Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Name: Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 8 ounces penne pasta, (cooked and drained according to package directions); 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, (cut into ¾ inch pieces); 1 teaspoon salt, (divided (½ teaspoon to season the chicken and ½ teaspoon to season the cream sauce)); ½ teaspoon dried italian seasoning blend; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; ½ cup diced yellow onion; 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 8.5 ounces julienne sliced sun-dried tomatoes packed in herb oil, (oils drained (approximately 1 cup)); 2 ounces fresh baby spinach, (lightly packed (approximately 2 cups)); ½ cup chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dish featuring tender chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and fresh spinach. Perfect for busy weeknights, this well-tested recipe is guaranteed to come out perfectly delicious for a new family favorite in just 30 minutes.

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Table of Contents

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Ingredients
Chicken Tuscan Pasta Substitutions and Additions
How To Make This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Troubleshooting
How To Serve Tuscan Chicken Pasta
How To Store Creamy Tuscan Pasta
Why This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Is The Best
Frequently Asked Questions
Family-Friendly Pasta Dishes You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE
Even More Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, our Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the perfect Italian-inspired dinner. We”ve tested this recipe in six different test kitchens to ensure it’s going to work perfectly in your kitchen, too.

This dish combines tender chicken pieces with perfectly cooked penne, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. We made sure this recipe was incredibly yummy, so you can get extra veggies into your meal without compromising on the rich, creamy Tuscan flavors.

With over a decade of expertise in recipe development, we understand what it takes to create dishes that are both simple to make and delicious. We know you need recipes that come together quickly on busy weeknights without compromising on quality or flavor. Join us in making this Tuscan Chicken Pasta, and discover why millions of home cooks turn to us for inspiration to feed their families.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Ingredients

Tuscan Chicken Pasta raw ingredients that are labeled

You’ll fall in love with the flavors of our creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe. This satisfying dish is packed with juicy chicken, savory sundried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, all brought together in a comforting, creamy Tuscan sauce.

You’ll Need:

8 ounces penne pasta, cooked and drained according to package directions
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into ¾ inch pieces
1 teaspoon salt, divided (½ teaspoon to season the chicken and ½ teaspoon to season the cream sauce)
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ cup diced yellow onion
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
2 tablespoons tomato paste
8.5 ounce jar (approximately 1 cup) julienne sliced sun-dried tomatoes packed in herb oil, oils drained
2 ounces (approximately 2 cups lightly packed) fresh baby spinach
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese

Chicken Tuscan Pasta Substitutions and Additions

Customizing our Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe to fit your needs and preferences is easy. Here are some suggestions:

Chicken Breast: If you prefer dark meat, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken thighs. Just add a couple of extra minutes to the cook time. You can also use tofu or another meatless protein option.

To save time, you can use chopped or shredded rotisserie chicken.

Penne Pasta: Any kind of pasta like cavatappi, bow-tie, or rigatoni pasta works well in this recipe. Short pasta varieties will all hold the sauce beautifully.

Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, substitute with half and half or even whole milk. Keep in mind that this will make the sauce less rich and creamy.

Parmesan Cheese: If you don’t have Parmesan, Romano or Asiago cheese can be used. They will give a slightly different but still delicious cheesy taste.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If you can’t find julienne sliced sundried tomatoes, you can use regular sundried tomatoes and chop them yourself.

For a fresh alternative, try using cherry tomatoes, but add them a bit later in the cooking process.

Spinach: Standard spinach leaves can be used instead of baby spinach. If the leaves are large, give them a rough chop before adding them to the recipe.

Chicken Broth: Substitute with vegetable broth for a slightly different flavor. You can use a dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for added depth of flavor, but allow it to simmer for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol.

Olive Oil: If you want to add more flavor, use the herbed oil from the sun-dried tomatoes instead of regular olive oil to cook the chicken.

Italian Seasoning: If you don’t have a blend, use a combination of dried basil, oregano, and thyme in equal parts.

Red Pepper Flakes: Add a sprinkle to the sauce or to individual serving to add a touch of heat.

How To Make This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Preparing a delicious, restaurant-quality Tuscani pasta dish is simpler than you might think. We’ll walk you through each step of the recipe with guided photos and pro tips.

If you run into any issues, you can refer to our troubleshooting guide, below.

PRO TIP: Before diving into cooking, it’s a great idea to have all your ingredients measured and prepared. This speeds up the cooking process.

STEP ONE: Cook 8 ounces of penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.

STEP TWO: Season the bite-sized pieces of chicken breast with salt, dried Italian seasoning, and black pepper.

chicken breast seasoned with salt, dried Italian seasoning, and black pepper

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

pieces of seasoned chicken breast cooked in a skillet

STEP THREE: Reduce the heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter in the same skillet. Add the diced yellow onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, and julienned sundried tomatoes. Cook until the onions are translucent and the mixture is fragrant.

unsalted butter, diced yellow onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, and julienned sundried tomatoes added to the skillet

STEP FOUR: Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet. Sauté until the spinach is wilted. This adds a beautiful green color and a nutritious boost to the dish.

STEP FIVE: Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add a ton of extra flavor to the sauce.

STEP SIX: Stir in the heavy cream and let the mixture come to a gentle bubble. Allow it to thicken. This step is crucial as it forms the creamy base of your pasta sauce.

heavy cream added to the spinach mixture in the skillet

STEP SEVEN: Turn off the heat. Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Add the grated parmesan cheese and stir until everything is well coated with the creamy sauce. Serve immediately while hot!

pasta, chicken, and parmesan added to the skillet

Troubleshooting

You can avoid common trouble spots using this handy list of tips and tricks, compiled by our expert recipe testers:

Dry the Chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with a paper towel before seasoning. Wet chicken can cause the meat to steam, but dry chicken will achieve a flavorful golden brown sear.
Room Temperature Chicken: Allow the chicken to come to room temperature before cooking. This helps the chicken to cook more quickly and evenly.
Heat the Skillet: Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the chicken to get a good sear. This helps lock in the juices and flavor.
Deglazing the Pan: When deglazing with chicken broth, scrape the bottom of the skillet well to incorporate all the flavorful bits into the sauce. This gives the pasta sauce a lot more flavor.
Simmer, Don’t Boil: When adding the heavy cream, keep the heat at a gentle simmer to prevent the cream from curdling and to help thicken the sauce gradually.
The Sauce is Too Thin: Allow the cream to simmer longer to thicken, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce and mix well.
The Sauce is Too Thick: Add a bit more chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Onions and Garlic are Burning: Lower the heat to medium and keep an eye on them, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Spinach is Clumping Together: Add the spinach in batches and allow each handful to wilt before adding more.

How To Serve Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Here are some ideas to elevate your meal and make it memorable:

Classic Presentation: Serve the Tuscan Chicken Pasta in a large, shallow bowl. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a vibrant touch. This classic presentation is perfect for a cozy family dinner.

With a Side Salad: Pair the pasta with our Olive Garden Copycat Salad or a fresh Caesar Salad for a homemade version of the popular recipe.

Garlic Bread on the Side: Serve the pasta with a side of warm, pull-apart garlic bread. The crisp, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate.

Side Dishes: To make this meal stretch even further, you can make some easy side dishes to go with it. Roasted veggies or oven-baked broccoli are both great choices.

Wine Pairing: A glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully with the Tuscan Chicken Pasta, balancing the richness of the cream sauce.

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How To Store Creamy Tuscan Pasta

Storing your Tuscan Chicken Pasta properly ensures that you can enjoy leftovers without sacrificing flavor or texture. Here’s how to make the most of this dish, whether you’re preparing it ahead of time or storing leftovers.

MAKE AHEAD: Tuscan Chicken Pasta can be made ahead to save time. Prepare the pasta and sauce separately, storing them in airtight containers in the fridge.

When ready to serve, reheat the sauce in a skillet and combine it with the pasta. Add a splash of chicken broth if necessary to thin the sauce.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Tuscan Chicken Pasta will last for up to three days when properly refrigerated. Be sure to let the pasta cool completely before sealing and storing.

IN THE FREEZER: Tuscan Chicken Pasta can also be frozen for longer storage. Once the pasta has cooled completely, place it in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to two months.

HOW TO REHEAT: To reheat Tuscan Chicken Pasta, you have a few options:

Skillet: Place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the creamy tuscan pasta sauce and stir until heated through.

Microwave: For a quick option, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between until hot.

Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 20 minutes or until heated through.

Why This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Is The Best

Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a standout dish for many reasons. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the simplicity, versatility, and the joy it brings to the table.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

Easy to Make: Straightforward steps make this recipe accessible even for inexperienced cooks.

Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a luscious sauce that’s hard to resist.

Make-Ahead Friendly: A new weeknight favorite, you can prepare components ahead of time and assemble quickly.

Elegant Yet Simple: Impressive enough for guests, yet easy enough for any night of the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?

While freshly grated Parmesan is best for flavor and melting, pre-grated can be used in a pinch.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer a bit longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. Sauté them with the onions and garlic.

What’s the best way to chop sun-dried tomatoes?

If they are not already julienne-sliced, chop them into thin strips or small pieces for even distribution in the dish.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and make sure any other ingredients, like chicken broth, are also gluten-free.

Do I need to cook the pasta until it’s fully done?

Cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy whipping cream?

You can substitute half and half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less rich and creamy.

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?

Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it first and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and is no longer pink inside.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with sun dried tomatoes is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that brings comfort and flavor to your table. Enjoy making and sharing this hearty meal with your loved ones!

a plate of Tuscan Chicken Pasta with a fork

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