Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious garlic cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breastssalt and pepperolive oilgarlic clovesheavy creamchicken brothParmesan cheesesun-dried tomatoesbaby spinachdried Italian seasoningfettuccine or penne pastafresh basil (optional for garnish)

directions

Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-6 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and combine.

Add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.

Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts.

Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan, mixing it into the creamy sauce.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and add to the skillet.

Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and the ingredients are well distributed.

Garnish with chopped basil and extra Parmesan if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4-6 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use grilled shrimp or Italian sausage instead of chicken for a different protein.

Add mushrooms or cherry tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.

Substitute kale or arugula for spinach if preferred.

Make it spicy by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Use gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.Not recommended for freezing as the cream sauce may separate.

FAQs

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be slightly less rich and creamy.

What type of pasta works best?

Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but any pasta will work.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture before adding.

Do I need to use sun-dried tomatoes in oil?

Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add more flavor, but dry-packed can be rehydrated in warm water before use.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?

Avoid boiling the sauce once the cream is added, and stir continuously while it simmers.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes, you can prep the components ahead, but for best results, combine and serve fresh.

What can I use instead of Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano or Asiago can work as substitutes with a slightly different flavor.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, the creamy sauce and tender chicken make it appealing to most kids.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta brings the flavors of Italy straight to your table with its savory, rich sauce and wholesome ingredients. It’s a satisfying one-pan dish that’s both comforting and elegant, perfect for busy nights or special occasions. Once you try it, it’s bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation.