Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a luxurious and comforting dish, packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a perfect one-pan meal that’s quick to make but fancy enough to serve for special occasions. The flavors of garlic, Parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes blend together beautifully to create a delicious pasta dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced or pounded flat)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz penne or fettuccine (or pasta of choice)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil, drained and chopped)
• 2 cups fresh spinach (roughly chopped)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest. Slice into strips once slightly cooled.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In the same skillet you used to cook the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
3. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, and let it melt into the sauce. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.

Step 4: Combine the Pasta and Chicken

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
2. Add the sliced chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything together. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.

Step 5: Serve

1. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley or basil, extra Parmesan, and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.
2. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, flavorful pasta dish!

Cook Notes

• Chicken: You can use boneless chicken thighs for a juicier option, or even leftover rotisserie chicken to make this recipe even quicker.
• Pasta Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta water, as it helps loosen the sauce and make it cling to the pasta better.
• Additions: You can add mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even artichoke hearts for extra flavor and texture.

Variations

• Keto Version: Replace the pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a low-carb version.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and add more veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version of the sauce. The sauce may be slightly less rich, but it will still taste delicious.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can make it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Can I freeze creamy Tuscan chicken pasta?

Creamy sauces don’t freeze well as they tend to separate when thawed. However, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately, then make the sauce fresh when reheating.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne, fettuccine, or farfalle (bowtie) pasta works well with this dish, but feel free to use your favorite type of pasta.

What can I serve with creamy Tuscan chicken pasta?

This dish is rich and filling on its own, but it pairs nicely with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and rich flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. This dish is easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Customize it to your liking and enjoy this restaurant-worthy meal at home!