Name: Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Creamy & Flavorful Italian Dinner
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 1 tbsp olive oil (for chicken); 0.5 tsp salt (for chicken); 0.25 tsp black pepper (for chicken); 0.5 tsp dried oregano; 0.5 tsp dried basil; 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 12 oz fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni pasta; 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for pasta water); Generous amount of salt (for pasta water); 2 tbsp olive oil (for sauce); 0.5 medium yellow onion, finely chopped; 4-5 cloves garlic, minced; 0.5 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced; 1.75 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1.25 cups heavy cream; 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; 5-6 oz fresh spinach; 0.25 tsp salt (for sauce, or to taste); 0.25 tsp black pepper (for sauce, or to taste); 0.25 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Extra grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Tuscan Chicken Pasta is not merely a dish; it is a culinary journey to the heart of Italy, offering an irresistible blend of robust flavors and comforting textures that truly captivate the senses. When I first discovered the magic of this recipe, I was immediately drawn to its promise of a gourmet experience achievable right in my own kitchen, without requiring hours of strenuous effort. The essence of Tuscan cooking lies in its celebration of fresh, high-quality ingredients, prepared simply to allow their natural tastes to shine, and this pasta dish embodies that philosophy beautifully, transforming humble components into something truly remarkable.

People universally adore this incredible creation for countless reasons. The tender, succulent pieces of chicken, bathed in a luxuriously creamy sauce, are perfectly complemented by the tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes and the earthy freshness of spinach. Garlic and aromatic Italian herbs weave through the dish, creating an aromatic symphony that makes every bite memorable. Whether you are hosting a dinner party or simply seeking a comforting weeknight meal, this Tuscan Chicken Pasta delivers an unparalleled sense of warmth and satisfaction, making it a beloved staple for food enthusiasts everywhere. It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients can combine to create something extraordinary.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried basil
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pasta water, optional)
- Salt for pasta water (generous amount)
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained and thinly sliced or julienned
- 1 ¾ cups chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1 ¼ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 5-6 ounces fresh spinach, roughly chopped if leaves are very large
- ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
For Garnish:
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Preparing Our Ingredients for Success

Prepare the Chicken: First things first, let’s get our chicken ready! Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. This is a crucial step because it helps achieve a beautiful sear and prevents the chicken from steaming. Cut the chicken into uniform 1-inch bite-sized pieces. Aim for consistency here so everything cooks evenly. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, ½ teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of dried basil, and the optional ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Give it a good mix to ensure every piece is nicely coated with our flavorful seasoning. Set it aside while we gather our other ingredients. This brief resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Chop and Mince: Now, let’s get those aromatics ready. Finely chop your ½ medium yellow onion. The goal here is small pieces so they cook down and disappear into the sauce, providing a sweet foundation without being obtrusive. Next, mince your 4-5 cloves of garlic. Freshly minced garlic truly makes a difference in flavor, adding a pungent warmth that’s indispensable to our Tuscan Chicken Pasta. If you’re using jarred minced garlic, feel free to use a little more for that robust flavor. For the sun-dried tomatoes, if they come as whole halves, slice them into thin strips or julienne them. Draining them well is important to avoid excess oil in our sauce. Roughly chop your fresh spinach if the leaves are particularly large; otherwise, smaller leaves can be left whole as they wilt down considerably. And don’t forget to chop your fresh parsley for that lovely pop of color and freshness at the end.
Set Up Your Pasta Station: Grab a large pot, the biggest one you have, and fill it with water. Place it on the stove over high heat. Add a generous amount of salt to the water – it should taste like the ocean! This seasons the pasta from within and is fundamental to the overall flavor of your Tuscan Chicken Pasta. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil to the water, which can help prevent the pasta from sticking, though it’s not strictly necessary if you stir frequently. We’ll wait to add the pasta until later, but having the water heating up means one less thing to do when the time comes.

Searing the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or a deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. Let it get nice and hot for about 2-3 minutes. You want a good sizzle when the chicken hits the pan. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the hot pan. Swirl it around to coat the bottom evenly.
Sear the Chicken: Carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan! This is critical for achieving a beautiful golden-brown sear. If you add too much chicken at once, the temperature of the pan will drop, and the chicken will steam instead of sear, resulting in a less desirable texture. You might need to do this in two batches. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes per side, until it develops a gorgeous golden-brown crust and is cooked through. The exact time will depend on the size of your pieces and the heat of your stove. Once cooked, transfer the seared chicken to a clean plate and set it aside. There will be delicious browned bits, called “fond,” stuck to the bottom of the pan – these are packed with flavor and will be invaluable for our sauce!

Building the Rich and Creamy Tuscan Sauce

Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. If the pan looks dry, add another splash of olive oil (about ½ to 1 tablespoon). Add the finely chopped yellow onion to the pan. Sauté the onion, stirring occasionally, for about 4-5 minutes until it softens and becomes translucent. This step releases the natural sweetness of the onion, forming a lovely base for our sauce.
Infuse with Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add the minced garlic to the softened onions. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the delicate flavor of your Tuscan Chicken Pasta. Immediately follow with the drained and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing their concentrated, tangy flavor to develop and meld with the onions and garlic. The aroma at this stage is truly captivating!
Deglaze and Build the Liquid Base: Pour in the 1 ¾ cups of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those flavorful browned bits (the fond) from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing step is where a tremendous amount of flavor is incorporated into your sauce, giving it depth and richness. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer and let it reduce slightly, by about a quarter, for 3-5 minutes. This concentrates the chicken broth flavor even further.
Create the Creamy Indulgence: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the 1 ¼ cups of heavy cream. Gently bring the sauce back to a very low simmer, stirring frequently. Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes, letting it thicken slightly. The sauce should become lusciously rich and velvety. Keep the heat low to prevent the cream from scorching or separating. This is where the magic of our creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta truly comes alive.
Incorporate Fresh Spinach and Parmesan: Once the sauce has thickened to your liking, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the ½ cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it is fully melted and incorporated. The cheese will add a wonderful salty, umami depth. Then, add the fresh spinach to the warm sauce. Gently stir and toss until the spinach wilts down completely, which should only take about 1-2 minutes. The residual heat from the sauce is more than enough to perfectly wilt the spinach, keeping its vibrant green color and tender texture.
Season and Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add the ¼ teaspoon of salt and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, but always taste first, especially since the chicken broth and Parmesan cheese already contribute salinity. You might find you need a little more or less depending on your preference and the salt content of your broth. This is your chance to make the sauce absolutely perfect for your palate.

Bringing It All Together: The Grand Assembly

Cook the Pasta: While your sauce is simmering and coming together, it’s time to cook the pasta. By now, your large pot of salted water should be at a rolling boil. Add your 12 ounces of fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions until it is al dente – meaning it’s cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. Important: Before draining the pasta, reserve about ½ to 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This liquid gold is incredibly useful for thinning out the sauce later if it becomes too thick, helping it cling beautifully to the pasta.
Drain and Combine: Once the pasta is al dente, drain it thoroughly. There’s no need to rinse it; the starch on the pasta helps the sauce adhere better. Immediately add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with your creamy Tuscan sauce.
Return the Chicken: Add the previously seared chicken pieces back into the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Give everything a good, gentle toss to ensure that every strand or piece of pasta is thoroughly coated with the rich, creamy Tuscan sauce and mingled with the tender chicken and vibrant spinach. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency. The starches in the pasta water will help emulsify the sauce and make it extra silky.
Final Flourish: Continue to toss and stir over very low heat for about 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to truly marry and the pasta to absorb some of that delicious sauce. This final gentle heating ensures everything is piping hot and ready to serve.

Serving Your Delicious Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Garnish and Serve: Divide your magnificent Tuscan Chicken Pasta among serving bowls. Garnish generously with the freshly chopped parsley. The fresh herbs provide a wonderful contrast to the richness of the sauce and add a lovely burst of color. Offer additional grated Parmesan cheese at the table for those who desire an extra cheesy sprinkle. A dash of red pepper flakes can also be offered for anyone who enjoys a bit more heat.
Enjoy Your Culinary Creation: Serve immediately and savor every forkful of this incredibly flavorful and comforting Tuscan Chicken Pasta. It’s a dish that’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or impressive enough for entertaining guests. The harmonious blend of tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a deeply savory, creamy Tuscan sauce with bright sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach truly makes for an unforgettable dining experience. Enjoy the fruits of your labor!

Conclusion:

Well, my friends, we’ve reached the delicious culmination of our culinary journey! I truly hope you’re as excited about this recipe as I am to share it with you. After trying countless variations and tweaking ingredients, I can confidently say that this particular recipe delivers an experience that is nothing short of sensational. It’s more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of comfort, flavor, and the joy of simple yet extraordinary home cooking. This isn’t merely a dish you’ll enjoy; it’s one you’ll crave, dream about, and proudly add to your regular rotation. The rich, creamy sauce, perfectly cooked chicken, and tender pasta create a symphony of textures and tastes that dance on your palate. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm embrace, making even the busiest weeknight feel like a special occasion. Imagine coming home after a long day to the aroma of garlic, herbs, and simmering cream – pure bliss, right?

I wholeheartedly believe this Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a must-try for anyone who appreciates truly delectable food that feels both gourmet and incredibly accessible. It manages to be sophisticated enough for entertaining guests, yet comforting and straightforward enough for a casual family dinner. The balance of savory chicken, the delicate sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, the subtle bitterness of fresh spinach, and the incredible depth of a cream-based sauce infused with Italian herbs, all tossed with your favorite pasta, creates a harmony that is just irresistible. It’s a complete meal in one bowl, offering protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates, making it as nourishing as it is delicious. Forget those bland, uninspired weeknight dinners; this recipe elevates the everyday into something truly memorable. I promise you, one bite of this incredible dish and you’ll understand exactly why I’m so enthusiastic about it.

Elevate Your Dining Experience: Serving Suggestions

While this pasta dish is absolutely magnificent on its own, there are several ways you can enhance the experience even further. For a truly authentic touch, I highly recommend a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano cheese just before serving. The sharp, salty notes of the cheese beautifully complement the creamy sauce, adding another layer of complexity. Don’t forget a scattering of fresh basil or parsley leaves, not just for a pop of vibrant color, but also for a burst of fresh, aromatic flavor that truly brightens the dish.

To complete your meal, consider serving this pasta alongside a simple, crisp side salad. Arugula with a light lemon vinaigrette or a mixed green salad with a balsamic glaze would be perfect, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the pasta. And, of course, no pasta meal is complete without some crusty artisan bread for soaking up every last drop of that incredible sauce. A warm baguette or a ciabatta loaf, perhaps lightly toasted with a brush of garlic butter, would be heavenly. For those who enjoy a beverage pairing, a light-bodied red wine like a Chianti or a crisp, dry white like a Pinot Grigio would beautifully complement the flavors without overpowering them.

Unleash Your Inner Chef: Creative Variations

One of the things I love most about cooking is the freedom to experiment and make a recipe truly your own. This recipe, while perfect as written, is incredibly versatile and open to delightful variations. If you’re looking to boost your vegetable intake, feel free to toss in extra spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking until just wilted. Sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even tender artichoke hearts would also be fantastic additions, adding more texture and depth. For a different protein, consider swapping the chicken for succulent shrimp, which cooks quickly and adds a lovely seafood element, or even browned Italian sausage for a heartier, spicier kick. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you could omit the chicken entirely and perhaps add some white beans or extra vegetables for substance.

When it comes to the pasta itself, don’t feel limited to what I’ve suggested. Fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or even gluten-free pasta varieties would all work beautifully, so choose your favorite! For those who prefer an even creamier consistency, a splash more heavy cream or a bit of reserved pasta water can thin the sauce to your desired perfection. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the garlic will give it a satisfying kick. And if you’re a cheese lover (who isn’t?), consider stirring in a handful of fresh mozzarella or fontina cheese at the end for an extra gooey, cheesy pull. The possibilities are truly endless, and I encourage you to get creative and personalize this dish to suit your taste buds.

Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!

Now, it’s your turn! I have poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I genuinely believe it will bring as much joy to your table as it has to mine. Don’t just read about it; dive in and experience the magic for yourself. Gather your ingredients, put on some good music, and let the aromas fill your kitchen. I promise you, the reward for your efforts will be a truly magnificent meal that will impress everyone fortunate enough to share it with you.

And when you do create this culinary masterpiece, I would absolutely love to hear about it! What did you think? Did you make any exciting variations? Please, don’t hesitate to share your experiences, tips, and even photos in the comments below. Your feedback inspires me and helps our community of home cooks grow. There’s nothing more satisfying than knowing a recipe I’ve shared has brought deliciousness and happiness into your home. So, roll up your sleeves, embrace your inner chef, and get ready to enjoy one of the most satisfying pasta dishes you’ll ever make. Happy cooking, everyone!