Get ready to meet your next weeknight obsession: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. This dish is a bowlful of cozy, vibrant flavors—think tender golden chicken, lush sun-dried tomatoes, and a luxuriously creamy sauce clinging to every strand of pasta. Each bite bursts with Italian-inspired goodness, courtesy of a combination of Parmesan, baby spinach, and plenty of garlic. It’s a feast for the senses that’s both heartwarming and downright stunning on your plate. Whether you’re gathering the family or hosting friends, this recipe is about to become your go-to comfort food with a fresh, bold twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
There’s magic in simplicity, and every ingredient in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is thoughtfully chosen to bring out maximum flavor and color. Each one plays a special part, from silky cream to punchy sun-dried tomatoes, striking that perfect balance of richness, savoriness, and fresh vibrancy.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, thinly sliced for fast, even cooking and succulent texture.
- Olive oil: The classic base for sautéing, adding richness right from the start.
- Italian seasoning: A magical blend of herbs that delivers instant Mediterranean flair.
- Salt: Essential for elevating every ingredient’s natural flavor.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle, savory warmth that ties everything together.
- Garlic: Plenty of minced cloves to infuse the sauce and chicken with irresistibly savory aroma.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped and bold, providing tangy depth and a pop of color.
- Baby spinach: Chopped for even distribution; it wilts into creamy pockets of green goodness.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, silky sauce that clings to every noodle.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is best, lending the sauce a salty, nutty finish.
- Pasta (penne or fettuccine): Choose your favorite shape—they all catch sauce beautifully!
- Reserved pasta water: A starchy hero for adjusting sauce consistency while boosting silkiness.
- Fresh basil (optional): Chopped for garnishing, adding a fragrant, leafy finish to your creation.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your penne or fettuccine until perfectly al dente. Be sure to reserve half a cup of the starchy cooking water before draining—this trick is key for pulling the sauce together later and giving it that signature creamy cling.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
As the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high. Generously season your chicken with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper, then lay the slices in a single layer. Sear for 5 to 7 minutes, turning once, until golden and just cooked through. Remove the chicken to a plate—those browned bits left in the pan will be pure gold for your sauce.
Step 3: Build the Flavor Base
Turn the heat down to medium, then add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes directly into the skillet. Let them sizzle and release their aromas for about 1 to 2 minutes. This step transforms simple ingredients into a deeply savory, slightly tangy base—your house will smell amazing!
Step 4: Wilt the Spinach
Stir in your chopped baby spinach and let it cook just until wilted. The emerald green leaves add freshness and a welcome touch of nutrition, balancing out the richness of the sauce still to come.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a luxuriously smooth sauce. Adjust the consistency with a splash of reserved pasta water if it seems too thick—you want a glossy, pourable texture that hugs the pasta.
Step 6: Finish and Combine
Add your drained pasta and golden chicken straight into the sauce. Toss well so every piece is generously coated, adding more reserved water as needed. Let everything simmer together for a final 2 to 3 minutes, letting flavors mingle and the sauce thicken just right. Finish with a flurry of chopped fresh basil if you’re feeling fancy, and serve the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta piping hot.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A final sprinkle of freshly chopped basil is classic, but you could also add extra grated Parmesan, cracked black pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. The vibrant herbs and finishing touches make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta as pretty as it is irresistible.
Side Dishes
This dish is a showstopper all on its own, but for a complete Italian-style meal, serve it alongside crisp garlic bread, a mixed green salad with vinaigrette, or simple roasted asparagus. Each side brings a contrasting texture or pop of freshness to balance out the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn every dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience by serving your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta in shallow bowls for maximum sauce exposure, or twirl your pasta high for some serious wow factor. For parties, try ladling it into mini ramekins for an appetizer twist, or serve family-style in a big platter so everyone can dig in and help themselves.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors continue to mingle and meld, making those next-day bites extra satisfying. Just be sure to let it cool completely before sealing to preserve the best texture.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to two months. If possible, hold off on adding fresh basil until after reheating to keep its vibrant flavor. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to help restore the sauce’s silky texture. Stir occasionally during warming and taste for seasoning, adding extra Parmesan or a little salt if needed to bring the flavors back to life.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, bringing even more richness and juiciness. Just slice them thin as you would the breasts and cook until fully done.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
For a lighter version, swap in half-and-half or even whole milk for the heavy cream. The sauce will still be creamy but with a little less decadence (and a few fewer calories).
What type Main Course
Penne and fettuccine both shine here, but don’t be shy about trying rigatoni, linguine, or even short shapes like rotini. The key is choosing a noodle that holds up to the sauce and captures all those flavorful bits.
Can I make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
You sure can! Prepare everything as directed (but leave out the basil until just before serving), then cool and store. When you’re ready to serve, reheat gently and freshen up with a splash of cream and the basil garnish.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, try halved cherry tomatoes sautéed until blistered, or even roasted red peppers for a little sweetness and color punch.
Final Thoughts
Give this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta a spot on your dinner table and just watch it disappear! There’s an undeniable joy in sharing something so hearty, comforting, and fresh with people you love. Go ahead—whip it up, savor every bite, and let it become your new favorite Italian-inspired fix.
Print
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a decadent and flavorful dish with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe. Tender chicken slices, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach are coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thin)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 2 cups baby spinach (chopped)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Chopped fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve pasta water, drain, and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Season and cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
- Make Sauce: Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, add spinach, cream, and Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Simmer to heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with basil and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version.
- Add red pepper flakes for heat or mushrooms for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 470mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
