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Tuscan Chicken Pasta

By Grandma Millie

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Delicious Tuscan Chicken Pasta with creamy sauce and fresh ingredients.

Tuscan chicken pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that brings the flavors of Italy straight to your table. Tender pieces of chicken simmer in a rich tomato-based cream sauce with garlic, fresh spinach, and sun-ripened tomatoes, creating layers of flavor in every bite. Tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with Parmesan and fragrant basil, this dish is both hearty and elegant. Ready in just 30 minutes, Tuscan chicken pasta is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, turning an ordinary meal into a deliciously memorable experience.

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 25 mins
Total: 35 mins
Serves: 4 servings
Calories: 500

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Tuscan Chicken Pasta

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Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
25 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients

  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 3 cloves garlic (minced, for flavor)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved for sweetness)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (sliced for richness)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach (adds greens)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (for a creamy sauce)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for a cheesy finish)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (blend of herbs)
  • to taste Salt and pepper (for seasoning)
  • to taste Fresh parsley (chopped, optional garnish)

Equipment

  • 1 Large potFor cooking pasta
  • 1 Large skilletFor cooking chicken and sauce

Method

  1. 1

    Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

  2. 2

    Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

  3. 3

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice.

  4. 4

    In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.

  5. 5

    Add cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes; cook 2–3 minutes until tomatoes soften.

  6. 6

    Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.

  7. 7

    Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.

  8. 8

    Return sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in sauce.

  9. 9

    Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

  10. 10

    Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Tuscan Chicken Pasta!

Notes

NutrientAmount per Serving
Nutrition FactsPer Serving
Calories500
Fat25g
Protein30g
Carbs45g

Why You’ll Love This tuscan chicken pasta

  • It’s a creamy, dreamy dish that feels like a warm hug.
  • Packed with vibrant flavors from sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
  • Quick and easy to whip up for busy weeknight dinners.
  • Perfect for impressing guests without the fuss.
  • Customizable with your favorite proteins or veggies!

Ingredients

Gather these delicious ingredients for your Tuscan chicken pasta!

Ingredients for Tuscan chicken pasta displayed on a kitchen table.
  • 8 oz pasta– penne or fettuccine
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts – cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing
  • 3 cloves garlic – minced, for flavor
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes – halved for sweetness
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes – sliced for richness
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach – adds greens
  • 1 cup heavy cream – for a creamy sauce
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – for a cheesy finish
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning – blend of herbs
  • Salt and pepper – to taste, for seasoning
  • Fresh parsley – chopped, optional garnish

How to Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta

This delightful Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy meal that will impress your family and friends. With a preparation time of about 10 minutes and a cooking time of 25 minutes, you can have this delicious dish ready in no time!

Step-by-step preparation of Tuscan chicken pasta, showcasing cooking pasta, seasoned chicken in a skillet, sautéing garlic and tomatoes, and making a creamy sauce with spinach.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and slice.

Step 4: Sauté Garlic

In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5: Add Tomatoes

Add cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes; cook 2–3 minutes until tomatoes soften.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.

Step 7: Add Spinach

Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1–2 minutes.

Step 8: Combine Everything

Return sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in sauce.

Step 9: Adjust Seasoning

Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Step 10: Serve

Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Tuscan Chicken Pasta!

Recipe Snapshot

FeatureDetails
CategoryMain Course
CuisineItalian
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Extra Time0 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
DietaryContains dairy and gluten
Serves4
Best ServedHot and creamy with fresh parsley!

Pro Tips for Making tuscan chicken pasta

  • Use sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
  • Opt for fresh basil to elevate the dish.
  • Cook pasta al dente for the perfect texture.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
  • Top with grated Parmesan for a savory finish.

How to Serve this tuscan chicken pasta

  • Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a savory finish.
  • Garnish with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color.
  • Serve with a side of garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette.
  • For a creamy twist, add a dollop of ricotta cheese on top.
  • Enjoy with a refreshing sparkling water or a non-alcoholic spritzer.

Make Ahead and Storage

You can prepare and store Tuscan chicken pasta for later enjoyment:

Storing Leftovers

  • Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature.
  • Transfer to an airtight container.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Label the container with the date for easy tracking.

Freezing

  • Cool the pasta completely before freezing.
  • Portion into freezer-safe bags or containers.
  • Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn.
  • Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

  • Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
  • Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth.
  • Stir occasionally until heated through.
  • Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, if preferred.

Explore more easy breakfast recipes, quick lunch ideas, cozy dinner meals, tasty snacks, and delightful dessert.

Final Thoughts

We hope you’re as excited to try this Tuscan chicken pasta as we are to share it! It’s a simple, yet delightful dish that brings a taste of Italy right to your kitchen. So gather your ingredients, put on your favorite playlist, and enjoy the rewarding experience of creating a meal that’s sure to impress. Buon appetito!

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Straight answers from the kitchen — storage, swaps, and common sticking points for this recipe.

What is in Tuscan chicken pasta?
Tuscan chicken pasta typically includes tender chicken breast, pasta (like penne or fettuccine), sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and a creamy sauce made from ingredients like chicken broth and heavy cream. This combination creates a rich and flavorful dish that is both satisfying and delicious.
What is Tuscan chicken sauce made of?
The sauce for Tuscan chicken is usually made from a blend of chicken broth, heavy cream, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, along with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for added flavor and nutrition. This creamy sauce envelops the chicken and pasta, making every bite delightful.
What is the difference between marry me chicken and tuscan chicken?
Marry me chicken is a dish that features chicken cooked in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and herbs, often said to be so delicious it could inspire a marriage proposal. Tuscan chicken, on the other hand, is typically served with pasta and includes similar ingredients but focuses more on the combination of chicken and pasta in a creamy sauce, making it a heartier meal.
What to eat with Tuscan chicken pasta?
Tuscan chicken pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a light white sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley to enhance the flavors. Enjoying it with a glass of sparkling water or a refreshing lemonade can also complement the meal beautifully!

Kitchen notes

Nutrition & sources

Calorie and nutrition figures on this page are estimates meant for general home-cooking guidance. Actual values vary with brands, portion size, and how the recipe is prepared.

Estimates draw on typical ingredient data from public nutrition databases such as the USDA FoodData Central. They are not a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice.

For how recipes are tested and when pages are updated, see How we test recipes. Full legal context lives in our disclaimers and affiliate disclosure.

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