CREAMY TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA – easymealstoprep

I can still remember the aroma that filled my tiny apartment the first time I attempted to make this dish. The scent of garlic sizzling in butter, mingling with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, was simply intoxicating. From that day on, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta became a regular feature on my dinner table, a comforting and flavorful reminder of that initial success. Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta you’ll ever make!

Let’s Make the BEST Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta!

Oh, friends, get ready! This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is about to become your new weeknight obsession. It’s rich, it’s flavorful, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. We’re talking juicy chicken breasts bathed in a decadent, creamy sauce, studded with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic. It’s basically a one-pan wonder that delivers restaurant-quality results, and trust me, everyone who tries it will be begging for the recipe. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Breasts: 1.5 lbs, boneless and skinless
• Pasta: 1 lb of your favorite pasta (fettuccine, penne, or linguine work great!)
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons
• Butter: 2 tablespoons
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: 1/2 cup, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• Chicken Broth: 1 cup
• Heavy Cream: 1 cup
• Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon
• Spinach: 5 oz, fresh, washed and roughly chopped
• Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup, grated, plus more for serving
• Salt and Pepper: To taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Step-by-Step Instructions: Your Path to Pasta Perfection

1. Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking your pasta according to package directions. Remember to salt your pasta water! It makes a huge difference in the final flavor. Once cooked al dente, drain and set aside. Don’t rinse it – we want that starchy water to help thicken our sauce.
2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, prepare your chicken breasts. Pat them dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a good sear! Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, carefully add the chicken breasts. Sear for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. Once rested, slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
5. Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet (don’t wash it!), reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant and the sun-dried tomatoes are slightly softened. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
6. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These browned bits are packed with flavor, so don’t skip this step! Bring the broth to a simmer and let it reduce slightly for about 2-3 minutes.
7. Add the Cream and Seasonings: Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce back to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
8. Incorporate the Spinach: Add the chopped spinach to the sauce and stir until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes. The spinach will add a lovely pop of color and a boost of nutrients.
9. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the creamy Tuscan sauce.
10. Add Parmesan: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, making it even creamier and more flavorful.
11. Serve Immediately: Serve your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley (optional). Enjoy!

Success Tips for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Perfection

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Overcooked chicken is dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Resting the chicken after searing is also crucial for keeping it juicy.
• Salt Your Pasta Water: This is a simple but essential step. Salting the pasta water seasons the pasta from the inside out, enhancing its flavor. Use about 1-2 tablespoons of salt per gallon of water.
• Use Good Quality Parmesan: The quality of the Parmesan cheese will significantly impact the flavor of the sauce. Opt for a block of Parmesan and grate it yourself for the best results.
• Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth to thin it out. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
• Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: This recipe is a great base for customization. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus. You can also substitute the chicken with shrimp or sausage.

Variations to Spice Things Up!

The beauty of this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is how easily you can adapt it to your own tastes! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little kick. You can also use spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken.
• Creamy Pesto Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Stir in a tablespoon or two of pesto to the sauce for a burst of fresh, herby flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Chicken Pasta: Add a handful of fresh basil leaves to the sauce along with the sun-dried tomatoes.
• Mushroom Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for an earthy flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are a few ideas:

• Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are healthy and flavorful options.
• Caprese Salad: The classic combination of tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil is a light and refreshing appetizer.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

Want to get a head start on dinner? You can easily make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the pasta, sear the chicken, and combine everything together.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin out the sauce if it has thickened too much.

Other Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of chicken and pasta, you’re in the right place! Here are a few other recipes that I know you’ll adore:

• Craving something comforting and familiar? Try this amazing CREAMY CHICKEN AND RICE. It’s pure comfort food in a bowl!
• For a quick and easy weeknight meal, you can’t go wrong with GARLIC BUTTER CHICKEN ROTINI. The garlic butter sauce is simply irresistible.
• Looking for a dish with a little heat? The Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta will not dissapoint, it is perfect in the crockpot.
• If you like a good smothered chicken, try SMOTHERED CHICKEN RECIPE, it will be a great addition to your family dinner.
• For a simple, flavorful dish, check out this Parmesan Garlic Chicken Pasta. It is a 30-minute one-pan meal that will save you time on week nights.
• And if you’re a fan of tortellini, you absolutely must try CHICKEN TORTELLINI HEAVEN! It’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying.

A Few Final Thoughts…

Making Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta should be a joy, not a chore! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create your own signature version. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just a simple weeknight dinner, I hope this recipe brings a little bit of Tuscan sunshine to your table. Happy cooking!

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Amelia

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. Juicy chicken breasts are bathed in a decadent, creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic, creating a restaurant-quality meal in one pan.

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

Servings 4

Calories 650 kcal

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 lb pasta fettuccine, penne, or linguine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 5 oz fresh spinach, washed and roughly chopped
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Red pepper flakes optional

• Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions. Salt the pasta water. Once cooked al dente, drain and set aside. Do not rinse.

• Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.

• Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and sear for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).

• Rest and Slice: Remove chicken from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes. Slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

• Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes, until garlic is fragrant.

• Deglaze the Pan: Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes.

• Add the Cream and Seasonings: Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring the sauce back to a simmer, then reduce heat to low. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasonings.

• Incorporate the Spinach: Add chopped spinach to the sauce and stir until it wilts, about 2-3 minutes.

• Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the creamy Tuscan sauce.

• Add Parmesan: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted.

• Serve Immediately: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (optional).

For best results, use good quality Parmesan cheese and avoid overcooking the chicken. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or chicken broth. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed. Consider adding mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus for variations.