Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Craving something creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor? Look no further because this Tuscan Chicken Pasta has it all! I’ve been away from the kitchen for a minute, so I knew my comeback recipe had to be epic — and this one is a personal favorite.
Not only is it loaded with tender, well-seasoned chicken, but it’s also bursting with sweet sundried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a dreamy, cheesy cream sauce. Plus, the best part? It all comes together in under an hour, making it the perfect dinner for a cozy night in or even a low-key dinner party!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into cooking, let’s gather everything you’ll need:
- 1/2 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work great!)
- 2 chicken breasts, diced into bite-sized pieces
- Seasonings: salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and dried basil
- Olive oil for cooking
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Handful of fresh spinach
- 3/4 cup sundried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil for topping
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Let’s walk through it step-by-step. I promise it’s way easier than you think!
1. Cook the Pasta
First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until just al dente. Right before draining, remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water — this little trick makes the sauce silky!
2. Season and Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, cut your chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, and dried basil.
Next, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for a few minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Build the Flavorful Base
Now, melt the butter in the same skillet (don’t clean it — you want all those tasty bits!). Add the diced onion and cook until translucent. Then, stir in the garlic, spinach, and chopped sundried tomatoes. Let them cook down together for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken stock, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. After that, reduce the heat and season with the same spices you used for the chicken. This way, every layer of your pasta will be seasoned to perfection!
5. Combine Everything
Toss your cooked pasta and chicken back into the pan along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Stir everything together until the sauce coats every piece beautifully. Then, fold in the Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and creamy.
6. Garnish and Serve
Finally, sprinkle with extra cheese and fresh basil for that perfect finishing touch. Serve hot, cheesy, and ready to impress!
Tips for the Best Tuscan Chicken Pasta
To make your pasta even better, here are some helpful tips:
- Use oil-packed sundried tomatoes for richer flavor. Drain them slightly before chopping.
- Don’t skip the pasta water! It’s key for achieving that perfectly creamy sauce.
- Taste and adjust your seasoning before serving. A little extra salt or pepper can go a long way.
- Want even more veggies? Mushrooms, artichokes, or roasted red peppers would be amazing additions!
Variations to Try
Want to make this dish your own? Here are a few fun ideas:
- Swap the chicken for shrimp to create a Tuscan seafood pasta.
- Spice it up by adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Make it lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add a crispy topping by sprinkling cooked bacon or pancetta over the finished dish.
No matter which variation you choose, you’re in for a serious treat!
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them:
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently over medium heat on the stove with a splash of cream or chicken stock to refresh the sauce.
- Freeze just the sauce and chicken (without pasta) for up to 2 months if you want to meal prep.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like a big, cozy bowl of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta to make any night feel a little more special. Between the juicy chicken, the rich sauce, and the pop of sundried tomatoes and spinach, every bite is a flavor explosion.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this recipe is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite. 💛
If you make this dish, be sure to leave a comment and rating — I love hearing how it turns out for you!!