If you want to impress your loved ones with a meal that’s bursting with flavor and wonderfully comforting, this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Creamy, savory, and packed with vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, this dish is a celebration of simple ingredients coming together in a perfect harmony. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, the Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe delivers rich tastes and satisfying textures that feel both indulgent and wholesome.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, each chosen to bring its unique character to the dish. From the tender chicken to the creamy sauce and fresh greens, every element plays a vital role in crafting the amazing flavor and inviting color of the meal.
- Olive oil: A smooth base that helps crisp the chicken while adding a fruity richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and mild, perfect for soaking up the seasonings and sauce.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings classic Mediterranean herbs to the table.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors without overpowering.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a punch of aromatic warmth to the sauce.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Intense, sweet, and tangy, they provide a beautiful depth and vibrant color.
- Heavy cream: The indulgent base for the luscious, velvety sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds savory elements and balances the creaminess.
- Parmesan cheese: Nutty and salty, it thickens the sauce and elevates the umami flavor.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat for those who like a little kick.
- Penne pasta: The ideal pasta shape to hold the creamy sauce and bits of chicken perfectly.
- Fresh spinach: Adds a fresh, green contrast with a mild, slightly sweet taste.
- Fresh basil: Brightens the dish with herbal notes and a lovely pop of green garnish.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to give them a savory crust once cooked. Sauté the chicken until beautifully browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the flavor foundation, so don’t rush it! Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside for later.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Using the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté these ingredients for a couple of minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the tomatoes start to soften, releasing their vibrant essence. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring gently to combine all these luscious elements. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer which will be the creamy heart of your Tuscan chicken pasta recipe.
Step 3: Add the Cheese
Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt smoothly into the sauce. If you enjoy a subtle hint of spice, sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes here as well. Let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, becoming rich and velvety—a perfect coating for both pasta and chicken.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
It’s time for the magic moment: add the cooked penne pasta, browned chicken, and chopped fresh spinach to your skillet. Toss everything together so the sauce envelops every bite and the spinach gently wilts, adding fresh color and a new layer of texture to the dish. This step brings all the components of the Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe into a harmonious, irresistible bowl of comfort.
Step 5: Serve
Finish off by garnishing with a handful of freshly chopped basil, which really brightens up the rich sauce with its vibrant herbal flavor. Serve it hot, straight from the pan, and watch how this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe becomes the favorite meal at your table!
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh basil on top is non-negotiable—it adds a burst of fragrant brightness that contrast perfectly with the creamy sauce. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan or a light drizzle of olive oil for an added touch of richness and shine.
Side Dishes
This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe shines as a satisfying main, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or warm, crusty garlic bread elevates the meal further. A simple Caesar salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus also complement the flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls, allowing the sauce to pool enticingly around the penne. Garnish with whole basil leaves and perhaps a few sun-dried tomato slices on top for a gourmet touch. You can even add toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of chili flakes to make your dish uniquely yours.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well for up to three days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully, making it a delicious second-day meal.
Freezing
While this dish can be frozen, cream-based sauces may separate when thawed, changing the texture slightly. If you choose to freeze it, store the pasta and sauce separately for best results and reheat gently to preserve creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally to avoid curdling the sauce. You can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce’s silky consistency during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is ideal for holding the sauce, other pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle work beautifully as well.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta instead of regular penne, and ensure your chicken broth is gluten-free to keep the dish safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with other proteins?
Definitely. Chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu could be great alternatives, just adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure everything is cooked through and flavorful.
What can I use instead of heavy cream in this recipe?
For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of cornstarch for thickening, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy.
How spicy is the Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The heat level is quite mild by default, but you can customize the spiciness by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or leaving them out altogether.
Final Thoughts
This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly a winner for those who love rich, creamy meals filled with fresh and vibrant flavors. It’s straightforward enough for busy weeknights but elegant enough to share with special guests. I can’t wait for you to try this dish and add it to your list of favorites that bring comfort and joy, bite after delicious bite.
Print
Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A creamy, flavorful Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe featuring tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with penne pasta for a comforting and delicious meal ready in 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz penne pasta, cooked and drained
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
Garnish
- Fresh basil, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken in the skillet for about 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Continue simmering the sauce for about 5 minutes until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked penne pasta, cooked chicken, and chopped fresh spinach to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated and the spinach begins to wilt.
- Serve: Garnish the pasta with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use sundried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but sauce may be less thick.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes based on your heat preference.
- Fresh spinach can be replaced with kale or arugula if desired.
- Parmesan cheese can be grated fresh for best taste.
