Save This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort dinner for busy nights or when you want to spoil your family without leaving home. Tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach and silky garlic cream sauce all swirl together around twirls of pasta. It tastes like something you would treat yourself to at a downtown café and honestly, it comes together in under an hour with simple techniques.
The first time I made this, my whole house smelled like a trattoria and everyone was peeking into the kitchen to ask what was cooking. Now, if I say Tuscan chicken pasta is on the menu, it is always met with big smiles.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: brings protein and heft Choose large pieces so you get juicy slices
- Salt and black pepper: essentials for building up the seasoning right from the start
- Dried Italian herbs: sprinkle in that signature Tuscan aroma For best depth use a blend with oregano rosemary thyme
- Olive oil: makes your chicken golden and flavors the sauce Rich green extra virgin is best if you have it
- Pasta (penne or fettuccine): both work beautifully If you want more sauce-to-noodle ratio choose fettuccine For al dente texture cook until just tender and always salt your water
- Butter (unsalted): gives you perfect control over seasoning and a luscious mouthfeel Use real butter for the best flavor
- Fresh garlic cloves: are the soul of the sauce Mince just before using for max aroma
- Heavy cream: forms the creamy backbone For best results pick one with at least thirty six percent fat
- Parmesan cheese: grated fresh makes all the difference Try to buy a wedge and grate at home for nutty flavor
- Chicken broth: thins out the sauce and ties everything together Look for low sodium if you want to control saltiness
- Sun-dried tomatoes: provide tangy bursts Slice them thin stick with oil-packed for best flavor
- Baby spinach: adds freshness and a pop of green Look for crisp vibrant leaves with no yellowing
- Crushed red pepper flakes: optional if you like a mild kick
- Salt and pepper to finish: let you perfect the balance
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil then add the pasta Stir occasionally and cook until just shy of al dente it should have a slight bite Reserve half a cup of the starchy cooking water before draining to help adjust the sauce later Set pasta aside
- Season the Chicken:
- Sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with salt black pepper and dried Italian herbs Press the herbs in gently so they stick This helps flavor every bite while sealing in juices
- Sear and Rest the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high until shimmering Lay the chicken breasts flat in the pan Cook for five to six minutes per side until you get a deep golden crust and the centers are cooked through Transfer them to a plate to rest for five minutes which keeps them juicy before slicing thinly across the grain
- Build the Garlic Cream Base:
- In the same skillet lower the heat to medium and add the butter Let it melt and sizzle before stirring in minced garlic Cook for one full minute stirring to avoid burning Your house will smell incredible at this stage
- Create the Sauce:
- Pour in heavy cream then chicken broth followed by sun dried tomatoes and grated Parmesan Stir gently until the cheese melts in and the sauce looks glossy Simmer for two to three minutes so everything thickens and the flavors come together
- Add Spinach and Adjust Seasoning:
- Toss chopped baby spinach into the sauce Cook just until the leaves are wilted but still bright green about one minute Stir in red pepper flakes at this stage if using Taste for salt and pepper then adjust as needed
- Combine Chicken Pasta and Sauce:
- Slide the sliced chicken back into the pan Add the cooked pasta and use tongs to toss everything so the noodles are fully coated If the sauce is thicker than you like splash in reserved pasta water a bit at a time until creamy and clingy
- Serve and Garnish:
- Dish onto plates right away Garnish with extra Parmesan and some torn fresh basil if desired Serve hot for maximum deliciousness
Save The creamy garlic and Parmesan sauce will always be my favorite part it clings so perfectly to the pasta and every spoonful feels like a treat. I still remember making this for a Sunday family dinner and there were almost no leftovers everyone kept going back for seconds just to get a little more sauce.
Storage Tips
Let the pasta cool to room temperature then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. This pasta can be frozen for up to two months though expect a softer texture in the noodles upon thawing.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap in cooked rotisserie chicken for a speedier meal or if you are out of heavy cream try half and half or even a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of cream cheese. Gluten free pasta works great in this recipe. If you are missing sun dried tomatoes roasted red peppers offer a similar tang.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta stands alone but feels special alongside garlic bread steamed asparagus or a simple arugula salad with lemon. If you want to turn it into a feast add a fruity Chardonnay and lemon sorbet for dessert.
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
Tuscan chicken pasta brings together Italian flavors with a creamy twist beloved in Italian American cooking. In summer swap spinach for fresh basil leaves or toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes for brightness.
Save Serve hot to enjoy all the flavors perfectly balanced with just enough creamy sauce clinging to every noodle. This dish never disappoints for a cozy dinner at home.
Kitchen Guide
- → What type of pasta works best?
Penne or fettuccine are ideal, as their shapes hold the creamy sauce well.
- → Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs offer extra juiciness and work well in this dish.
- → How can I lighten the cream sauce?
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or use a blend of milk and Greek yogurt.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs; check all labels for possible gluten sources.
- → What wine pairs well with this meal?
Crisp Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio complement the creamy sauce and savory chicken flavors.
- → Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut and can be sliced and added directly to the sauce.