Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
A comforting and flavorful creamy Tuscan chicken pasta featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce that clings to perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in about 30 minutes, this easy homemade dinner is perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips or bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil; if dry, soak in warm water first)
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or preferred shape)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup (120 ml) pasta water.
- While pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook chicken in a single layer for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and reduce heat to medium. Sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and 1/2 cup chicken broth. Stir well, scraping browned bits from the pan. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add 2 cups fresh baby spinach and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. Add drained pasta and gently mix everything together, adding reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time if sauce is too thick.
- Cook together for another minute to meld flavors. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.
Notes
If sauce thickens too much when cooling, stir in warm chicken broth or reserved pasta water before serving. Pat chicken dry before cooking to get a golden crust. Add cream slowly to avoid curdling. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese. Gluten-free pasta works well as a substitute.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approxima
- Calories: 550
- Fat: 35
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Protein: 35
Keywords: Tuscan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach pasta, weeknight meal, homemade pasta recipe