Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Zesty Italian Dream

Whipping up a delectable Tuscan chicken pasta transforms an ordinary weeknight into a culinary adventure.

creamy sauce and tender chicken create a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients bring warmth and comfort to your kitchen.

Fresh herbs and robust spices infuse each bite with authentic Italian charm.

Rich parmesan and spinach add depth and complexity to this crowd-pleasing dish.

Comfort meets elegance in this simple yet sophisticated meal that promises to delight.

Savor every forkful and let your taste buds travel to the rolling hills of tuscany.

Reasons to Try Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Savor Simplicity: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal cooking skills required, making it perfect for home chefs of all levels.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepared in just a few minutes, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, ideal for busy families needing a satisfying dinner solution.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy pasta combined with tender chicken creates a universally loved meal that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring clean plates and happy faces around the dinner table.
• Versatile Dinner Champion: Easily adaptable for different dietary preferences by swapping ingredients or adjusting seasonings, this recipe offers flexibility for various taste preferences and nutritional needs.

Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breasts: Protein-rich meat that provides a hearty base for the creamy pasta dish.
• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and luxurious sauce that binds all the ingredients together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach Leaves: Add depth of flavor, nutrition, and vibrant color to the creamy pasta.

• Olive Oil: Provides a base for cooking the chicken and adds a subtle fruity undertone.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook penne pasta in salted water following package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its delicious destiny.

Step 2: Sear Succulent Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sprinkle chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook until they turn a beautiful golden brown.

Ensure the chicken is fully cooked through, then slice into tempting strips.

Step 3: Awaken Aromatic Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and let it dance around for about a minute, releasing its incredible fragrance.

Toss in sun-dried tomatoes and cook briefly to intensify their flavor.

Step 4: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet, creating a rich base.

Stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, forming a smooth and creamy sauce.

Step 5: Wilt Fresh Spinach

Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet, allowing them to gently wilt and blend into the creamy mixture.

Step 6: Combine and Coat

Reunite the cooked pasta and sliced chicken with the creamy sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the luscious sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Transfer the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta to serving plates and get ready to dive into a mouthwatering meal that brings Italian-inspired comfort right to your table.

Helpful Tips for Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in flavor.
• Keep heat on medium-low when adding cream to prevent separation and ensure a smooth, silky texture.
• Add spinach last and cook briefly to retain its vibrant green color and fresh nutrients.
• Use the same skillet for multiple steps to capture and build layers of delicious, concentrated flavors throughout the dish.

Variations to Try with Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Gluten-Free Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace penne pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb, gluten-free alternative that keeps the dish light and fresh.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Swap heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free, plant-based variation.
• Vegetarian Chickpea Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or cubed tofu, maintaining the creamy sauce and Mediterranean flavors while making the dish vegetarian-friendly.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Add fresh basil, oregano, and a splash of white wine to enhance the Tuscan-inspired profile and introduce more aromatic complexity to the sauce.

Pairing Suggestions for Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the creamy sauce's richness, cutting through the heaviness with bright, refreshing notes.
• Crusty, warm bread with fresh herbs and garlic provides a delightful crunch and helps soak up the delicious sauce, elevating the entire dining experience.
• Light, peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a zesty contrast to the creamy pasta, balancing the dish's richness and adding a fresh, vibrant element.

Proper Storage for Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness.
• Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of cream or milk to prevent drying out.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring continuously. Splash a little cream or chicken broth to revive the sauce's creamy texture.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this Tuscan chicken pasta its unique flavor?

The sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and garlic create a rich, tangy taste that makes this dish special and authentic to Tuscan cuisine.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

While delicious, the heavy cream and Parmesan make it a more indulgent meal. You can lighten it by using half-and-half or Greek yogurt and adding extra vegetables.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne works great, you can substitute with other short pasta like rigatoni, farfalle, or rotini that hold sauce well.

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

Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, has no pink in the center, and juices run clear when cut.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty Tuscan chicken pasta delivers a symphony of Mediterranean flavors dancing through creamy, sun-kissed ingredients. Rich parmesan, tender chicken, and silky spinach create a comforting meal you’ll savor with pure Italian-inspired delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta and Base:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream

Flavor Enhancers and Vegetables:

• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil for cooking
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil penne pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, then drain and reserve.
2. Season chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then sear in hot olive oil at medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
3. Remove chicken from skillet, let rest briefly, then slice into thin diagonal strips.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium, add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until aromatic.
5. Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 45 seconds to release their rich flavors.
6. Pour heavy cream into skillet, creating a smooth base for the sauce.
7. Gradually whisk Parmesan cheese into the cream until completely melted and integrated.
8. Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the sauce, allowing them to wilt and release their vibrant green color.
9. Combine sliced chicken and cooked penne pasta into the creamy sauce, tossing thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
10. Serve immediately while sauce is hot and pasta remains perfectly al dente.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior with crispy edges.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for lighter versions of the dish.
• Customize protein by substituting chicken with grilled shrimp or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian options.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 39 g
• Cholesterol: 130 mg