Craving a rich, comforting pasta dish that tastes like it’s from a high-end Italian restaurant but comes together in just 30 minutes? This Tuscan Chicken Pasta is your answer. It’s the perfect meal for a busy weeknight when you want something special without the fuss. We combine perfectly seared chicken, savory sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all swimming in a luxuriously creamy garlic sauce. This recipe is designed to be foolproof, delivering a truly unforgettable dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Get ready to bring the heart of Italy to your kitchen with a dish that’s as simple as it is elegant.
Why This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a Weeknight Winner
You’ll fall in love with this recipe for its simplicity and incredible depth of flavor. Unlike other versions that can be heavy or complicated, this one strikes the perfect balance.
- Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you’re only 30 minutes away from a stunning meal. It’s the ideal solution for hectic evenings.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The combination of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese creates a sauce that’s rich, savory, and absolutely addictive.
- Perfectly Balanced: We use just the right amount of cream to make the sauce luscious without it being overly heavy, letting the other Tuscan flavors shine through.
The Key Ingredients for Authentic Tuscan Flavors
The magic of this dish lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create that signature Tuscan taste.
For the Chicken and Pasta:
- Chicken Breast: Two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets for quick and even cooking.
- Pasta: 8 ounces of your favorite pasta. Penne, fettuccine, or rotini all work wonderfully to catch the creamy sauce.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken and building the sauce’s base.
- Salt & Pepper: To season the chicken perfectly.
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is essential for a robust flavor.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use the kind packed in oil for the best flavor and texture. Don’t drain them; the oil adds richness.
- Chicken Broth: Provides a savory base for the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: The key to a silky, luxurious sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and adds a nutty, salty finish.
- Fresh Spinach: A few handfuls wilt down perfectly, adding color and nutrients.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that ties all the flavors together.
How to Make The Best Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these simple steps to create a flawless dish. We’ll build the flavors layer by layer for a truly spectacular result.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, season your chicken cutlets generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about one minute until the garlic is fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, bringing the sauce to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 3: Combine Everything for the Perfect Finish
Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce until it’s smooth and creamy. Add the fresh spinach and stir until it has just wilted. This should only take a minute or two. Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are completely coated in that glorious Tuscan sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with a little extra Parmesan cheese if you like.
Pro Tips for a Flawless Dish
Want to make sure your Tuscan Chicken Pasta is perfect every time? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Slicing the chicken into thin cutlets helps it cook quickly and stay juicy. Keep a close eye on it to ensure it doesn’t become dry.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Grating your own ensures the smoothest possible sauce.
- Save Some Pasta Water: Before draining your pasta, reserve about a cup of the starchy cooking water. If your sauce gets too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to thin it out to the perfect consistency. For another great pasta dish, try this creamy chicken and sausage pasta recipe.
Delicious Variations to Try
This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also easy to customize. Here are a few ideas to make it your own.
- Add Mushrooms: Sliced cremini mushrooms add a wonderful earthy flavor. Sauté them after the chicken until they are golden brown.
- Spice it Up: For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic.
- Make it Lighter: You can substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. If you’re looking for a low-carb chicken dish, consider this low-carb chicken bake.
What to Serve with Your Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect fresh contrast to the rich sauce. For something heartier, serve it with a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of the sauce. This olive oil bread dip would be a fantastic starter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative. You can also use a high-quality, plant-based Parmesan cheese substitute. The flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the chicken rubbery.
This dish is a full meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed asparagus, or a side of crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
A classic Tuscan-style cream sauce is typically made with a base of garlic, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Key flavor elements include sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and plenty of grated Parmesan cheese.
Short pasta shapes with ridges or twists are excellent for catching the creamy sauce. We recommend penne, rotini, or fettuccine, but feel free to use your favorite.
Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Tuscan Chicken Pasta (Restaurant-Quality, Ready in 30 Minutes)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- While pasta is cooking, season chicken cutlets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth to deglaze, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken. Reduce heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the spinach to the sauce and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Serve immediately.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
Share Your Creation!
I hope you love this Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe as much as my family does! It’s a true staple in our home. If you make it, please leave a comment below or share a photo of your beautiful dish on Pinterest. I can’t wait to see your masterpiece!
