Tuscan Chicken Pasta

The aroma of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian herbs fill your kitchen as this creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta simmers on your stovetop. This restaurant-worthy dish combines tender chicken breast, al dente pasta, and a silky cream sauce infused with Tuscan flavors for a meal that feels indulgent yet comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinner parties alike, Tuscan Chicken Pasta delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. You’ll learn how to create this Italian-inspired masterpiece with perfectly cooked chicken, balance rich and fresh flavors, and master a velvety sauce that clings beautifully to every pasta strand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe strikes the perfect balance between everyday simplicity and special-occasion worthy flavor. The combination of juicy seared chicken against the creamy sauce creates a delightful textural contrast, while the sun-dried tomatoes add chewy bursts of intense flavor. Fresh spinach wilts gently into the sauce, adding color, nutrition, and a subtle earthiness that balances the richness.

What makes this Tuscan chicken and pasta dish truly special is how the garlic-infused cream sauce coats each pasta strand, ensuring every bite delivers the full flavor experience. Unlike many cream-based pasta dishes that can feel heavy, this one incorporates bright notes from lemon zest and fresh herbs that keep it feeling surprisingly light.

Best of all, this one-pan chicken pasta comes together in about 30 minutes, making it accessible for weeknight cooking while still impressive enough for entertaining. The sauce won’t split or separate when reheated, making leftovers just as delicious the next day.

Ingredients

For this delicious Tuscan Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 oz (225g) fettuccine or penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
• ½ cup (80g) sun-dried tomatoes, julienned (oil-packed, drained)
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
• ¾ cup (75g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 cups (90g) fresh spinach leaves
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish

The cream creates the luxurious base for the Tuscan sauce, while sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated flavor that’s essential to authentic Italian pasta recipes. For the Parmesan, use freshly grated if possible, as it melts more smoothly into the cream sauce than pre-packaged varieties.

Pro Tips

Season and Sear Properly: The key to juicy chicken in your Tuscan Chicken Pasta is proper seasoning and searing. Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper before adding to a hot pan with olive oil. Resist the urge to stir constantly—allow the chicken to develop a golden crust by leaving it undisturbed for 2-3 minutes per side. This caramelization adds tremendous flavor to both the chicken and the final sauce.

Pasta Water is Liquid Gold: Before draining your pasta, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy cooking water. This pasta water contains starches that help emulsify the cream sauce, making it silky smooth and helping it cling to the pasta. If your sauce seems too thick at any point, add a splash of this reserved water instead of plain water or more cream.

Temper the Cream: To prevent your cream sauce from curdling, gradually warm the cream before adding it to the hot pan. You can do this by adding a few tablespoons of the hot contents from the skillet to the cream, stirring, then slowly incorporating the tempered cream back into the pan. This technique ensures your Tuscan pasta sauce remains velvety smooth rather than grainy.

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (typically 8-10 minutes). Remember, the pasta will continue cooking slightly when added to the sauce, so aim for the firmer side of al dente. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it—the starches on the surface will help the sauce adhere better.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a clean plate.

Step 3: Create the Tuscan Sauce Base
In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring to combine and toast the spices slightly.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits (this is flavor!). Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly. Lower the heat and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer (not a boil) and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken.

Step 5: Finish the Dish
Add the Parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, including any accumulated juices. Stir in the fresh spinach and lemon zest, allowing the heat to wilt the spinach. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Gently fold in the cooked pasta, tossing until each strand is coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Transfer your Tuscan Chicken Pasta to a serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh basil leaves, and a light drizzle of high-quality olive oil if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Variations

Seafood Tuscan Pasta: Transform this dish by substituting the chicken with 1 pound of large shrimp or sea scallops. Cook the seafood for just 1-2 minutes per side until barely opaque, then remove and add back at the end of cooking to prevent overcooking. The sweet flavor of seafood pairs beautifully with the creamy Tuscan sauce for an elegant twist on the original Tuscan Chicken Pasta.

Vegetarian Tuscan Pasta: For a meatless version, omit the chicken and double the vegetables. Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms (cremini or portobello work well) and sauté them until golden brown before creating the sauce. Add 1 cup of artichoke hearts along with the sun-dried tomatoes for a heartier vegetable-forward dish. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep it completely vegetarian.

Dairy-Free Option: Create a dairy-free Tuscan Pasta by replacing heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and omitting the Parmesan cheese. Add 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast and 1 teaspoon of white miso paste to provide the umami flavor that Parmesan would typically contribute. The result is surprisingly creamy and satisfying for those avoiding dairy.

Storage and Serving

Tuscan Chicken Pasta will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken considerably when chilled, so when reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore its silky consistency. Gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but use 50% power and stir frequently for the best texture.

For a complete meal, serve this pasta alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cream sauce. A slice of crusty garlic bread makes an excellent accompaniment for soaking up every last drop of the Tuscan sauce.

For a more substantial dinner party presentation, serve the Tuscan Chicken Pasta in a large, shallow bowl garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or light Chardonnay to complement the creamy flavors of the dish.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
While heavy cream provides the richest texture for Tuscan Chicken Pasta, you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version. Milk alone won’t provide enough fat content to create a stable sauce, but you can use it if you first create a roux with 1 tablespoon each of butter and flour, then gradually whisk in 1¼ cups of milk.

How do I prevent the cream sauce from curdling?
Keep your heat medium-low when adding the cream and avoid boiling the sauce. Tempering the cream (warming it slightly before adding) and ensuring your pan isn’t too hot will help maintain a smooth sauce.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and make the sauce, storing them separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce, cook fresh pasta, and combine.

What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Medium shapes like penne, fusilli, or fettuccine work best for Tuscan Chicken Pasta as they capture the creamy sauce in their ridges or curves. Avoid very small pasta shapes that might get lost in the hearty sauce.

Is there a way to make this healthier?
For a lighter version, use boneless skinless chicken thighs (which stay moist with less fat), substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, increase the spinach to 5 cups, and use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.

Conclusion

This Tuscan Chicken Pasta is comfort food at its finest — creamy, flavorful, and brimming with Italian-inspired ingredients that transport you straight to the Tuscan countryside. It’s the kind of dish that brings family together around the table and makes weeknight dinners feel special. Whether you’re cooking to impress or simply wanting to elevate your pasta game, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with home-cooked love in every bite. The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and that silky Parmesan cream sauce creates a meal that’s sure to become a regular request in your household.

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