If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort and elegance in one skillet, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a must-try. It’s that perfect blend of tender chicken, luscious creamy sauce, vibrant sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all tossed with your favorite pasta. The flavors are rich yet balanced, and it comes together in just about 30 minutes, making it ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal when friends stop by. Trust me, once you make this, it’s going to be a new favorite in your rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, but each one plays a vital role in delivering the taste, texture, and eye-catching colors that make the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
- 8 oz pasta of choice: Pick your favorite; penne, fettuccine, or even bow-tie works beautifully to soak up the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken with a golden, flavorful crust.
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced: Tender and lean protein that makes the dish hearty and satisfying.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps mellow the garlic flavors.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic brings a fragrant warmth and depth to the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Their juicy sweetness contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- 2 cups spinach: Adds a fresh, leafy vibrance and subtle earthiness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the luscious, velvety sauce that coats every bite.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty depth that elevates the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect herb blend that ties all the flavors together.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped: Intensely flavorful and slightly tangy to brighten the dish.
- Extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish: Garnishes that add freshness and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. This ensures it will hold its shape and have the perfect bite when tossed in the sauce. Once done, drain and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your sliced chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Cook them until they develop a golden-brown crust and are cooked through. This step locks in the juices, making your chicken tender and flavorful. Remove from the pan and set aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté just until it becomes fragrant, about a minute. This aroma is the foundation of that luxurious, creamy sauce you’re about to build.
Step 4: Cook the Cherry Tomatoes
Next, add your halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Lightly cook them until they soften and release their natural juices, contributing sweetness and a little texture contrast to the dish.
Step 5: Wilt the Spinach
Add the fresh spinach right into the pan. It will quickly wilt down, adding a fresh green pop and subtle, earthy flavor that balances the richness of the cream.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning into the mixture. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes creamy, smooth, and slightly thickened, ready to coat every ingredient beautifully.
Step 7: Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pasta
Fold in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and your cooked pasta. Toss everything carefully to ensure every forkful gets an even coating of the luscious sauce, with bursts of tangy sun-dried tomato in every bite.
Step 8: Return the Chicken
Finally, add the cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir gently to combine and let everything cook together for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld perfectly.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Serving this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe with a generous sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese and some fresh basil leaves really elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise. The basil adds a bright herbal note that complements the creamy, cheesy sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
This meal is hearty enough to stand on its own, but if you want to add sides, consider a crisp green salad with a light lemon vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to sop up every bit of that decadent sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the colorful ingredients. You can also arrange slices of chicken on top with a sprig of basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan for that restaurant-style look that will impress everyone at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop and meld beautifully after resting, making your next meal equally delicious.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to store the pasta and sauce separately from the chicken to preserve texture. Use freezer-safe containers and keep them for up to 2 months. When thawing, do so overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over low to medium heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir gently until warmed through to maintain that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! This recipe is very versatile. Feel free to use penne, fusilli, linguine, or even gluten-free pasta based on your preferences.
Is it possible to substitute chicken breasts with another protein?
Yes, you can use chicken thighs for a juicier option, shrimp for a seafood twist, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
How can I make this dish lighter if I want to reduce calories?
Try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, use less butter, and load up extra spinach and tomatoes for volume without extra calories.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can cook the pasta and chicken ahead, then quickly prepare the sauce and combine everything when you’re ready to serve.
What’s the best way to reheat this pasta without drying it out?
Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of cream or milk over medium-low heat, stirring often. Avoid microwaving at high power to keep the sauce creamy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, effortlessly combining rich flavors and simple ingredients into something magical. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, it’s bound to bring smiles all around. So go ahead and dive into this delightful recipe—you’ll be so happy you did!
Print
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish combining tender chicken breast with a luscious creamy sauce loaded with spinach, cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a comforting yet elegant weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and comes together in just 30 minutes, offering a satisfying meal full of Italian-inspired flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz pasta of choice
Chicken & Seasoning
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce & Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 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
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Then drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce and chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breast with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken and cook it until it is golden brown on the outside and no longer pink inside, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
- 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 or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Cherry Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook them until they start to soften, about 3-4 minutes.
- Wilt the Spinach: Stir the fresh spinach into the skillet and cook until it wilts, which will take roughly 2 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, then add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy and smooth.
- Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Pasta: Mix the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly.
- Combine Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Stir to combine everything well and let it cook together for a few more minutes to meld the flavors.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta hot, garnished generously with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves for a fragrant finish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need this dish to be gluten-free.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated flavor; if unavailable, substitute with additional cherry tomatoes or omit.
- Fresh basil can be swapped with dried Italian herbs if fresh is not available.
- To make this dish spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic.
