Gather ’round, my friends, because I’ve got a creamy, dreamy Tuscan chicken pasta recipe that’s about to blow your taste buds out of the water! 🔥 This dish is the ultimate comfort food with its silky sauce, tender chicken, and loads of Italian-inspired flavors. Get ready to dive into a bowl of pure, unapologetic deliciousness. 😋
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the stuff of flavor dreams! 💭 It’s got all the cozy, comforting vibes of a classic pasta dish, but with a fun twist. The creamy Parmesan sauce is laced with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a touch of garlic for an extra punch of Mediterranean goodness. 🌞 And the tender, juicy chicken? It’s the crowning glory that takes this pasta over the top. 👌
If you love exploring Mediterranean-inspired flavors and creamy Italian-style sauces, you might also enjoy this guide to Tuscan-style cooking flavors from Great Italian Chefs.
Key Tips for the Best Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
The key to nailing this recipe is to not overcook the pasta. 🍝 You want it to be al dente, with just a slight bite, so it can soak up all that creamy, flavorful sauce without turning into a mushy mess.
- The #1 Trick for Better Flavor/Texture — The secret weapon in this dish is the combination of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. 🍅🌱 The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of concentrated, tangy-sweet flavor, while the spinach brings in a fresh, vibrant element that balances out the richness of the sauce. Trust me, this flavor duo is pure magic! 🪄
- Biggest Mistake to Avoid — The key to nailing this recipe is to not overcook the pasta. 🍝 You want it to be al dente, with just a slight bite, so it can soak up all that creamy, flavorful sauce without turning into a mushy mess.
- The Secret to Irresistible Texture — The secret weapon in this dish is the combination of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. 🍅🌱 The sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of concentrated, tangy-sweet flavor, while the spinach brings in a fresh, vibrant element that balances out the richness of the sauce. Trust me, this flavor duo is pure magic! 🪄
What to Serve With Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, so it pairs perfectly with classic Italian-inspired sides. 🍝
- Garlic Bread — The buttery, garlicky crunch of a crusty baguette is the perfect accompaniment to soak up every last drop of that creamy sauce. 🥖
- Fresh Garden Salad — A simple green salad with a bright vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta dish. 🥗
- Crisp White Wine — A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc will cut through the creaminess and cleanse your palate between bites. 🍷
- Roasted Veggies — Tender, caramelized roasted broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus make a wholesome and delicious side. 🥦
When to serve it: This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is perfect for family dinners, cozy date nights, or casual gatherings with friends. 🎉
Ingredients You’ll Need
Get ready to stock up on all the good stuff! 👏 You’ll need boneless, skinless chicken breasts, penne pasta, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, garlic, and a few pantry staples like olive oil, salt, and pepper. 🧑🍳
- 1 lb — Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 12 oz — Penne pasta
- 1 cup — Heavy cream
- 1 cup — Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup — Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Ingredient Swaps (No Panic Allowed)
- Pasta Shape → You can use other short pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle. (still delicious, promise) ✅
- Leafy Greens → If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can swap it out for kale or arugula. (easy dietary swap) 👍
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Let’s get cooking! This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta comes together in just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Prep Work
First, let’s get the prep work out of the way. 🙌 Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Meanwhile, dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and mince the garlic.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
In a large skillet, heat up some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and sauté until it’s cooked through and lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. 🍗 Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Next, pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, and let the sauce simmer and thicken for a few minutes. 🧀 Finally, stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, and let it all come together for another 2-3 minutes. 🍅🌱 Once the spinach is wilted, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until it’s all beautifully coated in that creamy, flavor-packed sauce. 🍝
Step 4: Finishing Touches
For the finishing touch, season the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste. 🧂 And if you’re feeling extra fancy, you can garnish it with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or a drizzle of balsamic glaze. 🌿 Mangia! 🍴
Recipe Variations & Tips (Tiny Checklist, Big Energy)
Before you freestyle: run this quick checklist like a kitchen boss.
- Add More Veggies — Try adding in some sliced mushrooms for an extra dose of earthiness. ✅
- Switch Up the Pasta — Swap out the penne for tortellini or ravioli for a fun twist. ✅
- Protein Swap — Use shrimp or Italian sausage instead of chicken for a delicious variation. 🎉
- Lighten It Up — Use a lighter cream or low-fat cream cheese in the sauce to cut back on calories. 🚀
Warning: “Just one more bite” is basically guaranteed. 😅🍴
Print
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy garlic sauce, all tossed with pasta for a perfect meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fettuccine or pasta of choice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup spinach, fresh
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add to the skillet. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and let rest.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and add Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add spinach and Italian seasoning, and cook until the spinach wilts.
- Slice the chicken and add it back to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use grilled chicken.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Burgers, Melts & Sandwiches 🍔
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Serving & Storage
| Topic | Notes |
|---|---|
| Best Serving Ideas | Serve the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta hot and fresh, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. 🧀🌿 It’s also delicious with a side of garlic bread or a fresh garden salad. |
| Fridge Storage | Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. |
| Freezer Storage | This dish freezes beautifully! 🧊 Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. |
| Reheating (Microwave) | To reheat, simply pop a portion in the microwave and heat in 30-second intervals until warm and melty. |
| Reheating (Oven/Air Fryer) | For a crisper texture, reheat the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, stirring halfway. |
| Make-Ahead Tips | You can prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate or freeze it for later. When ready to serve, simply reheat and enjoy! 🙌 |
Nutrition Notes
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delightfully indulgent dish, but it’s also packed with protein from the chicken and nutrients from the spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. 🍴 One serving provides a satisfying balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats to keep you feeling full and satisfied. 💪 Enjoy this comfort food favorite without the guilt!
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Protein: 36 g
- Carbs: 47 g
- Fat: 29 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
Quick Questions People Always Ask
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is the classic choice, you can definitely use other short pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or even rigatoni. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is perfect for making in advance! You can prepare the entire dish, let it cool, and then refrigerate or freeze it for later. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat and enjoy.
Can I use a different protein?
Definitely! Feel free to swap out the chicken for shrimp, Italian sausage, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To cut down on the calories and fat, you can use a lighter cream, such as half-and-half or low-fat cream cheese, in the sauce. You can also add in extra spinach or other veggies to bulk up the dish.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the best texture, reheat the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta in the oven or air fryer. This will help the pasta and sauce come back to life with a nice, crispy edge. Microwaving works too, but the texture won’t be quite as perfect.