Imagine twirling forkfuls of tender chicken and silky pasta in a luxuriously creamy garlic sauce, scented with sun dried tomatoes and fresh spinach the aroma wrapping your kitchen in pure comfort food bliss.
This is the perfect dish for a cozy weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend gathering when you want something indulgent yet easy to put together without fuss.
SaveI first tested this recipe on a chilly Tuesday evening and ended up making it twice in one week because the leftovers tasted even better as the flavors melded together.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep the chicken and pasta
Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente.
- Sear the chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the chicken in a single layer, and cook until golden brown and cooked through about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Build the sauce base
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun dried tomatoes, cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, dried basil, and dried oregano.
- Simmer and reduce
Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it bubble lightly for 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens slightly and the flavors begin to meld.
- Add spinach and chicken
Stir in the chopped fresh spinach until wilted, then return the cooked chicken to the skillet and let it warm through for another minute or two.
- Finish the sauce
Reduce heat to low, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
- Add cheese and taste
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, season with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed, and let it sit off heat for a minute to slightly mellow the acidity.
- Plate and garnish
Divide the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta among warm bowls, top with a little extra Parmesan and chopped parsley if you like a fresh pop of color.
Substitutions and variations
- Use zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for a lighter gluten free version.
- Swap heavy cream with whole milk plus 1 tbsp butter for a lighter sauce.
- Replace sun dried tomatoes with roasted red peppers for a different tang.
- Sub chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer richer flavor and juicier bites.
Chloe's tips
- Reserve a splash of pasta water and add it to the sauce if it thickens too much while tossing.
- For extra richness, add a splash of white wine when you add the cream and let it bubble off.
- Let the sauce sit on low heat for a few minutes after adding cheese so it melts smoothly without splitting.
- This dish reheats well on the stovetop with a little added cream or broth to loosen it up.
How to store it
- Cool leftovers quickly and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to refresh the sauce.
Serving suggestions
Serve this comforting pasta as a complete dinner with a simple side salad and crusty bread.
- Pair with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a classic Italian dinner.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley right before serving to keep the colors bright.
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this gluten free?
Yes, use gluten free pasta or swap in spiralized zucchini for a lighter low carb version and ensure your chicken broth is gluten free.
Why did my sauce split or become grainy?
This can happen if the sauce got too hot after adding cheese or cold ingredients were added too quickly; whisk in a splash of warm water or broth and keep heat low while stirring gently.
Can I prepare this ahead for a dinner party?
You can cook the chicken, pasta, and sauce ahead of time and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a little cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce before serving.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick?
Thin it out by adding reserved pasta water, a splash of cream, or chicken broth a tablespoon at a time while stirring until you reach your desired consistency.
Let's get cooking!
I hope this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta becomes a cozy staple in your kitchen, bringing together tender chicken, silky sauce, and bright tomatoes in an easy weeknight favorite you will return to again and again.
