Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a restaurant-style dish that feels luxurious while remaining surprisingly easy to make at home. Tender chicken, a velvety cream sauce, and bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors come together to create a meal that is both comforting and impressive. It is the kind of dish that works equally well for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
What makes this recipe especially appealing is the balance of flavors. The creaminess of the sauce is offset by savory garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and a touch of herbs, ensuring the dish never feels heavy. I tested this recipe with different pasta shapes and found it consistently delivers a rich, satisfying result every time. If you enjoy creamy pasta dishes with depth and elegance, this Tuscan chicken pasta is a recipe you will return to often.
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta – Rich, Comforting, and Full of Flavor
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A rich and creamy Tuscan-style pasta made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan in a luscious garlic cream sauce.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth; bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Return chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until heated through and creamy.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Add mushrooms for more depth of flavor.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts
Chicken breasts provide lean protein and remain tender when cooked properly. Sliced evenly, they cook quickly and absorb the sauce beautifully.
Pasta
Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work best, as their shape holds the creamy sauce well.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the chicken and build the flavor base.
Butter
Butter adds richness and depth to the sauce.
Garlic
Garlic adds warmth and aroma, enhancing the Tuscan-inspired flavors.
Sun-dried tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes provide tangy sweetness and bold flavor that defines the dish.
Heavy cream
Heavy cream creates the smooth, luxurious texture of the sauce.
Chicken broth
Chicken broth balances the richness of the cream and adds savory depth.
Parmesan cheese
Parmesan adds saltiness and umami, thickening the sauce naturally.
Spinach
Spinach adds color, freshness, and lightness to the dish.
Italian seasoning
Italian seasoning enhances the sauce with a blend of complementary herbs.
Salt
Salt balances and sharpens all the flavors.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds subtle warmth and contrast.
Directions
Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, then cook until golden on both sides and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the garlic. Cook briefly until fragrant, then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for a few minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
Reduce the heat and add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth. Add the spinach and cook just until wilted.
Return the chicken to the skillet, followed by the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed and serve immediately.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 minutes. Total time required is roughly 40 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is easy to customize. For a lighter version, replace part of the heavy cream with half-and-half. If you prefer extra richness, a small amount of cream cheese can be stirred into the sauce.
Shrimp can be substituted for chicken for a seafood twist, or mushrooms can be added for a vegetarian-friendly option. Red pepper flakes provide gentle heat for those who enjoy a bit of spice.
Different greens such as kale can replace spinach, though they may require a slightly longer cooking time. These small adjustments allow you to tailor the recipe while keeping its signature Tuscan character.
FAQs
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine hold the sauce very well.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes, boneless thighs work well and add extra juiciness.
Is this dish very rich?
It is creamy but balanced by broth and vegetables.
Can I make it ahead of time?
It is best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well.
Can I freeze this pasta?
Freezing is not recommended due to the cream sauce.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Simmer slightly longer or add more Parmesan cheese.
Can I add vegetables?
Mushrooms, zucchini, or asparagus are great additions.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and creamy.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner.
What pairs well with this pasta?
Garlic bread or a simple green salad pairs nicely.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a comforting yet elegant dish that brings together tender chicken, rich sauce, and bold Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Easy enough for busy evenings and impressive enough for guests, it is a dependable recipe that delivers both flavor and satisfaction. This is a pasta dish that feels indulgent without being complicated and deserves a regular spot in your meal rotation.
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