If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. This comforting meal brings together tender pan-seared chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce infused with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Every bite delivers a delightful blend of creamy texture and vibrant flavors that make it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential for creating that signature creamy, savory, and colorful profile that makes this dish stand out. Each one plays a key role in balancing flavor, texture, and freshness.
- 2 medium Chicken Breasts: Pat dry and season well to ensure a golden, juicy sear that forms the base of the dish.
- 8 oz Pasta (penne or farfalle): Cooking it al dente provides the perfect bite to hold onto the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: This luxurious ingredient gives the sauce its velvety richness and creamy consistency.
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced): Adds an irresistible aroma and a subtle savored depth.
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (roughly chopped): Brings a fresh, vibrant color and a nutritious boost.
- 1/2 cup Sun-dried Tomatoes (chopped): Introduces a sweet-tart punch that perfectly complements the creaminess.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated): Gives the sauce a salty, nutty flavor that pulls all the ingredients together.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil: Essential for frying the chicken and sautéing garlic with just the right flavor.
- Salt and Pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate every component.
- 1 handful Fresh Basil: The final aromatic garnish that adds freshness and a pop of green.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water, which helps season the pasta from the inside out. Cook your choice of penne or farfalle until al dente, just tender but still with a little bite to ensure it perfectly holds the creamy sauce later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Pat your chicken breasts dry and generously season them with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add the chicken. Allow it to cook undisturbed for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. This searing step locks in juices and builds flavor.
Step 3: Rest and Slice the Chicken
Transfer your cooked chicken to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Resting keeps the chicken juicy when you slice it into bite-sized pieces, perfect for stirring into the pasta at the end.
Step 4: Sauté Garlic, Sun-dried Tomatoes, and Spinach
Using the same skillet (don’t clean it — those browned bits add flavor), add minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until you can smell that lovely aroma. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts gently, releasing its earthy green goodness.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine everything smoothly. Let it simmer gently, then sprinkle in Parmesan cheese, stirring thoughtfully as it melts to create a smooth, rich sauce that glistens in the pan.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Drain your pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing to coat every piece. Fold in the sliced chicken, mixing it all together so every forkful is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes. Let it warm through a minute more before plating.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves adds a bright, herbal note that beautifully contrasts the rich sauce. For a touch of extra indulgence, a little more grated Parmesan on top never hurts!
Side Dishes
Serve this dish alongside a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess, or crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of the luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables also make a fresh and hearty accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, try serving the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with whole basil leaves and a few sun-dried tomato slices on top. Alternatively, layer it with fresh greens in a large serving dish for a family-style meal that invites everyone to dig in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover creamy Tuscan chicken pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will soak up some sauce over time, so you may want to add a splash of cream or milk when reheating.
Freezing
This dish freezes well but is best preserved without pasta to maintain texture. Freeze the chicken and sauce separately if possible, then combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to eat, for the freshest flavor and consistency.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a bit of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but be sure to stir every 30 seconds to avoid uneven heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne and farfalle hold sauce beautifully, feel free to experiment with fusilli, rotini, or even fettuccine. Just cook until al dente to maintain texture.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, swapping heavy cream with coconut cream or a cashew-based cream and using a dairy-free Parmesan alternative still yields a creamy, delicious sauce with a slightly different but delightful flavor.
How long can I keep leftovers in the refrigerator?
Leftover creamy Tuscan chicken pasta should be eaten within 3 days for best taste and food safety. Always store it in a sealed container.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate it, then reheat gently before adding pasta and chicken. This helps save time on busy days.
What wine pairs well with Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
A crisp Chardonnay or a light Pinot Grigio complements this creamy, garlicky pasta beautifully, balancing richness with refreshing acidity.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe quickly becomes a cherished classic in any household because it’s easy, satisfying, and packed with gorgeous flavors. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s such a beloved dish to return to again and again. So don’t wait—gather your ingredients, embrace the process, and treat yourself to a plateful of pure comfort and joy tonight!
Print
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful one-pan dish that combines tender pan-seared chicken breasts with a luscious sauce made from heavy cream, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Tossed with perfectly cooked penne or farfalle pasta and garnished with fresh basil, it offers a comforting and elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 medium Chicken Breasts (Approximately 1 pound, seasoned and pan-seared)
Pasta
- 8 oz Pasta (penne or farfalle, cooked al dente)
Sauce
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Provides a luscious, velvety texture to the sauce)
- 3 cloves Garlic (Minced, adds fragrant aroma and savory taste)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (Roughly chopped, adds color and nutrition)
- 1/2 cup Sun-dried Tomatoes (Chopped, adds sweet and tangy flavor)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Grated, adds salty, nutty flavor)
Cooking
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (Used for cooking the chicken and sautéing garlic)
- Salt and Pepper to taste (Essential seasonings to enhance flavors)
Garnish
- 1 handful Fresh Basil (For garnish, adds aromatic flavor)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Begin by gathering all your ingredients on your countertop. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Cook Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Sauté Garlic and Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Make Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Add the sliced chicken and mix until combined. Cook for an additional minute, then serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta to maintain a perfect al dente texture.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking ensures it stays juicy and tender.
- Sun-dried tomatoes can be oil-packed or dry; if dry, rehydrate them in warm water before chopping.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less rich.
