If you’re craving something indulgent, savory, and loaded with vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what your taste buds need. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and parmesan unite in a creamy sauce that wraps perfectly around al dente pasta. It’s the kind of meal that turns any dinner into an occasion.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to prepare this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe:
Chicken:
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2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into thin cutlets)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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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
Pasta and Sauce:
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10 oz (about 300g) fettuccine or penne pasta
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup chicken broth
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¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and sliced)
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2 cups fresh baby spinach
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for heat
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large pot for boiling pasta
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Large skillet or sauté pan
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Tongs or spatula for handling the chicken
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Cutting board and knife
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Cheese grater (if using a block of Parmesan)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken cutlets with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through (about 4–5 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and let rest. Slice into strips.
3. Prepare the Creamy Tuscan Sauce
In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Add heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and smooth.
4. Add the Vegetables
Add the sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly (about 2–3 minutes). If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for a silkier sauce.
5. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the pan along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together so the pasta is fully coated with the creamy Tuscan sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
6. Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese before serving hot.
Tips for the Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
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Don’t overcook the chicken: Thin cutlets cook quickly, so keep an eye on them to avoid drying them out.
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Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and delivers superior flavor compared to pre-shredded cheese.
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Balance the sauce: If the sauce is too thick, a splash of pasta water can loosen it up. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce.
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Substitutions: Swap the spinach with kale or arugula, or use grilled shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
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Make it ahead: This dish reheats well. Store in an airtight container and gently warm with a splash of cream or broth.
Nutritional Information (per serving – approx. 4 servings)
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Calories: ~650 kcal
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Protein: ~38g
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Carbohydrates: ~45g
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Fat: ~35g
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Saturated Fat: ~17g
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Fiber: ~3g
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Sugar: ~4g
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Sodium: ~780mg
Conclusion: Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table without the hassle. It’s a soul-satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, a date night, or impressing guests. With minimal prep and rich, savory layers of taste, it’s bound to become a go-to in your recipe collection.
So go ahead — grab your skillet and let this creamy, garlicky, Tuscan-inspired masterpiece warm your kitchen and your heart tonight. Don’t forget to share your creations online and tag your photos — because delicious moments are meant to be celebrated!
