Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Name: Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (or halved grape tomatoes); 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 3 tablespoons Italian seasoning; 2 lbs diced chicken breast; 12 oz whole wheat pasta; 3 cups fat-free chicken broth (or 1 cup for Crockpot); ¾ cup fat-free Greek yogurt; ¾ cup fat-free cottage cheese; 2 cups baby spinach; ⅔ cup grated fat-free parmesan cheese

Published: July 22, 2025

by Amelia

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 20 minutes of prep time, you can have dinner on the table in no time.
Versatile Cooking Methods: Whether you prefer using a Crockpot, Instant Pot, or stovetop, this recipe adapts to your cooking style.
Flavorful Ingredients: Sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning bring a burst of flavor that elevates your pasta dish.
Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with lean protein and nutritious ingredients like spinach and Greek yogurt, it’s both satisfying and healthy.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week as leftovers or for quick meals.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather a few essential tools before you start. Having the right equipment makes all the difference in preparing this delicious dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Instant Pot or Crockpot
Large pot for boiling pasta
Skillet or pan for sautéing
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Instant Pot: Cooks pasta quickly while infusing flavors from other ingredients—a true time-saver!
Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta evenly without sticking together.
Skillet: Useful for sautéing garlic and blending flavors before combining with pasta.

Ingredients

For the Tuscan Chicken Pasta

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (without oil, or halved grape tomatoes)
1 tbsp garlic (minced)
3 tbsp Italian seasoning
¼ tsp black pepper
2 lbs chicken breast (diced into 1-inch cubes)
12 oz whole wheat pasta
3 cups chicken broth (fat-free; only 1 cup for Crockpot method)
¾ cup Greek yogurt (fat-free plain)
¾ cup cottage cheese (fat-free)
2 cups baby spinach
2 tbsp fresh basil (or 1 tsp dried)
⅔ cup parmesan cheese (grated, fat-free)

How to Make Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Begin by gathering all your ingredients. Dice the chicken breast into small cubes. Mince the garlic if not using pre-minced garlic.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In your chosen cooking method:
1. If using an Instant Pot:
– Set it to sauté mode.
– Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.
– Stir in diced chicken breast until slightly browned.

If using a skillet:
Heat over medium heat.
Add garlic first, then chicken cubes until cooked through.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Once the chicken is cooked:
– Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, black pepper, chicken broth, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, baby spinach, and basil. Mix well to combine all flavors.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

In a separate large pot:
– Bring water to a boil and cook whole wheat pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
– Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Once both components are ready:
– Gently fold the cooked pasta into the chicken mixture until everything is well coated.
– Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta!

How to Serve Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta

This flavorful dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or when entertaining guests. It pairs well with various sides and garnishes that can elevate the meal.

With Fresh Herbs

Basil: Sprinkle fresh basil on top before serving for a burst of flavor.
Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a vibrant touch and enhances the dish’s appearance.

With a Side Salad

Mixed Greens: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the pasta beautifully.
Caesar Salad: For a heartier option, serve with a light Caesar salad dressed with yogurt-based dressing.

With Crusty Bread

Whole Wheat Bread: Serve slices of whole wheat bread warmed to soak up the delicious sauce.
Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread adds an aromatic crunch to your meal.

How to Perfect Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta

To ensure your Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

Bold seasoning: Adjust the amount of Italian seasoning based on your taste preferences for more flavor.
Bold cooking method: Choose your preferred cooking method—Instant Pot, Crockpot, or stovetop—for convenience.
Bold cheese choice: Use fat-free parmesan cheese for a lighter option while retaining that cheesy flavor.
Bold ingredient swaps: Substitute spinach with kale or arugula for different textures and tastes.
Bold broth use: For extra flavor, consider using low-sodium chicken broth instead of water when cooking pasta.

Best Side Dishes for Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Pairing your Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta with the right side dishes can enhance your dining experience. Here are some excellent choices:

Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus in olive oil and roast until tender for a crunchy side.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides fiber and brightens up your plate.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and tomatoes adds protein and texture to your meal.
Zucchini Noodles: Use spiralized zucchini as a low-carb option that complements the pasta well.
Caprese Skewers: Skewered mozzarella balls, cherry tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create an elegant appetizer.
Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad dressed in vinegar makes for a crisp contrast to the warm pasta dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta turn out perfectly.

Using the wrong pasta: Opt for whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. It adds fiber and nutrition, fitting well with Weight Watchers guidelines.
Overcooking the chicken: Cook the chicken just until it’s no longer pink. Overcooking makes it dry and tough, which can ruin the dish.
Skipping the broth: Don’t skip the chicken broth! It adds flavor and moisture to the pasta. Use fat-free broth for a lighter version.
Not letting flavors meld: Allow the dish to rest after cooking. This helps all ingredients combine, enhancing the overall taste.
Ignoring portion control: Be mindful of serving sizes to stay within your Weight Watchers points. Measure portions accurately for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in airtight containers.
Keep in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

Freezing Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
Can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Oven: Heat at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to retain moisture.
Microwave: Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated completely.
Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta.

Can I use other types of protein?

You can substitute chicken with turkey or even lean beef if desired. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How do I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, replace chicken with chickpeas or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What should I serve with Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta?

Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal that complements this delicious pasta dish.

How can I customize this recipe?

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also experiment with different herbs for varied flavors.

Final Thoughts

Weight Watchers Tuscan Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or swapping proteins. Try this recipe for a quick weeknight dinner that’s healthy and satisfying!