Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

This Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. With a perfect balance of garlic, herbs, and cheese, this one-pan meal is both comforting and restaurant-quality—all in just 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pan Meal – Less cleanup, more flavor!
• Creamy & Flavorful – A rich Parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.
• Customizable – Swap proteins, add veggies, or make it lighter.
• Great for Meal Prep – Reheats beautifully for lunch the next day.

Ingredients

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

For the Chicken:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs), sliced
• Olive oil
• Garlic powder
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
• Butter
• Garlic, minced
• Sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh spinach
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

• In a bowl, season sliced chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. Make the Creamy Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
• Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese and simmer for 2-3 minutes until smooth.
• Add fresh spinach, letting it wilt into the sauce.

4. Combine Everything

• Return the chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
• Add the cooked pasta, mixing until everything is well combined.
• If needed, stir in reserved pasta water for a thinner sauce.
• Sprinkle with red pepper flakes for extra heat (optional).

5. Serve & Enjoy

• Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil.
• Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
• Lighter Version – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Protein Swap – Try shrimp, salmon, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta.
• Extra Cheesy – Stir in shredded mozzarella for a thicker sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

Yes! Cherry or Roma tomatoes work well, but sun-dried tomatoes add extra flavor.

What’s the best pasta for this dish?

Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine hold the creamy sauce best.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free Parmesan.

How do I make it thicker?

Simmer the sauce longer or add extra Parmesan cheese.

What sides go well with this dish?

Garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a Caesar salad are great options.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store the sauce separately and toss with pasta when ready to serve.

How do I keep the sauce from curdling?

Use low heat when adding cream and stir constantly.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the chicken and add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

Should I use jarred sun-dried tomatoes in oil?

Yes! Drain excess oil before chopping and adding to the skillet.

How do I make it extra creamy?

Add a little cream cheese or a pat of butter before serving.

Conclusion

This Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is rich, comforting, and bursting with flavor. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!

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