If you’re searching for a dish that delivers rich, creamy flavors paired with fresh, vibrant ingredients, this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s a harmonious blend of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and velvety sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of penne pasta. This meal comes together beautifully in under 40 minutes, making it a perfect go-to for cozy weeknights or weekend dinners when you want something impressive yet effortless. Once you try this recipe, it’s guaranteed to become one of your favorites to revisit time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, quality ingredients is key to making this dish shine. Each component plays an essential role in building layers of flavor and creating a luscious texture that keeps you coming back for more.
- Olive oil: Provides a smooth, fruity base for sautéing chicken and garlic without overpowering the dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The tender protein that absorbs the seasoning and sauce beautifully.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that adds depth to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Simple but vital for enhancing all the flavors.
- Garlic: Minced fresh to release aromatic goodness that elevates the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: These pack a burst of tangy sweetness and a chewy texture contrast.
- Heavy cream: Creates a luxuriously smooth and rich sauce base.
- Chicken broth: Balances the cream with savory notes and keeps the sauce light enough.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty complexity and helps thicken the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little kick of heat.
- Penne pasta: Its tubular shape soaks up the sauce perfectly for every bite.
- Fresh spinach: Adds color, freshness, and a mild earthy flavor when wilted.
- Fresh basil: Garnishes the final dish with an herby brightness and beautiful aroma.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces generously with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to infuse flavor throughout. Sear the chicken until it’s golden brown and cooked through, which usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. This step ensures your chicken stays juicy and full of those herbaceous notes, setting the stage for the creamy sauce.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Using the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cooking these together for 1 to 2 minutes releases fragrant scents and allows the tomatoes to soften, which adds a wonderful tang to the sauce. Then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything to combine. Bring the mixture gently to a simmer—this process melds the flavors and begins to thicken the sauce.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Next, fold in the grated Parmesan cheese along with crushed red pepper flakes if you want a subtle heat. Stir consistently while simmering for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. The cheese adds a slightly nutty and salty character that enriches the dish and binds the sauce beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Now the magic happens: add the cooked penne pasta, the reserved chicken, and fresh chopped spinach directly to the skillet. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken in the sumptuous sauce, letting the spinach wilt just enough to keep its vibrant green color and fresh flavor. This ensures every forkful has a perfect balance of protein, veggies, and creamy indulgence.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Finally, sprinkle the freshly chopped basil over the top for that aromatic lift and a pop of color. Serve the dish piping hot so that sauce remains luscious and the flavors are at their peak. You’re ready to dig in and enjoy the wonderful comfort meet fresh taste this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe offers.
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh basil brings a fragrant herbal brightness that cuts through the richness of the sauce and adds a pretty splash of green. For an extra touch, you can also sprinkle some additional Parmesan cheese or a few cracked black pepper flakes on top right before serving for a restaurant-style finish.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, consider a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is also perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce; it complements the Tuscan flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in shallow bowls to show off the rich sauce and vibrant ingredients. Add a sprig of basil or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil over the top for a beautiful presentation. For a family-style dinner, simply place the skillet on the table—it makes for a cozy, inviting experience that encourages sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow the Tuscan Chicken Pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers. Though the texture of the spinach might soften a bit after freezing, it still retains the overall deliciousness. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your Tuscan Chicken Pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave at medium power to prevent curdling of the creamy sauce. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating helps restore the sauce’s silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal because of its tubes that hold sauce well, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or even farfalle would work beautifully. Just be sure to cook them al dente to maintain the perfect texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew cream, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Keep in mind the flavor profile will be slightly different but still delicious!
How spicy is this recipe with crushed red pepper flakes?
The amount of crushed red pepper flakes is optional and moderate, providing just a gentle warmth that doesn’t overpower the dish. You can easily omit or increase the amount according to your personal tolerance for heat.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Chicken thighs work wonderfully here, adding extra juiciness and flavor. Just make sure to cut them into bite-sized pieces and cook thoroughly. The cooking time may be similar to breasts.
What wine pairs well with this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs beautifully, as their acidity complements the creamy sauce and cuts through the richness. For red lovers, a light Chianti would also be a great match.
Final Thoughts
This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe truly feels like a warm hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish offers that perfect balance of creamy richness and fresh brightness we all crave. Give it a try and watch it quickly become a treasured staple in your recipe collection.
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Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce served over penne pasta. A flavorful Italian-inspired dish ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz penne pasta, cooked and drained
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes, if using. Continue to simmer the sauce for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked penne pasta, cooked chicken, and chopped spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are well-coated with the sauce and the spinach is wilted.
- Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped basil and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute penne pasta with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on desired heat level or omit for a mild flavor.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- To save time, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken breasts.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to avoid it becoming mushy when tossed in the sauce.
