- Caprese Salad: Combine fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic vinegar.
- Quinoa Salad: Mix cooked quinoa with cucumber, bell peppers, and a lemon vinaigrette for freshness.
- Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini tossed lightly in olive oil makes for a low-carb option.
- Stuffed Bell Peppers: Fill colorful bell peppers with leftover pasta or grains for an attractive presentation.
- Cucumber Raita: A refreshing yogurt-based dip that cools down the palate alongside the pasta dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta, it’s crucial to avoid some common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.
- Skipping the sun-dried tomatoes: These add a rich, tangy flavor. Use halved grape tomatoes if you can’t find them.
- Not measuring ingredients accurately: Precision is key in cooking. Use measuring cups and spoons to ensure the right balance of flavors.
- Overcooking the chicken: This can lead to dry meat. Cook chicken just until no longer pink for juiciness.
- Ignoring the pasta cooking instructions: Whole wheat pasta may need different cooking times. Follow package directions for best results.
- Forgetting about seasoning adjustments: Taste as you go! You may need more or less seasoning based on personal preference.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Let it cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezing Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
Reheating Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes.
- Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute with gluten-free pasta or any preferred variety. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How can I customize my Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta?
Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish stores well, making it perfect for meal prepping throughout the week.
Can I make Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables make excellent sides that complement the pasta nicely.
Final Thoughts
Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delightful and versatile dish perfect for busy weeknights. With its creamy texture and vibrant flavors, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Feel free to customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins. Try this recipe today for a satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious!
Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Enjoy a flavorful Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta that’s easy to prepare! Try this healthy dinner recipe tonight for a satisfying meal.
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (or halved grape tomatoes)
- 1 tbsp garlic (minced)
- 3 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 2 lbs chicken breast (diced)
- 12 oz whole wheat pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth (fat-free)
- ¾ cup Greek yogurt (fat-free)
- ¾ cup cottage cheese (fat-free)
- 2 cups baby spinach
- ⅔ cup grated parmesan cheese (fat-free)
Instructions
- Dice chicken breast into 1-inch cubes and mince the garlic.
- Boil water in a large pot; add whole wheat pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- For Instant Pot: Combine chicken, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and chicken broth in the pot. Seal lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- For Crockpot: Mix chicken with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and only 1 cup of chicken broth. Cook on low for about 6-7 hours or high for about 3-4 hours.
- Stir in Greek yogurt and cottage cheese once cooked. Add cooked pasta, baby spinach, and fresh basil; mix gently until spinach wilts slightly.
- Serve topped with grated parmesan cheese.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Instant Pot, Crockpot, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg