If you’re looking for a dish that combines rich flavors, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, look no further than this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. This comforting pasta dish is packed with all the right ingredients: perfectly cooked chicken, vibrant spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, all wrapped up in a luscious creamy sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner with friends, this recipe is sure to impress.
What makes this recipe extra special is how simple and quick it is to prepare. With a few pantry staples and fresh ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own kitchen. The creamy sauce is rich and flavorful, while the sun-dried tomatoes bring a touch of sweetness and tang. Ready in just under 30 minutes, this dish is the perfect choice for a busy weeknight when you want something comforting but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
What Makes This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Special?
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Rich and Creamy Sauce: The combination of heavy cream, Parmesan, and garlic creates a luscious sauce that coats every bite of pasta and chicken perfectly.
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Balanced Flavors: With the earthy spinach, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and savory chicken, this dish offers a perfect balance of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
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Quick and Easy: Ready in just under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
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One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one pan, making cleanup easy and allowing all the ingredients to meld together for maximum flavor.
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Customizable: You can easily swap out the chicken for other proteins, like shrimp or turkey, and adjust the vegetables to suit your preferences.
Ingredient Notes
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Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work best for this recipe. The chicken is pan-seared for a golden, crispy exterior and juicy interior.
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Pasta: Any pasta shape works, but fettuccine or penne is ideal for holding the creamy sauce. You can even use gluten-free pasta if needed.
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Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a rich, tangy flavor to the dish. Be sure to use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
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Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the creamy sauce, adding a burst of color and nutrients.
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Cream: Heavy cream is used to create that indulgent, smooth sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but the sauce may be a little thinner.
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Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a salty, umami flavor that perfectly complements the creaminess of the sauce. Avoid using pre-grated cheese for the best texture.
How To Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
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Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, then sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: In the same pan, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Make the Creamy Sauce: Add the heavy cream to the pan and stir in grated Parmesan. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
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Add Spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts into the sauce.
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Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and reserve a little pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
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Combine the Pasta and Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Add the drained pasta to the creamy sauce and toss to coat. Add the chicken on top and stir everything together, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
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Serve: Plate the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and enjoy!
Storage Options
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Room Temperature: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, they should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking.
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Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: While the sauce may lose some of its creaminess, this dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool before freezing, and store in a freezer-safe container.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop. If the sauce has thickened, add a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to the desired consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
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Protein Swap: Try using shrimp or turkey breast in place of chicken. If you want a vegetarian option, sauté some mushrooms for a savory, meaty texture.
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Seasonal Vegetables: You can swap spinach for other leafy greens like kale or Swiss chard. Fresh tomatoes can also replace sun-dried tomatoes for a fresher flavor.
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Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
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Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give the dish some heat.
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Pasta Variations: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or dietary-friendly alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I use frozen spinach? Yes! You can substitute frozen spinach for fresh. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding it to the sauce.
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Can I make this ahead of time? While it’s best fresh, you can prep the chicken, pasta, and sauce in advance, then assemble and heat everything when you’re ready to serve.
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What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes? If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use roasted red peppers for a similar sweet and tangy flavor.
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Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! This recipe works with any type of pasta, but long pasta like spaghetti or fettuccine works best to hold the creamy sauce.
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How do I thicken the sauce? If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it a little longer, or add more Parmesan cheese to thicken it up.
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Can I add more vegetables? Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Just make sure to sauté them before adding to the sauce.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is everything you could want in a quick, comforting meal. The rich sauce, tender chicken, and savory flavors come together beautifully, making it a perfect choice for dinner. It’s simple to make, customizable, and sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a plate of creamy, pasta perfection tonight!
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A Flavorful and Easy Weeknight Meal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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2 cups fresh spinach
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½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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Olive oil for cooking
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Italian seasoning to taste
Instructions
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Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in a hot pan with olive oil until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature).
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Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in the same pan, then add heavy cream and Parmesan. Let simmer to thicken.
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Add spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted.
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Cook pasta and drain, saving some pasta water.
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Combine pasta with the sauce and sliced chicken, adding pasta water if needed.
Nutrition
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 40g