Enchanting Dreamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe: Italian Magic!

Weeknight dinners reach new heights with this irresistible tuscan chicken pasta that blends creamy textures and bold Mediterranean flavors.

Tender chicken simmers in a rich, velvety sauce that captures the essence of Italian comfort food.

Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add vibrant color and depth to every delightful bite.

Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, creating a luxurious coating that clings perfectly to each pasta strand.

Garlic and herbs infuse the dish with an aromatic warmth that beckons you to the table.

This one-pan wonder comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy evenings.

Prepare to savor a restaurant-quality meal that will become your new favorite weeknight indulgence.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 710 kcal

Servings: 4

Inside Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Cutlets: Lean protein that absorbs rich flavors and provides hearty texture, choose fresh, thin-cut chicken for quick cooking and even seasoning.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth and creamy richness, select authentic Parmigiano-Reggiano for best flavor intensity.

• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking foundation and subtle Mediterranean undertone, opt for extra virgin for superior taste.
• Butter: Creates silky sauce base with luxurious mouthfeel, use unsalted for precise seasoning control.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, aromatic punch, select fresh cloves for most vibrant flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Generates luscious, velvety sauce texture, choose high-fat content cream for maximum richness.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances overall savory complexity, select low-sodium version for balanced seasoning.

• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbal Mediterranean notes, ensures consistent herb distribution.
• Salt and Pepper: Fundamental seasoning agents, enhance all other ingredient profiles.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle spicy kick, adjust quantity for personal heat preference.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Contribute concentrated sweet-tangy essence, choose oil-packed for deeper flavor.
• Spinach: Adds vibrant color and nutritional boost, select fresh leaves for optimal texture.
• Fresh Basil: Provides bright, aromatic finish, choose crisp, fragrant leaves.
• Pasta: Serves as hearty base, select medium-sized shapes that capture sauce effectively.

Tools to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating the creamy sauce.
• Large pot: Needed to boil pasta perfectly.
• Cutting board: For slicing chicken and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: To slice cooked chicken and chop herbs.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps stir and mix ingredients smoothly.
• Measuring cups: For accurate liquid and ingredient measurements.
• Tongs: Useful for handling and turning chicken during cooking.

How to Cook Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Prep The Chicken

Generously coat chicken cutlets with a blend of seasonings, ensuring each piece is well-covered for maximum flavor.

• Sizzle The Meat

Fire up a skillet with olive oil and carefully place chicken, cooking until golden and perfectly done on each side.

• Boil The Pasta

Start a pot of boiling water and cook pasta until it reaches that ideal tender-yet-firm texture, then set aside.

• Create The Creamy Base

Melt butter in the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic, then introduce sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic spices for an intense flavor profile.

• Build The Sauce

Pour in heavy cream, rich Parmesan, and savory chicken broth, stirring until the mixture transforms into a silky, luxurious sauce.

• Combine And Finish

Toss in fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt beautifully, then reunite the sliced chicken with the pasta, gently coating everything in the decadent sauce.

• Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle with fresh basil and extra Parmesan, then present this mouthwatering Tuscan-inspired dish while it’s steaming hot.

Add Flavor to Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Creamy Sauce Rescue: If your sauce feels too thick, splash in reserved pasta water gradually to reach perfect consistency without losing flavor intensity.
• Low-Carb Twist: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, low-carbohydrate alternative that keeps all the delicious flavors intact.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – use less for mild taste or add extra for a spicier kick that'll warm up your meal.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or plant-based chicken substitute to create a satisfying meatless version that doesn't compromise on taste or texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: This recipe stores beautifully in airtight containers for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for preparing ahead and enjoying quick, delicious lunches throughout the week.

Presenting Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Dining Companion Delights: Pair this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a light lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
• Restaurant-Style Presentation: Serve in a large shallow bowl, arranging sliced chicken on top of the pasta and sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh basil for a gourmet touch.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to complement the rich, creamy sauce and enhance the dish's herbal notes.
• Bread Basket Bonus: Offer warm, crusty garlic bread or focaccia on the side to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal experience.

Creamy Tuscan Pasta Storage Notes

• Meal Prep Magic: Cook chicken and pasta components separately to keep textures fresh and crisp for quick assembly later.
• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Transfer cooled dish to airtight containers, consuming within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Separate sauce and chicken from pasta before freezing to prevent soggy noodles; store up to 2 months in sealed containers.
• Reheating Rescue Plan: Warm gently in skillet with splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creamy consistency and prevent drying out pasta.

Dreamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy tuscan chicken pasta delivers a rich Italian-inspired dish with tender chicken and sun-dried tomatoes. Garlic, herbs, and parmesan cheese combine for a luxurious meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3 small), sliced into thin cutlets
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Fresh basil or parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)

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Instructions

1. Season Chicken: Thoroughly coat chicken cutlets with a robust blend of seasonings, ensuring comprehensive and even coverage.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, carefully searing chicken until golden-brown and crisp, approximately 45 seconds per side. Transfer to a holding plate.
3. Cook Pasta: Boil salted water and cook pasta to al dente perfection. Reserve a cup of starchy water before draining, which will assist in sauce consistency.
4. Create Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes, developing a rich aromatic foundation.
5. Build Creamy Sauce: Whisk heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and chicken broth into the skillet, simmering until a smooth, velvety sauce forms. Gently incorporate wilted spinach.
6. Combine and Finish: Slice chicken into elegant strips and return to the sauce. Fold in cooked pasta, ensuring complete coating. Adjust sauce texture using reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese over the dish. Present immediately, showcasing a luxurious Tuscan-inspired pasta creation.

Notes

• Chicken Seasoning Technique: Ensure even and thorough coating of chicken with seasonings by patting cutlets dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and create a crispier exterior.
• Pasta Water Magic: Saving pasta water is crucial for creating a silky sauce; the starch helps bind ingredients and adjust sauce consistency without losing flavor intensity.
• Searing Secrets: Use a hot skillet and avoid overcrowding to achieve perfect golden-brown chicken with crisp edges, which locks in moisture and develops deep flavor profiles.
• Cream Sauce Balance: Slowly incorporate dairy ingredients and simmer gently to prevent separation, maintaining a smooth and creamy texture without curdling or becoming grainy.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 670
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 62 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg