Pin it This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta brings together all my favorites for cozy comfort food with flair. Succulent chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender spinach all melt into pasta swirled in a garlicky cream sauce. It is a one-pan wonder that feels restaurant-worthy yet is made for weeknights at home.
I first made this when I needed something impressive but fast before company arrived. Now it has become my go-to for feeding picky eaters and pasta lovers alike because everyone wants seconds.
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: boneless and skinless for quick cooking and juicy bites Look for plump pieces with no gray areas
- Sun-dried tomatoes: packed in oil bring tang and sweetness Choose ones that still feel soft not brittle
- Fresh spinach: adds color and freshness Baby spinach wilts beautifully with no chopping
- Pasta: such as penne or rigatoni These tubular shapes grab onto that rich sauce well Select bronze-cut pasta if you find it for extra grip
- Heavy cream: makes the sauce irresistibly lush Opt for one with minimal additives to keep flavors pure
- Parmesan cheese: brings savory depth Always freshly grate for meltability and better taste
- Garlic cloves: for aroma and bite Pick tight heads with no green shoots
- Olive oil: rounds out the flavor Choose extra virgin for the best richness
- Chicken broth: to loosen the sauce and boost savor Pick low sodium if you want more control over final seasoning
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken:
- Cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces Pat dry and season generously with salt and pepper Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high Place the chicken pieces in a single layer and let them cook undisturbed for three or four minutes Flip and brown the other side Remove chicken to a warm plate and cover to keep juicy
- Build the Flavor Base:
- Lower heat to medium Melt a splash more olive oil in the same pan Add finely chopped garlic and let it gently sizzle for about sixty seconds until fragrant Watch closely so it does not toast too dark
- Add Sun-dried Tomatoes and Deglaze:
- Thinly slice sun-dried tomatoes and stir them in Let them mingle with the garlic for thirty to forty five seconds Splash in a bit of chicken broth scraping up browned bits from the pan bottom This unlocks amazing savory flavor
- Cook the Pasta and Wilt the Spinach:
- Stir uncooked pasta straight into the pan Pour in remaining chicken broth and heavy cream Bring to a simmer stirring now and then so pasta does not stick to the bottom Simmer gently uncovered until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed about twelve minutes Stir in spinach in handfuls allowing it to wilt down between additions
- Finish with Chicken and Cheese:
- Return the seared chicken with any collected juices to the pan Toss gently to combine Sprinkle plenty of freshly grated parmesan over everything Stir until cheese is melty sauce is glossy and chicken is hot through Taste for salt and adjust if needed
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Spoon into bowls while piping hot If you like add more parmesan and a swirl of extra oil or crack of black pepper on top
Pin it The sun-dried tomatoes truly are my favorite They bring such sweetness against the creamy sauce and they remind me of sunny summers with my grandmother when we would make batches together She loved this spinach filled pasta stop since it celebrated the season
Storage Tips
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days The sauce might thicken so add a splash of water or broth when reheating and stir gently over low heat to keep it creamy without breaking the sauce
Ingredient Substitutions
If you prefer, swap chicken breast for boneless thighs for extra richness You can use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce or try kale in place of spinach if you want more texture Gluten-free pasta works beautifully as well just monitor for doneness a bit earlier
Serving Suggestions
Pile this over a bed of arugula or alongside a crisp green salad for a lighter feel For a more decadent table offer crusty bread to mop up extra sauce A glass of dry white wine fits right in or even a sparkling nonalcoholic drink to balance the richness
Cultural and Seasonal Notes
Tuscan inspired pasta dishes are rooted in bold flavors with everyday ingredients Sun dried tomatoes and garlicky cream sauces are classic in many Italian kitchens This dish is especially lovely in fall or winter but is timeless paired with fresh greens any season
Seasonal Adaptations
Use baby kale or chard for a winter version Try adding a handful of cherry tomatoes in summer for a burst of sweetness Switch parmesan for pecorino in springtime for a saltier edge
Success Stories
Friends have sent me photos after making this dish saying it became their own weeknight hero Even my pasta avoiding aunt texted me for the recipe after trying a forkful It is one of those rare recipes that seems to please every generation and appetite around my family table
Freezer Meal Conversion
Cool pasta and chicken completely then portion into airtight containers Freeze for up to two months Reheat gently straight from the freezer with a splash of milk or broth and stir often to reawaken the sauce’s creaminess
Pin it This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is sure to bring warmth to any table and makes weeknight meals feel special. Enjoy every forkful and make it yours with a sprinkle of parmesan and a bright twist of greens.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of pasta works best for this dish?
Short pasta varieties like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli absorb the creamy sauce well and provide ideal texture.
- → Can I substitute fresh tomatoes for sun-dried tomatoes?
Sun-dried tomatoes offer intensified flavor, but fresh tomatoes can be used for a lighter, juicier result.
- → Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Yes, use coconut cream or a plant-based alternative for the sauce, though flavor and texture may vary slightly.
- → How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Sear chicken breast pieces until just cooked, then finish simmering gently in the sauce to retain moisture.
- → What herbs pair well with this pasta?
Fresh basil, oregano, or Italian parsley add aromatic notes and complement creamy garlic flavors beautifully.