Creamy Tuscan Chicken Breast Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is a rich and flavorful dish made with seared chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. It’s inspired by Italian flavors, especially from the Tuscan region, known for simple, rustic, and bold ingredients.

This recipe is loved for its smooth texture, bold taste, and how easy it is to prepare in one skillet. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta recipe uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients. You can also make simple swaps to adjust based on what you have. Benefits of Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Chicken

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: They cook quickly and stay juicy when seared.
• Alternative: Chicken thighs work well too, or use rotisserie chicken for shortcuts.

Pasta

• Best choices: Penne, fettuccine, rigatoni, or linguine. These shapes hold the creamy sauce well.
• Gluten-free option: Use chickpea or rice-based pasta for a similar texture.

Creamy Tuscan Sauce

• Heavy cream: For richness and thickness. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter option.
• Fresh garlic: Adds depth and aroma.
• Parmesan cheese: Helps thicken the sauce and adds a salty bite.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Provide a sweet, tangy flavor. Use oil-packed ones for best results.
• Baby spinach: Adds freshness, color, and nutrients.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step)

This meal comes together quickly. Here’s how to make it from scratch:

Step 1 – Sear the Chicken

• Slice chicken breasts into thin fillets for faster cooking.
• Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika.
• In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
• Remove chicken and set aside.

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Step 2 – Cook the Pasta

• In a separate pot, boil water and cook pasta until al dente.
• Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining (this helps loosen and thicken the sauce later).

Step 3 – Prepare the Sauce

• In the same skillet used for chicken, reduce the heat to medium.
• Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
• Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
• Add grated parmesan and stir until melted and smooth.
• Toss in the spinach and cook until wilted.

Step 4 – Combine and Simmer

• Add cooked pasta to the sauce.
• Slice the chicken and return it to the skillet.
• Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired sauce consistency.

Step 5 – Serve and Garnish

• Top with extra parmesan and freshly cracked pepper.
• Serve hot with crusty bread or a simple green salad.

Expert Cooking Tips and Substitutions

Want extra flavor? Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine after searing the chicken.- Cook chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) by- FDA

Too thick? Add reserved pasta water or a splash of milk to thin the sauce.

Too thin? Simmer longer or stir in more Parmesan.

No sun-dried tomatoes? Try roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes.

Need it dairy-free? Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of cream and cheese.

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Serving Suggestions and Storage

This creamy pasta is rich and filling, but pairing it with the right sides makes it a complete meal.

Best Sides to Serve With It

• Garlic bread: Perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
• Simple green salad: Adds freshness and balance.
• Steamed or roasted vegetables: Try broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini.
• White wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well.

Storage Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so it’s best eaten fresh. If needed, freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat gently while stirring.
• Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much.- Guide to Italian White Wines

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

A single baked chicken breast (skinless) contains about 165 calories, 31g of protein, and 3.6g of fat By-USDA FoodData Central

Note: Nutritional values depend on exact ingredients and portion size.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding these issues will help your Tuscan chicken pasta turn out perfect every time:

• Overcooking the chicken makes it dry. Sear just until internal temp hits 165°F.
• Using low-fat dairy may cause the sauce to break or turn watery. –
• Skipping the pasta water: This helps loosen and bind the sauce to the pasta.
• Adding spinach too early: Wait until the end to avoid over-wilting.

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Variations of Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Make this recipe your own with easy variations:

• With penne or rigatoni: Great for holding extra sauce.
• With chicken thighs: Adds more richness and flavor.
• With mushrooms: For extra umami and depth.
• Low-carb option: Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream and vegan cheese alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Tuscan chicken breast pasta is a warm, hearty, and satisfying dish that’s packed with Italian flavor. With just one pan and a few simple ingredients, you can make a restaurant-style meal right in your kitchen.

If you’re cooking for family or guests, this recipe is easy to follow and full of comforting flavors. Don’t forget to experiment with your own variations to make it your own.

Yield: Serves 4 With Creamy Perfection

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Breast Pasta

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This Creamy Tuscan chicken breast pasta Recipe brings restaurant-style flavor right to your kitchen without making it complicated. The chicken breasts are cooked until tender, juicy, and golden. Then they’re mixed into a rich creamy sauce filled with garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach. The sauce is made with a little cream and broth—just enough to coat every piece of pasta beautifully.

The best part? It’s fast and simple. The creaminess of the sauce combined with the sweetness of tomatoes and the slight bite of garlic creates a balance you’ll love. If you want to make it lighter, you can even swap out the cream for a dairy-free version. It’s one of those meals that’s perfect for busy weeknights but also special enough to serve to guests.

Pair it with a side salad or garlic bread, and you’ve got a full meal. Whether you're new to cooking or just want something delicious with no stress, this pasta dish is a keeper. Every bite gives you warmth, comfort, and a little taste of Italy—without the travel.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Additional Time 5 minutes

Total Time 5 minutes

Ingredients

• 250 gm Boneless Chicken Breast, cut into thin strips
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 tbsp Butter
• 4 Clove Garlic, minced
• 80 gm Sun-Dried Tomatoes, chopped
• 200 ml Cooking Cream (or lactose-free cream)
• 150 ml Chicken Broth
• 100 gm Spinach, fresh and roughly chopped
• 1 tsp Salt (or to taste)
• ½ tsp Black Pepper
• 200 gm Penne Pasta or any pasta of choice
• 50 gm Grated Parmesan Cheese

Optional

• 1 pinch Chili Flakes
• Fresh Basil Leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. Boil the pasta in salted water. Drain and set aside. Keep ½ cup pasta water for later.
   
2. Heat olive oil in a large pan. Cook chicken strips until golden and cooked through. Remove and keep aside.
   
3. In the same pan, melt butter and add garlic. Cook for 30 seconds.
   
4. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté for 2 minutes.
   
5. Pour in the cream and chicken broth. Mix and let it simmer for 3 minutes.
   
6. Add spinach and let it wilt.
   
7. Return the cooked chicken to the pan. Season with salt and pepper.
   
8. Toss in the cooked pasta. Mix everything gently. If it looks thick, add some pasta water.
   
9. Turn off the heat. Stir in parmesan cheese.
   
10. Garnish with basil leaves or chili flakes if using. Serve warm.
    

Notes

You can use any kind of pasta you like—penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti. To make it spicier, add more chili flakes or a dash of paprika. Want it dairy-free? Use a lactose-free or coconut cream and skip the cheese. This dish can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce. Don’t overcook the spinach—it should stay bright green. Add the cheese last to keep the sauce creamy and smooth. A sprinkle of lemon zest can also give it a fresh finish.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 601Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 19gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 137mgSodium: 499mgCarbohydrates: 42gNet Carbohydrates: 40gFiber: 5gSugar: 10gSugar Alcohols: 0gProtein: 33g

Note while Creating nutrition details Table: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.