This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a warm hug in a bowl! It’s made with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach all tossed in a rich and dreamy sauce.
You won’t believe how easy it is to whip up! I love serving it with a sprinkle of Parmesan on top. Trust me, it’s a family favorite, and you’ll want seconds! 🍝❤️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rigatoni or penne works well here for that lovely sauce cling. If you’re gluten-free, feel free to use a gluten-free pasta blend. A fun shape keeps the dish interesting!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a go-to for this recipe. However, you might use chicken thighs for a richer flavor. Leftover rotisserie chicken is also a great time-saver.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a lot of flavor! If you can’t find them, use chopped fresh tomatoes, though you’ll need to cook them a bit longer to soften.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy. For a lighter version, you can swap in half and half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts nicely to add color and nutrients. If you don’t have fresh, frozen spinach will work—just thaw and drain it well before adding.
How to Cook Chicken Perfectly?
Cooking chicken to golden perfection adds so much flavor to your pasta. Here are my tips:
- Start with a hot skillet to get a good sear on the chicken. This helps lock in juices.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; give each piece space so they cook evenly.
- Season well with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning right before adding to the skillet.
- Cook the chicken until it’s golden and just cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Let it rest before adding back to the dish for better juiciness!
How to Make a Creamy Sauce?
The creamy sauce is the star of this dish—here’s how to make it just right:
- After sautéing garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, pour in chicken broth and cream while stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Bring it to a gentle simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly. If it’s too thick, add a bit more broth.
- Always keep stirring in the Parmesan slowly; it melts perfectly and creates a smooth, creamy texture.
- Finally, incorporate the spinach last to keep it bright green and wilted without overcooking.
Enjoy your cooking and cherish every bite of your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta!
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh thyme or basil (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes in total! You’ll spend roughly 10 minutes prepping and cooking the chicken and another 15-20 minutes finishing the sauce and pasta. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure not to overcook it so it stays firm when mixed with the sauce!
2. Sauté the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté the chicken for about 6-8 minutes until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Create the Flavor Base:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Next, stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for about 2 minutes, allowing their delicious flavor to infuse the oil and garlic.
4. Make it Creamy:
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Stir everything together and bring it to a gentle simmer. This will create the creamy sauce base for your pasta.
5. Thicken the Sauce:
Now, add the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Keep stirring and simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
6. Add Spinach and Chicken:
Stir in the fresh spinach leaves until they wilt, which only takes a few moments. Then, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix everything together to coat all the ingredients in that creamy sauce!
7. Combine with Pasta:
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine everything. Make sure the pasta is well coated with our creamy Tuscan sauce.
8. Season and Serve:
Adjust the flavors by adding salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes to taste. Garnish with fresh thyme or basil if you’d like, then serve your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta immediately and enjoy the wonderful flavors!
Bon appétit! 🍽️
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni and penne are ideal for this recipe, you can substitute with your favorite type of pasta. Just ensure it’s a shape that’ll hold the creamy sauce well, such as fusilli or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prep the ingredients in advance! Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, just reheat the sauce and stir in the cooked pasta before serving. It’s best to consume it within 2 days for optimal freshness.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
Can I Substitute Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but keep in mind the sauce may not be as thick or rich. For a dairy-free alternative, try using coconut cream or a plant-based cream substitute!