If you’ve been searching for a comforting yet elegant meal that’s sure to impress every time, this Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta Recipe is absolutely the answer. It’s a luscious, flavor-packed dish where tender chicken strips meet a rich, garlicky cream sauce swirled with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, all tossed together with perfectly cooked pasta. The vibrant colors and bold Italian-inspired flavors make it a feast for both your eyes and your taste buds — plus, it’s easier to prepare than you might think!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple but essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to bring a balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color to your plate. From juicy chicken to lush greens and tangy sun-dried tomatoes, every component plays a starring role in the overall deliciousness.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: Sliced into strips for quick and even cooking.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a golden sear on the chicken.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine): Your choice of pasta to soak up every bit of creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the garlic beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the dish with irresistible aroma and flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The secret to that luxuriously creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty sharpness that ties the sauce together.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Enhances the dish with classic herb flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a hint of gentle heat, if you like a little kick.
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped): A tangy sweetness that brightens every bite.
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach: Adds vibrant green color and a boost of nutrients.
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional): For a fresh, fragrant finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your pasta according to the package directions until al dente. This ensures it has that perfect slight bite, crucial for balancing with the creamy sauce later. Drain and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Season your sliced chicken breast with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken strips. Cook them for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until they’re golden and cooked through—a lovely caramelized exterior with juicy, tender centers. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside; you’ll bring it back into the mix soon.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and quickly sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine all those lovely pan flavors. Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and if you’re adventurous, crushed red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes so it thickens slightly and all the flavors marry beautifully.
Step 4: Add the Vegetables
Now it’s time for the sun-dried tomatoes, chopped into bite-sized pieces, and fresh baby spinach. Stir these into the sauce, cooking just until the spinach wilts. This step adds incredible color contrast and brings a tender, fresh element that balances the richness of the cream.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return your perfectly cooked chicken strips to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently to make sure every strand and piece of chicken is luxuriously coated in that velvety sauce. Let everything simmer for another 1 to 2 minutes just to heat through and meld the flavors.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped basil or parsley are an absolute dream here—they bring a fresh, bright note that lifts the entire dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for that irresistible savory finish, adding a little more flair and texture.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crusty bread to soak up any leftover creamy sauce or a light, crisp side salad for some refreshing crunch. Think arugula with a simple lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad to keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can serve this pasta in individual bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs and a lemon wedge for a pop of citrus. Or plate it family-style in a large beautiful pan straight to the table, inviting everyone to dig in and share the warmth and comfort of this stunning recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta Recipe is best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and will stay fresh for up to 3 days. It’s ideal to enjoy the next day for a quick, satisfying meal that tastes almost as good as freshly made.
Freezing
While this dish is fantastic fresh, freezing it is a bit tricky because the cream sauce may separate upon thawing. If you do freeze leftovers, store them in a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge to help retain the best texture possible.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to restore your sauce’s creamy texture. A splash of chicken broth or cream added while reheating can help bring back that silky consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the sauce from breaking.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne and fettuccine work beautifully, feel free to use any pasta you love or have on hand, such as rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to cook it to al dente for the best texture.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce. Just keep in mind the texture will be a bit less rich but still delicious.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Certainly! Swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adaptation for anyone with dietary needs.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Feel free to toss in additional veggies like sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or zucchini. Simply cook them with the garlic or add them along with the spinach to keep that fresh, Tuscan vibe alive.
Can this dish be made with pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut that speeds up the cooking process and still delivers wonderful flavor. Just add it back into the sauce at the end to warm through.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that feels both indulgent and approachable, the Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta Recipe is a total winner that will quickly become a staple in your cooking rotation. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make again and again, whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or to impress guests with minimal fuss but maximum flavor. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Description
This Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta is a delicious Italian-inspired dish featuring tender chicken breast strips, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach tossed in a rich, creamy Parmesan sauce with pasta. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that combines comforting flavors and a luscious sauce made right on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 3 cups fresh baby spinach
Garnish
- Chopped fresh basil or parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside to be added later.
- Season and Cook Chicken: Season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Add grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce for 2–3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh baby spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 1–2 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to fully coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce.
- Simmer and Serve: Let everything simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes to heat through. Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken as a shortcut for time-saving.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a fresh side salad.
