Try This Dreamy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe Tonight

Savoring a delightful creamy tuscan chicken pasta can transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen with minimal effort.

Comfort meets sophistication in this hearty dish that promises rich, velvety flavors.

Mediterranean herbs and sun-dried tomatoes dance through each tender pasta strand, creating a symphony of taste.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle perfectly among perfectly cooked noodles, infusing every bite with warmth.

Weeknight dinners have never looked so elegant or tasted so incredible.

Bold ingredients combine effortlessly, proving gourmet meals don’t require complicated techniques.

Dive into this irresistible recipe that’ll make you feel like a culinary maestro in your own home.

Ingredients in Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Cutlets: Tender protein base of the dish, lean and quick-cooking choice. Boneless and skinless work best.
• Salt: Enhances chicken's natural flavor. Fine sea salt recommended.
• Pepper: Adds mild heat and depth. Freshly ground black pepper preferred.
• Italian Seasoning: Provides herbal Mediterranean flavor profile. Pre-mixed blend works well.
• Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic savory notes. Fresh garlic alternative possible.

• Pasta: Hearty carbohydrate foundation. Penne or fettuccine work perfectly.
• Heavy Cream: Creates rich, smooth sauce base. Full-fat version ensures creamy texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty cheese flavor. Freshly grated recommended.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create sauce. Unsalted butter preferred.

• Olive Oil: Used for searing chicken. Extra virgin variety adds subtle flavor.
• Garlic: Intensifies overall dish aroma. Fresh cloves recommended.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds tangy, concentrated tomato flavor. Packed in oil version best.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces mild spiciness. Adjust quantity for heat preference.
• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and liquid to sauce. Low-sodium version recommended.
• Spinach: Provides fresh green color and nutrients. Baby spinach works well.
• Fresh Basil: Offers bright, herbal finishing touch. Fresh leaves preferred.

How to Prepare Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle The Chicken

• Pat chicken cutlets dry
• Sprinkle with salt
• Coat with pepper
• Dust with Italian seasoning
• Dust with garlic powder

Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer chicken to plate.

Step 2: Boil Perfect Pasta

Bring salted water to rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until tender. Save 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Create Dreamy Sauce

In same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant.

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Stir for one minute.

Step 4: Build Luxurious Cream Base

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Chicken broth

Stir until silky smooth. Simmer 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Add Fresh Greens

Fold spinach into sauce. Cook until leaves wilt. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Combine And Serve

Slice chicken. Return to skillet. Add cooked pasta. Toss everything in creamy sauce. Add pasta water if sauce needs thinning.

Step 7: Finish With Flair

Sprinkle fresh basil. Add extra Parmesan. Serve piping hot.

Tips for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Success

• Boost Chicken Tenderness: Pound chicken cutlets to an even thickness before seasoning to ensure uniform cooking and maximum juiciness.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference, adding more for extra kick or reducing for milder flavor.
• Master Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente, as it will continue absorbing sauce in the skillet, preventing mushy texture.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan to create a delicious vegan alternative.
• Balance Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water strategically to thin out thick sauce, creating a silky, clingy texture that coats every pasta strand perfectly.

Store Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Like a Pro

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a tablespoon of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir frequently until heated through.
• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Great Sides for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Select a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the creamy sauce and cuts through the richness of the chicken.
• Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious Tuscan-style sauce, adding texture and enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta, providing a zesty contrast and adding fresh, peppery notes to the meal.
• Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley not just as decoration, but to introduce a vibrant, aromatic layer that lifts the dish's complex flavors and adds a touch of freshness.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Variations to Explore

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. Swap chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas to create a plant-based version that's creamy and satisfying.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use cauliflower rice as a base for a lighter, keto-friendly meal that keeps all the rich flavors of the original recipe.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Choose gluten-free pasta or use alternative grain options like brown rice pasta. Ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free to make this dish safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with roasted portobello mushrooms or grilled eggplant. Add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers or artichoke hearts to boost protein and create a hearty meat-free meal.

FAQs for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• What type of pasta works best in this recipe?

Penne, fettuccine, or linguine are ideal because they hold the creamy sauce well and have good texture for absorbing flavors.

• Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?

Fresh tomatoes won’t provide the same intense, concentrated flavor as sun-dried tomatoes. If substituting, use roma tomatoes and reduce them slightly to concentrate their taste.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can easily adjust by reducing or omitting them for a milder version. The dish has a gentle warmth rather than intense spiciness.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and white throughout with no pink center.

What Makes Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta So Rich

• Perfect for busy weeknights, this Tuscan chicken pasta recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes with minimal prep work.
• Easily swap ingredients like using different proteins, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's taste preferences.
• Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, this dish appeals to both kids and adults, making dinnertime a delightful shared experience.
• Combining classic Italian-inspired ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan, this one-skillet meal guarantees satisfied smiles around the dinner table.

Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Tuscan chicken pasta promises a culinary journey through Italian-inspired comfort. Rich with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors you’ll savor with every delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3 small), sliced into thin cutlets
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chicken broth (or pasta water)

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh basil or parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare chicken cutlets by thoroughly coating with a blend of aromatic seasonings, ensuring even coverage on both sides.
2. Activate a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature, creating a sizzling surface for perfect chicken searing.
3. Position seasoned chicken into the hot skillet, allowing each side to transform into a golden-brown masterpiece with crisp edges, approximately 45 seconds per side.
4. Extract chicken from skillet and momentarily rest on a separate plate, maintaining its warmth and juiciness.
5. Initiate pasta preparation by bringing a generously salted water pot to a rolling boil, then immerse pasta and cook until achieving ideal al dente texture.
6. Preserve a portion of starchy pasta water before draining, which will serve as a potential sauce thickener or moisture enhancer.
7. Utilize the same skillet to melt butter, introducing minced garlic and allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the cooking environment.
8. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, creating a vibrant flavor foundation through quick sautéing.
9. Stream heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth into the skillet, whisking until a smooth, luxurious sauce emerges.
10. Allow sauce to gently simmer, developing depth and richness, then introduce fresh spinach and permit wilting.
11. Slice the previously seared chicken into elegant strips and reintroduce to the simmering sauce.
12. Combine cooked pasta with the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand becomes lavishly coated. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if necessary.
13. Elevate the dish’s presentation by scattering fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese across the top.
14. Serve immediately, presenting a harmonious blend of textures and flavors characteristic of Tuscan cuisine.

Notes

• Enhance chicken flavor by marinating for 30 minutes before cooking to allow seasonings to penetrate deeply.
• Opt for thin chicken cutlets to ensure even cooking and quicker searing with golden-brown exterior.
• Control pasta’s texture by testing doneness early, aiming for perfect al dente consistency that’s firm yet tender.
• Adapt for dietary needs by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk or Greek yogurt for lighter, lactose-free version.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 710
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 960 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg