Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe combines tender chicken, luscious creamy sauce, vibrant spinach, sun-dried tomatoes bursting with flavor, and perfectly cooked pasta, all mingling together for an irresistible meal. It’s the kind of dish that’s both comforting and elegantly rustic, perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the right ingredients is key, and this recipe shines because it uses simple, wholesome elements that each bring something special to the table—whether it’s flavor, texture, or that pop of color that makes the dish so inviting.

• 8 oz pasta of choice: Pick your favorite pasta shape; it holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced: Provides lean protein and tender bites that soak in the sauce.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all other flavors.
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds a silky smoothness when sautéing garlic and building the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Brings aromatic depth and a slight kick.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Juicy bursts that balance richness with a hint of acidity.
• 2 cups spinach: Offers vibrant color and a lightly earthy flavor that wilts perfectly into the sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: The base of the luscious, velvety sauce that makes this pasta dreamy.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory dimension and melts beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Concentrated tomato sweetness with a chewy texture to elevate the dish.
• Extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish: To finish with a burst of aroma and extra flavor.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your chosen pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This is important because you want the pasta to have a slight bite that holds up when tossed in the rich sauce later. Once done, drain it and set it aside while you prepare the rest.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breast with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. Cook the chicken until it becomes golden brown and is no longer pink in the center. This step ensures juicy, flavorful chicken pieces to complement the creamy sauce. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set it aside for now.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

Using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it just until fragrant, about one minute. This gentle cooking releases the garlic’s aroma without burning it, which is key for that warm Tuscan flavor foundation.

Step 4: Add the Cherry Tomatoes

Throw in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook them down until they soften and start releasing their juice. Their sweet acidity cuts through the richness and brings freshness to the dish.

Step 5: Wilt the Spinach

Next, stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until just wilted. Spinach adds a beautiful green hue and contributes a subtle earthiness that complements the creamy sauce elegantly.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, and stir continuously. Watch as the sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth—this is where the magic happens, creating the luscious base for the pasta and chicken.

Step 7: Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pasta

Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything well to coat the noodles with that dreamy sauce and allow the concentrated tomato flavors to infuse the dish.

Step 8: Return the Chicken and Combine

Return the sautéed chicken back to the skillet, stirring gently to combine all the elements. Let it cook together for a few minutes so the flavors meld into one harmonious, flavorful meal.

Step 9: Serve Hot and Garnish

Serve your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe piping hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves. These final touches add brightness and a slight punch that makes the dish irresistibly inviting.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil are classic choices for garnishing this dish. The cheese melts slightly from the heat of the pasta, adding richness, while the fresh basil introduces a fragrant, herbaceous contrast that lightens the overall flavor profile beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish is already a hearty meal on its own, but if you want to round things out, consider serving it alongside a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. These sides provide a crunchy or fresh counterbalance that complements the creamy pasta perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with a sprig of basil and a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil. You can also sprinkle some toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes to add texture and a touch of heat. Presentation can elevate this cozy dish into a memorable centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a perfect meal prep option for busy days when you still want something delicious and satisfying.

Freezing

This pasta can be frozen, but due to the cream sauce, freezing might slightly change the texture. To freeze, cool the dish completely and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’s best to eat within 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. You can add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving directly without stirring as the cream sauce can separate.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile, so you can use penne, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta shapes. Just cook according to package instructions and toss with the sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use a mixture of cream and milk, though the sauce will be less rich. Reducing the butter slightly also helps lighten the dish without sacrificing too much flavor.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, gently reheat and combine with freshly cooked pasta and chicken for the best results.

What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers or even fresh cherry tomatoes can be a good substitute, though the flavor will be milder. Adding a bit of smoked paprika can mimic some of the sun-dried tomato’s depth.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Definitely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving and remain juicy. Adjust the cooking time slightly until the thighs are cooked through and tender, then proceed with the sauce as usual.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe, it’s hard not to crave it again and again. It brings together simple ingredients to create an indulgently creamy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself to a dinner that feels like a warm embrace.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.3 from 44 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy Parmesan sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and satisfying meal combines Italian-inspired flavors with a creamy texture, making it an ideal weeknight dinner for four.

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Ingredients

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Pasta and Chicken

• 8 oz pasta of choice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Sauce and Vegetables

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Garnish

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain it well and set aside to keep warm.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until the pieces are golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Cook Cherry Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook until they soften and begin to release their juices, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Wilt Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts down, which should take about 2 minutes.
6. Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pasta: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and then add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
8. Combine Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir gently to combine all ingredients. Let cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
9. Garnish and Serve: Serve the dish hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for an added burst of flavor and freshness.

Notes

• You can use any type of pasta you prefer such as penne, fettuccine, or rotini.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative.
• Sun-dried tomatoes add a distinctive tangy sweetness, but you can omit them if unavailable.
• To make it gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian