Craving something rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress? This creamy tuscan chicken pasta recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. Imagine tender chicken, sautéed garlic, sun dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach all swirled together in a decadent, Parmesan-infused cream sauce. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, bringing the irresistible flavors of Italy right into your kitchen without the need for a passport.
Perfect for weeknights and ready in about 30 minutes or a cozy weekend meal, this dish combines elegance with simplicity. Let’s dive in!
Why This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Will Be Your New Go To
- Dinner in a Flash: It’s quick enough for busy weeknights, yet indulgent enough for special occasions.
- Irresistibly Creamy: The luscious, velvety sauce hugs each bite of pasta, bursting with rich, savory flavors.
- Easy to Customize: Want to make it lighter? Add more veggies? Or kick up the spice? No problem this recipe adapts to your needs.
- Minimal Cleanup: A one-pan wonder that won’t leave your sink piled high with dishes.
The Ingredients You’ll Need- Simple but Flavorful
- Simple yet flavorful ingredients for preparing Tuscan Chicken Pasta, featuring fresh chicken breasts, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta.
What makes this dish stand out is how a few simple ingredients create something magical:
- 2 Chicken Breasts (boneless, skinless): Tender, juicy chicken forms the heart of the dish.
- 12 oz Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini): Choose your favorite! I love using penne for that perfect sauce to pasta ratio.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: For that silky, luxurious sauce we all dream of.
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated): The secret ingredient for a deep, savory flavor.
- ½ cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (in oil, drained): These add a punch of tangy, concentrated flavor that elevates the dish.
- 4 Garlic Cloves (minced): Because what’s an Italian dish without garlic?
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach: For a pop of color and nutrients.
- 1 cup Chicken Broth: Helps create the base of the creamy sauce.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil: For perfectly charring the chicken to a golden brown.
- Salt, Pepper & Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adjust to taste seasoning is key.
Also Read: Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Delight | The Ultimate Guide
Step by Step Guide to Tuscan Chicken Pasta Perfection
Let’s demonstrate how to prepare this delectable dinner in a few simple steps.
Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and cooked through. Once done, drain and set aside.
Pro Tip: Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper. In a big skillet, warmth the olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until beautifully golden and fully cooked. Once done, remove from the skillet, let it rest, then slice into thin strips.
Bonus Tip: Searing locks in the juices and adds a crispy, flavorful crust to the chicken.
Make the Dreamy Cream Sauce
- Dreamy cream sauce in the making, perfect for pairing with pasta or your favorite dish.
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it out you want those flavor bits), add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Include the chicken broth to the pan, stirring to unwind any burnt bits from the bottom, which will elevate the overall flavor of the dish.
Now, gradually add the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in sun dried tomatoes and let the sauce simmer for about 3-4 minutes. You’ll notice it starts to thicken and get creamy.
Add Spinach and Parmesan
Add the fresh spinach and toss, stirring to wilt. Next, add in that freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce, making it thick and irresistibly creamy.
Bring It All Together
Now for the exciting part combining all the elements! Include the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss it in the creamy sauce until everything is well coated. Then layer in those slices of perfectly cooked chicken. Toss until every bite of pasta is coated in the delicious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, just splash in a little reserved pasta water until it’s just right.
Garnish and Serve
Add red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper for seasoning (if you like a bit of spice). Garnish with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately and watch as everyone swoons over this restaurant-quality meal.
- Flawless Tuscan chicken pasta paired with a glass of white wine, perfect for an elegant dinner setting.
Insider Tips for a Flawless Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Don’t Skimp on the Garlic: Garlic adds an essential layer of flavor, so feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you’d rather have a thinner sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk. It’ll still be delicious!
- Pasta Water Magic: Keep some pasta water handy! It’s the key to loosening the sauce without diluting the flavors.
- Add Extra Veggies: Want more greens? Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers for a heartier dish.
- Make it Spicy: The perfect amount of spice is added with a dash of red pepper flakes to counterbalance the creamy richness.
Conclusion
This creamy tuscan chicken pasta hits all the right notes—rich, savory, and just a little indulgent. Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining guests, or just treating yourself, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The combination of tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach wrapped in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce will make everyone want to eat more.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you can use any pasta you like! Penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose.
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk. However, the sauce may be slightly less creamy and thick.
Yes, you can make it ahead! Store the pasta and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or milk to help revive the creaminess of the sauce.
You can add spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or even mushrooms to enhance the flavors. Fresh spinach wilts quickly, so add it towards the end of cooking.
To make it gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta. Ensure that any other ingredients like chicken broth or seasoning are also gluten-free.
