Irresistible Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

Cooking is like a love affair; you have to invest time and passion to create something memorable. Imagine a dish that envelops you in a warm embrace, bursting with flavors that dance on your palate. Tuscan Chicken Pasta does just that. The creamy sauce, combined with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, creates an orchestra of taste that sings Italian romance.

Picture this: you’re hosting a dinner party, and your friends walk in, greeted by the aromatic symphony of garlic sautéing in olive oil. As they take their first bites, their eyes widen in delight. You’ll find them closing their eyes, savoring each mouthful as if it’s the last meal on Earth. This dish is perfect for cozy weeknights or festive gatherings when you want to impress without breaking a sweat.

There was that one time I made this dish for my family reunion. My cousin took one bite and exclaimed it was “life-changing.” Let’s just say I’m now the designated cook for every family gathering.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Use about 3-4 breasts depending on how many guests you’re entertaining; adjust as needed.
• Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves for the best flavor; nothing beats fresh garlic when cooking.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Opt for jarred ones packed in oil for added richness; they bring sweetness and depth.
• Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce; look for vibrant green leaves without wilting.
• Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its luscious texture; don’t skimp if you’re looking for that creamy goodness.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh cheese for maximum flavor; it melts beautifully and adds a savory touch.
• Pasta of Choice: Fettuccine or penne works great here; choose what you love most!
• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for sautéing; it’ll enhance the flavors significantly.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs elevates the dish; don’t miss out on this essential ingredient!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling salted water in a large pot. Add your pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside but reserve some pasta water for later.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and let it heat up until shimmering. Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper before placing them in the skillet. Cook each side until golden brown and cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side).

Add Garlic & Tomatoes: Once chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Create the Sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir well while scraping up any brown bits stuck on the bottom of the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer before adding grated Parmesan cheese until melted smoothly into the sauce.

Toss Everything Together: Return sliced chicken to the pan along with spinach and cooked pasta. Toss everything together gently to coat evenly in that glorious sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water for desired consistency.

Serve & Enjoy: Plate your beautiful Tuscan Chicken Pasta and garnish with additional Parmesan if desired. Serve hot while dreaming of Italian vacations!

This delightful dish is bound to become a favorite at your table—filled with layers of comforting flavors!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce. This method ensures everything is ready to enjoy at the same time, making your meal seamless.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add spinach for extra nutrition. Use different herbs like basil or oregano to customize the flavor profile according to your preference.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove with a splash of cream to restore its creamy texture.

Cooking this dish reminded me of my cousin’s wedding where I was asked to whip up a quick meal last minute. Everyone loved it, and I felt like a culinary hero that day!

FAQ

Can I use whole wheat pasta for Tuscan Chicken Pasta?

Yes, whole wheat pasta adds fiber and maintains good texture in this dish.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Swap chicken for mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

What wine pairs best with Tuscan Chicken Pasta?

A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, complements this flavorful pasta beautifully.

Print

Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for impressing guests at dinner parties or enjoying cozy weeknights at home. With its rich flavors and vibrant colors, this pasta will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it’s quick and easy to prepare!

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 8 oz pasta of choice (fettuccine or penne)
• 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Boil salted water in a large pot; cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
2. In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper; cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet.
3. Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in the same skillet until fragrant (about 1-2 minutes).
4. Add heavy cream; scrape up brown bits from the pan and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan until melted.
5. Return sliced chicken to the skillet with spinach and cooked pasta; toss to coat evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 450g)
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 115mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute chicken with shrimp or add extra vegetables like bell peppers for added nutrition. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or tofu instead of chicken.