Imagine a plate of creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, where tender chicken dances in a velvety sauce and sun-dried tomatoes whisper sweet nothings to your taste buds. This dish wraps you in warmth, like a cozy hug on a chilly evening. You can practically smell the garlic sautéing, mingling with fresh basil and the rich aroma of Parmesan cheese. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.
This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta isn’t just food; it’s a memory-maker. Imagine gathering around the table with family or friends, laughter mixing with the scent of herbs wafting through the air. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish promises to elevate any meal into a celebration of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is easy to prepare, making dinner stress-free and delicious
- Its rich flavor profile strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and comfort
- The vibrant colors make it visually stunning and appealing on any dinner table
- Versatile enough for any occasion, it pairs beautifully with wine or crusty bread
I once whipped up this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta for a family gathering, and everyone was raving about it for weeks!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust the amount depending on how many people you’re feeding.
- Fresh Garlic: Choose firm, fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor; nothing beats that aromatic punch.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Opt for oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes to add depth and richness to your sauce.
- Heavy Cream: This ingredient is essential for that luxurious creaminess; don’t skimp here!
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best; it melts beautifully and adds a nutty flavor.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts nicely into the sauce, adding color and nutrition without overwhelming flavors.
- Basil: Fresh basil brings that classic Tuscan touch; chop it right before adding to keep its flavor vibrant.
- Pasta of Choice: Fettuccine or penne works wonderfully; choose your favorite shape for more fun at dinnertime!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Pasta: Start by boiling salted water in a pot and cooking your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Remember to reserve some pasta water for later!
Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the seasoned chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes per side.
Add Aromatics and Tomatoes: Toss in minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes once the chicken is done. Sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute—making sure not to burn that lovely garlic.
Create Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream while scraping up any delicious bits from the pan’s bottom. Add Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring until melted into a smooth, creamy concoction.
Toss It All Together: Add cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce along with fresh spinach and chopped basil. Stir everything together until well combined—the colors should pop!
Serve & Enjoy!: Plate your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta generously, sprinkle with extra Parmesan if desired, and enjoy this delicious creation while it’s hot!
Now you’re ready to impress everyone at your dinner table!
You Must Know
- This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta will impress your guests and elevate your weeknight dinners
- The rich flavors and vibrant colors create an enticing dish that’s perfect for any occasion
- Feel free to customize it to make it your own!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the chicken first for a golden crust. While that’s happening, cook the pasta separately. Once the chicken is done, make the creamy sauce in the same pan, allowing all those delicious bits to enhance the flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add spinach for some extra nutrition. You can also experiment with different herbs like thyme or basil to give the dish a unique twist that suits your palate.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always season your pasta water generously; it makes a huge difference in flavor
- Let the sauce simmer just until thickened; overcooking can lead to separation
- Don’t skip on fresh herbs—they add incredible aroma and brightness to the dish!
It was my mom’s birthday when I first made this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, and everyone couldn’t stop raving about it. I still remember her delighted look as she took that first bite!
FAQ
What type of pasta works best for creamy Tuscan chicken pasta?
Fettuccine or penne are great choices, as they hold onto creamy sauces beautifully.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s best to store each component separately until you’re ready to serve.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check your cream and broth labels for gluten-containing ingredients.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is a delightful dish that combines tender chicken and al dente pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce. Infused with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic garlic, this meal is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its vibrant colors and comforting flavors, it promises to be a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil salted water in a pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook seasoned chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and let rest.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and scrape up any bits from the pan. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet along with cooked pasta, spinach, and basil. Toss everything until well combined.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
