Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

The Creamiest Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe You’ll Ever Make

Craving a delightful tuscan chicken pasta that whisks you straight to the heart of italian comfort?

Aromatic herbs and creamy sauce promise an unforgettable dining experience.

Layers of tender chicken blend seamlessly with perfectly cooked pasta.

Vibrant sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of Mediterranean flavor.

Parmesan cheese creates a rich, luxurious finish that melts into every bite.

Simple ingredients come together in a magical culinary dance.

Each forkful promises a journey of pure, comforting delight that you won’t want to miss.

Why Tuscan Chicken Pasta Tastes So Good

  • Craft a Gourmet Meal Quickly: This recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, adjust herbs, or add extra vegetables to make the recipe perfectly suited to your taste preferences and pantry contents.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy pasta with tender chicken creates a universally loved meal that satisfies both picky eaters and sophisticated palates, making it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
  • Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with protein from chicken, vitamins from spinach, and calcium from parmesan, this recipe delivers a balanced meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or nutrition.

What You’ll Need For Tuscan Chicken Pasta

For the Protein:
  • Chicken Breasts: Lean, tender meat that serves as the main protein source and adds substantial flavor to the dish.
For the Pasta:
  • Pasta: Classic base of the recipe that provides a hearty and satisfying foundation for the creamy sauce.
For the Sauce Components:
  • Heavy Cream: Rich dairy ingredient that creates a smooth, luxurious sauce with a velvety texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Aged cheese that adds a sharp, salty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
For the Aromatics:
  • Onions, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that build a robust flavor base and enhance the overall taste profile.
For the Flavor Enhancers:
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Concentrated, tangy ingredient that introduces a sweet and intense tomato flavor.
  • Fresh Spinach: Nutritious green vegetable that wilts into the sauce, adding color and subtle earthiness.
For the Seasoning and Herbs:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that balances and highlights the dish's flavors.
  • Italian Herbs: Blend of dried herbs that provides an aromatic and traditional Mediterranean touch.
  • Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sear the chicken and prevents sticking while adding a subtle fruity note.

Simple Steps For Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Season Chicken Perfectly

Grab your chicken breasts and give them a generous massage with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Make sure every inch gets some love for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Sizzle and Brown Chicken

Fire up a large skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Drop those seasoned chicken breasts in and let them dance until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Cook until completely done on both sides.

Step 3: Rest and Slice Chicken

Remove chicken from the skillet and let it chill for 5 minutes. Then slice into beautiful thin strips that will look amazing in your final dish.

Step 4: Awaken Aromatics

In the same skillet with chicken drippings, toss in:
  • Finely chopped onions
  • Minced garlic

Sauté until they become fragrant and look beautifully translucent.

Step 5: Add Sun-Dried Tomato Magic

Sprinkle sun-dried tomatoes into the skillet and cook for a quick minute to unleash their intense flavor profile.

Step 6: Create Dreamy Cream Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring constantly to develop a silky smooth sauce that’ll make everyone swoon.

Step 7: Cheese Transformation

Whisk parmesan cheese into the sauce, watching it melt and create an incredibly rich texture.

Step 8: Cook Perfect Pasta

In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente moment.

Step 9: Wilt Fresh Spinach

Fold fresh spinach into the cream sauce, letting it softly wilt and blend seamlessly.

Step 10: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain pasta and add directly into the skillet, gently tossing so every single noodle gets coated in that luxurious sauce.

Step 11: Reunite Chicken and Pasta

Reintroduce those sliced chicken strips back into the pasta, mixing thoroughly so every bite is balanced.

Step 12: Serve with Flair

Plate immediately and sprinkle some extra parmesan cheese and Italian herbs on top for that restaurant-quality presentation.

Helpful Tips For Tuscan Chicken Pasta

  • Boost Chicken Flavor: Marinate chicken in herbs for at least 15 minutes before cooking to enhance depth and tenderness.
  • Prevent Dry Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking, maintaining juicy texture.
  • Perfect Cream Sauce: Keep heat low when adding cream to prevent separation and achieve smooth, silky consistency.
  • Pasta Perfection: Salt boiling water generously and cook pasta just until al dente to maintain ideal texture when mixed with sauce.
  • Quick Wilting Spinach: Add spinach last and remove skillet from heat to prevent overcooking, preserving vibrant green color and nutrients.

Flavor Ideas For Tuscan Chicken Pasta

  • Mediterranean Veggie Swap: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or zucchini slices for a vegetarian-friendly version.
  • Gluten-Free Pasta Option: Use spiralized zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta made from chickpea or rice flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese for a lactose-free alternative.
  • Spicy Cajun Remix: Add cayenne pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes to create a zesty, bold flavor profile with a kick of heat.

Top Sides For Tuscan Chicken Pasta

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy sauce's richness and cut through the heavy cream's intensity.
  • Refreshing Beverage Match: Opt for sparkling water with a lemon twist to cleanse the palate between bites of the herb-infused chicken pasta.
  • Perfect Side Companion: Serve a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy texture and provide a fresh, peppery contrast.
  • Bread Recommendation: Pair with toasted garlic crostini to soak up the delectable sun-dried tomato cream sauce and add a satisfying crunch.

Storage Tips For Tuscan Chicken Pasta

  • Store leftover chicken pasta in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, ensuring minimal air exposure, and freeze for up to 2 months without compromising taste or texture.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying, cover loosely, and heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of cream or broth to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring gently until heated through completely.

FAQs About Tuscan Chicken Pasta

  • What makes the cream sauce creamy and rich?

The combination of heavy cream and freshly grated parmesan cheese creates a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly, delivering intense flavor and smooth texture.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While the recipe works great with most pasta shapes, fettuccine, penne, or linguine are excellent alternatives that will hold the creamy sauce wonderfully.

  • Is this dish considered a complete meal?

Yes, this recipe combines protein from chicken, carbohydrates from pasta, and nutrients from spinach, making it a balanced and satisfying one-skillet meal that covers multiple food groups.

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Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Hearty Tuscan chicken pasta brings Italian countryside comfort straight to your dinner table. Creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken create a luxurious meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 chicken breasts
  • 1 lb pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • 2 cups heavy cream

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 2 cups spinach
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 1 small onion

Seasoning and Cheese:

  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp Italian herbs
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare chicken by seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs, ensuring even coating on both sides.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear chicken breasts until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
  3. Remove chicken from skillet, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté finely chopped onions and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional minute to release their concentrated flavors.
  6. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
  7. Sprinkle parmesan cheese into the sauce, whisking until completely melted and integrated.
  8. Meanwhile, cook pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions.
  9. Fold fresh spinach into the cream sauce, allowing it to wilt and incorporate seamlessly.
  10. Drain pasta and add directly to the skillet, gently tossing to coat each noodle with the rich, creamy sauce.
  11. Reintroduce sliced chicken to the pasta, mixing thoroughly to distribute evenly.
  12. Serve immediately, garnishing with additional parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of Italian herbs if desired.

Notes

  • Optimize chicken seasoning by gently pressing herbs into the meat for deeper flavor penetration.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F without overcooking, maintaining juicy texture.
  • Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for lighter, lower-calorie version that still provides creamy consistency.
  • Swap protein options easily by replacing chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu, or roasted vegetables for vegetarian adaptation.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 750
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 40g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 70g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
Olivia Brooks

Olivia Brooks

Contributing Writer

Expertise

  • Healthy recipe development
  • Plant-based cooking
  • Nutritional analysis
  • Food writing and content creation

Education

Culinary Institute of America
Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate Program
Focus: Culinary fundamentals, nutrition, and healthy cooking technique


Olivia believes good food should feed both the body and the soul. She earned her Accelerated Culinary Arts Certificate from the Culinary Institute of America, where she focused on nutrition and practical cooking techniques that make healthy eating easy.
At 10 Below Ice Cream, Olivia shares single-serving recipes that are fresh, plant-forward, and full of heart. She loves helping people eat better, without stress, strict rules, or sacrificing flavor.
Beyond the kitchen, Olivia spends her time tending her backyard garden, practicing yoga, and discovering hidden gems in Portland’s food scene.

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