This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a dream! With juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich creamy sauce, every bite is a little taste of Italy right at home.
It’s so easy to make, and it feels like a fancy dinner! I love serving it with a sprinkle of parmesan on top. Perfect for impressing guests or treating myself! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their tenderness. If you prefer, you can use thighs for a juicier bite. Tofu or chickpeas are great plant-based options for a vegetarian twist.
Pasta: Rigatoni holds the sauce beautifully, but feel free to swap it for penne or fettuccine. Gluten-free pasta works fine too! Just be mindful of the cooking time.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for a richer flavor. If you can’t find them, fresh tomatoes can work, but cook them down to lose some moisture first.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, try half-and-half or whole milk. Coconut milk can be a nut-free alternative that still brings creaminess. Just adjust seasoning if using coconut milk.
How Can I Ensure My Sauce is Perfectly Creamy?
The key to achieving a beautiful creamy sauce is to combine the heavy cream and chicken broth properly. Here’s how:
- Once your garlic is fragrant, reduce heat to low before adding cream. This prevents the cream from curdling.
- Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted, creating a silky texture. A whisk can help if you find lumps.
- Keep the heat moderate; high heat can break down the sauce. If it thickens too much, add a bit of reserved pasta water or chicken broth.
With these tips, your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta will be smooth and luscious, just like a restaurant dish!
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Pasta:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta can be made in about 30 minutes! You’ll need around 10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking, making it a quick and delicious meal option.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain the pasta, and don’t forget to save some pasta water for later—just in case!
2. Prepare the Chicken:
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes or until it turns golden brown and is fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant. Then, mix in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to bring out their flavor.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Next, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine everything. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
5. Add Spinach and Chicken:
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet, along with the cooked chicken. Stir everything together and cook for about 2 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Now, it’s time to mix in the cooked pasta! Toss everything together in the skillet to ensure the pasta is well coated in that delicious creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
7. Final Touches:
Taste your pasta and adjust any seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a lovely pop of color!
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is ready! Serve it hot and enjoy every creamy, delicious bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni or penne are great choices for this dish, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or whole milk can work well in this recipe. For a dairy-free alternative, consider using coconut milk or cashew cream, but remember to adjust the seasoning as coconut has a distinct flavor.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini for more flavor and nutrients. Just sauté them along with the garlic before adding the cream and chicken broth.
