Introduction
Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine. Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors that combine tender chicken with sun-dried tomatoes, all tossed in a luscious cream sauce and served over penne pasta and fresh spinach. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings, allowing you to prepare a meal that satisfies your cravings for comfort food while impressing your guests.
Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This Tuscan chicken pasta recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience. Here are a few reasons why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Quick to make, it’s ready in just 30 minutes.
- Rich in flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and garlic.
- Perfectly creamy texture thanks to heavy cream and Parmesan.
- Versatile; customize with your favorite vegetables or proteins.
- Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests.
- Gluten-free option available.
With its Italian cuisine roots, this dish brings a taste of Tuscany right to your dinner table.
Ingredients for Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Gather these items:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Dried basil and oregano for seasoning
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Cook penne pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper; cook until browned (6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Step 3: Sauté minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Step 4: Lower heat, add heavy cream, dried basil, and oregano; simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
- Step 5: Return chicken to the skillet along with spinach and cooked pasta; toss to combine.
- Step 6: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Serve garnished with fresh basil.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Keep these in mind:
- Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
- Quick to prepare, ideal for family dinners.
- Can be customized with additional vegetables or proteins.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Ensure not to overcook the chicken for a tender bite.
Best Ways to Serve Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Consider these delicious serving ideas:
- Pair with a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Top with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for added flavor.
How to Store and Reheat Tuscan Chicken Pasta
To store, place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave until heated through. You can also reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream to bring back the original creaminess. This dish is perfect for meal prep!
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuscan Chicken Pasta
What’s the secret to perfect Tuscan Chicken Pasta?
The key is to balance the flavors of garlic and sun-dried tomatoes with the creamy sauce, ensuring each ingredient shines. Fresh spinach adds a nice touch and nutrition.
Can I make Tuscan Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance, then simply cook the pasta and combine everything when you’re ready to serve.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Tuscan Chicken Pasta?
To avoid overcooking the chicken, ensure it is just cooked through and no longer pink. Also, don’t let the cream sauce boil vigorously to prevent curdling.
Variations of Tuscan Chicken Pasta You Can Try
Here are a few creative twists to make this dish your own:
- Tuscan chicken fettuccine: Swap penne for fettuccine for a different texture.
- Healthy Tuscan chicken pasta options: Use whole wheat pasta and low-fat cream for a lighter version.
- Garlic Tuscan chicken pasta: Increase the amount of garlic for an intense flavor boost.
- One-pot Tuscan chicken pasta: Combine everything in one pot for easy cleanup.
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage or Creamy Potato Soup. You can also explore Last Recipes for more inspiration.
Print
Tuscan Chicken Pasta: 6 Irresistible Comfort Food Recipes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Indulge in the rich, creamy flavors of Tuscan Chicken Pasta, a delightful dish that captures the essence of Italian cuisine.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Dried basil and oregano for seasoning
Instructions
- Cook penne pasta in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper; cook until browned (6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- Sauté minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in the same skillet for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Lower heat, add heavy cream, dried basil, and oregano; simmer for 3-5 minutes until thickened.
- Return chicken to the skillet along with spinach and cooked pasta; toss to combine.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Serve garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- Perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings.
- Quick to prepare, ideal for family dinners.
- Can be customized with additional vegetables or proteins.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: Tuscan Chicken Pasta, Italian pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta









