Tuscan Chicken Pasta Creamy

This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is everything you crave in a weeknight dinner robust flavor juicy chicken sun-dried tomatoes a hint of garlic and a velvety Parmesan sauce that comes together in just about forty minutes for a meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is simple enough to whip up after a busy day

I made this pasta on a chilly Wednesday when I needed a quick pick-me-up and it turned into my go-to dinner whenever friends come over Everyone leaves with the recipe in hand

Ingredients

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Essential for protein tender strips cook evenly and soak up all the sauce Choose plump bright-pink pieces for the freshest flavor
• Penne or fettuccine pasta: Heart of the dish holds the sauce perfectly For best taste buy from a trusted Italian brand or use your favorite gluten-free pasta
• Olive oil: Adds depth and helps develop a tasty crust on your chicken Always choose extra virgin for rich flavor and a delicious aroma
• Fresh garlic: Minced for a punch of bold flavor Fresh is best avoid pre-minced for a sweeter sharper aroma
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Bring rich tangy flavor and chewy texture Opt for tomatoes in oil for easy chopping and big bursts of taste
• Fresh baby spinach: Delicate greens that wilt perfectly into the creamy sauce Look for vibrant green leaves with no wilting or yellowing
• Heavy cream: Brings the creamy body to your sauce Use high-quality cream for extra smoothness
• Chicken broth: Lends a savory backbone helping thin the sauce so it coats the pasta just right Go for low-sodium if possible
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Nutty and sharp this ties the sauce together Grate your own for the most melt-in-your-mouth texture
• Dried Italian herbs: Blend of oregano basil and thyme lifts the whole dish Look for vibrant color and aroma
• Crushed red pepper flakes: For a gentle kick Use only if heat is your thing
• Salt and black pepper: To enhance all flavors Use kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper for best results

Instructions

Boil and Cook Pasta:

Fill a big pot with salted water bringing it to a rolling boil Toss in your pasta and cook uncovered until perfectly al dente about nine to eleven minutes Taste to check texture before draining and do not forget to reserve some pasta water for perfecting the sauce later

Season and Cook Chicken:

While your pasta bubbles away season the chicken strips well with salt pepper and half the Italian herbs Make sure each strip is evenly coated so all the flavor gets locked in

Brown the Chicken:

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and swirl in olive oil Once shimmering but not smoking lay in the chicken strips in a single layer Leave them undisturbed for a couple of minutes to develop that delicious golden crust Flip and cook every side thoroughly about five to seven minutes in total Move chicken onto a plate and keep warm

Sauté Aromatics:

Into the same skillet drop the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes Scrape up any browned bits for extra flavor Let these aromatics sizzle gently for one to two minutes stirring so garlic does not burn and everything becomes deeply fragrant

Build the Sauce:

Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth at once Stir to combine and use a wooden spoon to help meld everything together Bring the mixture just to a gentle simmer so it starts to thicken but does not boil

Melt in Parmesan and Seasonings:

Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan and the rest of the Italian herbs Gently stir so the cheese fully melts into the sauce Watch the texture thicken after two to three minutes

Add Spinach to Wilt:

Toss in handfuls of baby spinach Stir patiently allowing the leaves to wilt completely and turn bright green This only takes about a minute

Combine Chicken and Pasta:

Return cooked chicken to the skillet Pour in your drained pasta Toss everything together ensuring sauce clings to every noodle If the sauce is too thick stir in a splash or two of the reserved pasta water

Finish and Serve:

Season with extra salt black pepper and a pinch of red pepper flakes to match your taste Scoop the pasta into bowls and sprinkle more Parmesan on top if you love a cheesy finish Serve hot and enjoy

Pin

My favorite part is always the sun-dried tomatoes their tangy punch completely transforms this dish My kids claim it is best with extra cheese on top and the laughter around the table always reminds me this is more than a dinner it is a memory in the making

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to bring back the creamy texture Freezes well without the spinach added just stir in fresh greens when warming up

Ingredient Substitutions

No sun-dried tomatoes Swap in roasted red peppers or chopped artichokes Out of Parmesan try Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano For more veggie power stir in kale or arugula instead of spinach

Serving Suggestions

Serve Tuscan chicken pasta alongside a crusty Italian loaf and simple green salad For a lighter meal cut the chicken quantity in half and add extra veggies Pair with Pinot Grigio if you are pouring wine

Cultural and Historical Context

Tuscan flavors celebrate the rustic countryside of central Italy where sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic herbs star The creamy sauce is a nod to Italian-American comfort cooking that brings families together over a big tableful of pasta It is the kind of dish that feels like travel even when you stay home

Seasonal Adaptations

Swap spinach with kale or chard in colder months Add diced zucchini or cherry tomatoes in late summer Turn it into a spring dish with fresh asparagus or peas

Success Stories

This pasta is a hit at every potluck I have ever brought it to I have even won over neighbors who always claim to prefer red sauce Friends with kids come back for seconds and I have seen toddlers happily slurp noodles covered in creamy sauce

Freezer Meal Conversion

For make-ahead ease cook the sauce and chicken then freeze in a tightly sealed bag or container Add cooked pasta and fresh spinach when reheating This saves time but keeps the greens fresh and vibrant

Pin

This Tuscan chicken pasta comes together quickly and delivers comfort in every bite Try it this week and make it your new favorite dinner go-to

Recipe FAQ

→ How do I cook chicken for this dish?

Sauté sliced chicken breast in olive oil until golden and cooked through before combining with other ingredients.

→ Can I substitute spinach?

Yes, kale or other leafy greens work well as an alternative to spinach, offering similar texture and nutrition.

→ What pasta type works best?

Penne or fettuccine are ideal for capturing creamy sauce, but other short or long pastas may be used if desired.

→ How do I achieve a creamy sauce?

Simmer heavy cream and chicken broth with garlic and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and thickened.

→ Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely—simply substitute gluten-free pasta and check the labels of packaged ingredients for wheat derivatives.

→ What wines pair well?

Light, crisp wines like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complement the rich flavors and creaminess of the dish nicely.