Description
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is an indulgent, creamy pasta dish inspired by the flavors of Tuscany, Italy. It features juicy, pan-seared chicken breasts paired with a rich cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. The creamy sauce perfectly coats the pasta, creating a comforting, savory meal that’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or any occasion when you’re craving a flavorful Italian-inspired dish. It’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and is ready in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) – Tender chicken breasts are the star of this dish, providing a juicy, lean protein source.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – For pan-frying the chicken and adding richness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A mix of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, adding authentic Italian flavor.
- Salt and black pepper – For seasoning the chicken to taste.
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta – Fettuccine works best for this dish, but you can also use penne or spaghetti.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic provides a fragrant, savory base for the sauce.
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped – The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, sweet, and rich flavor to the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The base for the creamy sauce, giving it a luxurious, velvety texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a nutty, salty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- 2 cups fresh spinach – Adds color, flavor, and a healthy touch to the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) – For a bit of heat and extra depth of flavor (optional).
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water – To adjust the consistency of the sauce, making it creamy and smooth.
- Fresh basil leaves (for garnish) – Optional but adds a refreshing touch of flavor and color to the finished dish.
- Extra Parmesan shavings (for garnish) – Optional, for extra cheesy goodness on top!
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your own Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board. Once rested, slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized chunks.
- Cook the Pasta:
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine pasta and cook according to the package instructions, until the pasta is al dente (usually about 9-11 minutes).
- Once cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for the sauce, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
- In the same skillet used to cook the chicken, add a bit more olive oil if needed.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté over medium heat for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to infuse the oil with their rich flavor.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic and tomatoes. Let the cream simmer for 3-5 minutes, thickening slightly as it cooks.
- Add the Parmesan cheese and spinach to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine the Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in the sauce until well coated.
- Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and gently mix it in with the pasta and sauce.
- Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes (optional) if needed.
- Serve:
- Serve the creamy pasta immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Chicken Substitutes: If you prefer, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version of the dish.
- Pasta Variety: You can use any type of pasta for this dish, but fettuccine works best as it holds the creamy sauce well. Penne, spaghetti, or farfalle also work great.
- Make It Lighter: If you’re looking to reduce the calorie content, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use less cheese.
- Leftovers: This dish makes great leftovers! Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a little cream or pasta water.
- Freezing: If you’d like to freeze this dish, store it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes: For prepping the chicken, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach.
- Cook Time: 15 minutes: For cooking the chicken, pasta, and making the sauce.
- Category: Main Course: This is the star of your meal—perfect for dinner!
- Cuisine: Italian: Inspired by the classic flavors of Tuscany, this dish features creamy sauce, chicken, and Italian herbs.
Nutrition
- Calories: 650-750 kcal
- Sugar: 3-5g
- Sodium: 500-600mg
- Fat: 30-35g
- Saturated Fat: 15-18g
- Carbohydrates: 60-70g
- Fiber: 3-4g
- Protein: 40-45g
- Cholesterol: 90-110mg