Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta of choice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 lb chicken breast, sliced; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 cups spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; Extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish

Transport myself to the picturesque Tuscan countryside with this delightful Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe. Bursting with the vibrant flavors of Italy, this dish combines tender slices of chicken breast, juicy cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, and rich Parmesan cheese, all wrapped in a luscious cream sauce. Whether I am hosting a cozy dinner for loved ones or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe promises to satisfy my palate and warm my soul.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it captures the heart of Italian comfort food with simple ingredients and bold flavors. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a rich and satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or an impressive meal for guests, and it’s incredibly adaptable depending on what I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz pasta of my choice

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lb chicken breast, sliced

Salt and pepper to taste

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups spinach

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for garnish

Directions

Cook the Pasta: I start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, I drain it and set it aside.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium-high heat. I season the sliced chicken with salt and pepper, then add it to the skillet. I cook the chicken until golden brown and no longer pink in the middle, then transfer it to a plate and set it aside.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce: Using the same skillet, I melt unsalted butter over medium heat. I add minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until fragrant. Then I toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook them until they soften.

I incorporate the spinach and cook it until it wilts. I pour in the heavy cream, add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, and stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy and smooth.

Combine Ingredients: I add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything gently until the pasta is coated with the sauce.

Finally, I return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. I let it all cook together on low heat for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serve and Garnish: I serve the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta hot, garnishing it with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for a bright, flavorful finish.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 650 kcal per serving

Variations

I like to switch things up by using different types of pasta like fettuccine or penne. Sometimes I add mushrooms for extra earthiness, or swap the spinach for kale for a heartier green. If I want a spicier kick, I sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and grilled shrimp works beautifully as a substitute for chicken.

Storage/Reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I prefer to do it gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. I avoid microwaving for too long to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy.

Related Recipes:

Slow Cooker Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo

FAQs

How can I make this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta gluten-free?

I simply use my favorite gluten-free pasta. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I can make it a day ahead. I store it properly and reheat it with a splash of cream to revive the sauce.

What other proteins can I use instead of chicken?

I like to substitute shrimp, turkey, or even Italian sausage for a delicious variation.

Can I freeze Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta?

I generally don’t recommend freezing it because the cream sauce can separate when thawed and reheated, but it’s still possible if I don’t mind a slight texture change.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

I make sure to keep the heat on medium or lower when adding the cream, and I stir continuously to maintain a smooth texture.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is truly a heartwarming, flavor-packed dish that brings the best of Italy to my kitchen. It’s easy enough for a weeknight meal yet elegant enough to impress guests. Every bite is rich, savory, and comforting. I always find myself coming back to this recipe whenever I need a delicious and satisfying meal.

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