Craving a comforting and restaurant-worthy dish without leaving the house? This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate one-pan wonder, packed with rich flavors, tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a velvety garlic cream sauce. It’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need an easy dinner that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to bring this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe to life:
For the Chicken:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced horizontally into cutlets)
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon paprika
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta and Sauce:
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10 oz (280g) penne or fettuccine pasta
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small yellow onion, diced
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1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
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2 cups baby spinach
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup chicken broth
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large skillet or sauté pan
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Medium pot (for boiling pasta)
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Knife and cutting board
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Tongs or spatula
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Grater (for fresh Parmesan)
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, pat your chicken breasts dry. Season both sides with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Sear the chicken cutlets for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). Remove from the pan and set aside to rest. Once slightly cooled, slice into strips.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same skillet (don’t clean it, the flavor bits are gold!), reduce heat to medium. Add a splash more olive oil if needed and sauté the diced onion until translucent—about 2 minutes. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into a smooth, rich sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Chicken
Stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt—this takes about a minute. Return the sliced chicken to the pan and stir to coat it in the sauce.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and top with extra Parmesan and chopped fresh basil or parsley for a burst of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy every bite!
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
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Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and a smoother sauce.
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Don’t overcook the chicken—slicing into cutlets helps them cook faster and more evenly.
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Customize the veggies by adding mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers.
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If you’re watching calories, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and reduce the Parmesan slightly.
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To make it even easier, use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut version of this dish.
Approximate Nutritional Value (Per Serving – 4 servings total)
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Calories: ~650
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Protein: 35g
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Carbohydrates: 45g
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Fat: 35g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sugar: 5g
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Sodium: 750mg
(Note: These values are estimates and may vary depending on specific brands and measurements used.)
Conclusion
Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for two or feeding a hungry family, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta brings the flavor and elegance of an Italian restaurant right to your table—without the stress. This easy dinner recipe is rich, comforting, and guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.
Save this recipe for your next meal prep or busy evening, and don’t forget to share it with fellow pasta lovers. Once you try this creamy, cheesy, sun-dried tomato-infused masterpiece, it’s bound to become a weeknight favorite!
