If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a plate, this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is just what you need. Creamy, flavorful, and loaded with vibrant ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and tender chicken, it brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen. It’s one of those meals that’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company, offering a perfect balance of richness, freshness, and comforting carbs. Once you try this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe, it’s bound to become a beloved staple in your cooking rotation!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe shines because of its straightforward but thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each item plays a special role, from the tender chicken that adds protein to the sun-dried tomatoes lending a sweet tang and deep color. The creamy sauce envelops everything in luscious flavor, while fresh spinach gives it a fresh, green pop that’s as lovely to look at as it is to eat.
- Olive oil: Use good quality olive oil for a subtle fruity base in cooking the chicken and garlic.
- Chicken breasts: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and even flavor absorption.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings the classic Tuscan herb profile.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic infuses the sauce with its irresistible aroma.
- Heavy cream: Creates that silky, dreamy sauce that makes pasta feel indulgent.
- Chicken broth: Lightens the cream slightly and adds depth to the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Chopped finely to fold in bursts of concentrated tomato flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for melting into the sauce and bringing a savory sharpness.
- Penne or fettuccine pasta: Choose your favorite shape to carry the sauce perfectly.
- Fresh spinach leaves: Adds a nutritious, vibrant green layer and a mild, earthy flavor.
- Fresh basil: Chopped and sprinkled at the end for a fragrant, fresh finish.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water—this is your secret for perfectly seasoned pasta. Cook the penne or fettuccine according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, then drain it well. Setting the pasta aside here allows you to focus on building the sauce without overcooking those tender noodles.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil until shimmering. Season the thin slices of chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning—this seasoning layer is key to building the Tuscan flavor foundation. Cook the chicken over medium heat until it’s golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest, keeping all those delicious juices reserved in the pan.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Use the same skillet to prevent washing away any flavor. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant—it will release an irresistible aroma. Then, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to meld all the flavors together. Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and let the sauce slowly simmer, allowing the sauce to thicken just right and soak up that sweet, concentrated tomato taste.
Step 4: Add the Parmesan and Spinach
Now it’s time to add freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir the cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a velvety texture that clings beautifully to every bite. Then toss in the fresh spinach leaves, cooking for 2-3 minutes just until they wilt gently—this adds freshness and a vibrant color contrast that’s absolutely mouthwatering.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta and Chicken
Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it thoroughly until every piece is coated generously with that heavenly creamy sauce. Slice the rested chicken and fold it back in with the pasta. This step pulls everything together and ensures that every forkful bursts with tasty harmony.
Step 6: Serve
Garnish the dish with chopped fresh basil leaves for an aromatic finish and a pop of green that brightens the plate instantly. Serve your Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe hot alongside your favorite sides or simply enjoy it all on its own. This dish is truly a celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary.
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Besides fresh basil, consider adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few cracked black peppercorns for visual appeal and a little extra zing. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the finished dish can also add a lovely gloss and richness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette also makes a fantastic side, perfect for sopping up every bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a basil sprig and a delicate drizzle of balsamic glaze for a touch of elegance. Alternatively, plating the pasta on rustic wooden boards with a side of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs can create a charming Tuscan-inspired vibe everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover Tuscan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a perfect next-day lunch or quick dinner makeover.
Freezing
This recipe freezes okay, although the texture of the spinach may change slightly. If you want to freeze leftovers, store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat the pasta slowly over low heat on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir gently to avoid breaking up the chicken or overcooking the spinach.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or fettuccine work beautifully, feel free to swap in rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti depending on your pantry and preference. The creamy sauce is quite versatile and clings well to many shapes.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure to check that your chicken broth and other ingredients are gluten-free as well to keep the dish safe for gluten sensitivities.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs will add a bit more richness and juiciness to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are fully cooked, and slice them thinly as with the breasts.
How can I make this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe lighter?
Try swapping the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese to reduce fat content. You can also cut back on the cheese slightly or increase the amount of spinach to add more veggies and volume.
Can I prepare any part of this dish in advance?
You can cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, simply make the sauce fresh and combine everything together for the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate, with rich creaminess and fresh, vibrant flavors that come together effortlessly. It’s one of those recipes that’s simple to make yet absolutely memorable to eat. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, this dish promises comfort and joy every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and find your own love for this Tuscan classic!
Print
Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta recipe combines tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a rich, flavorful sauce served over perfectly cooked pasta. A comforting and elegant Italian-inspired dish that comes together in under 45 minutes, perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Greens
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to be combined later with the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth while stirring to combine. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Parmesan and Spinach: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce slightly. Add the fresh spinach leaves and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and integrates into the sauce.
- Combine with Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it well to coat with the creamy sauce. Slice the cooked chicken breasts and fold them back into the skillet, mixing everything together evenly.
- Serve: Garnish the Tuscan chicken pasta with freshly chopped basil and serve hot for a delicious, hearty meal.
Notes
- For a lighter option, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though sauce will be less rich.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free if needed.
- Sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil can add extra richness; drain if using dry-packed.
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Fresh spinach is best for a vibrant color and taste; baby spinach can be substituted.
