Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. The dish blends tender chicken breast pieces, rich parmesan cream sauce, and ribbons of al dente pasta, all swirled together with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s an elegant yet easy meal that satisfies both the eye and the palate.

This recipe brings together classic Tuscan flavors with a creamy American twist, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or an indulgent weekend treat. Whether you’re serving it for guests or just want something special for yourself, this pasta is always a hit.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Fettuccine or linguine are top choices for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta because their flat, wide shape holds onto the sauce beautifully. However, penne or rigatoni work well if you prefer short pasta. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to carry the creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless chicken breast gives lean protein and soaks up the seasoning and sauce perfectly.

Fettuccine Pasta: Classic for creamy dishes, its broad noodles cling to the sauce.

Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Adds a tangy, slightly sweet contrast to the richness of the cream sauce.

Fresh Spinach: Offers a pop of color and mild earthy flavor that balances the creamy textures.

Heavy Cream: The base of the luscious sauce—thick and indulgent.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and depth; freshly grated is best for smooth melting.

Garlic: Essential for flavoring the sauce and searing the chicken.

Italian Seasoning: A simple mix that brings herbaceous notes to the dish.

Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing flavors.

Olive Oil and Butter: Used for searing and enriching the sauce.

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How To Make the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and a touch of butter. Sear the chicken until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes

Lower the heat to medium. In the same pan, add a bit more butter if needed, and sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for 1–2 minutes to release their flavors.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and the sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Add the Greens

Toss in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. This should take about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Combine and Simmer

Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Return it to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything gently to coat in the sauce. Simmer for another 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld.

Step 6: Serve

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and a few pieces of sun-dried tomato for visual appeal.

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How to Serve and Store Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Serve this pasta hot from the skillet, paired with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to round out the meal. For a touch of heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes does wonders. If you’re entertaining, add a glass of chilled white wine for balance.

To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s silky texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish lighter?

You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream, though the sauce will be thinner. Using less cheese or swapping in a reduced-fat version also helps.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, thaw and drain it well before adding. Fresh spinach gives better texture and color, but frozen works in a pinch.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

You can use cherry tomatoes sautéed with garlic, or even roasted red peppers for a slightly different but delicious flavor.

Can this dish be made ahead?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce separately, then combine and heat everything just before serving.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I freeze Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta?

It’s not recommended because the cream sauce may separate when reheated from frozen. However, leftovers stored in the fridge reheat beautifully within a few days.

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Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these other satisfying pasta favorites:

• Creamy Lemon Ricotta Pasta for a bright, zesty dinner with a hint of citrus.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Fettuccine when you’re craving seafood elegance.
• Spicy Cajun Chicken Alfredo for a bold, smoky kick.
• Roasted Red Pepper Penne if you like a sweet-savory flavor combo.
• Spinach Artichoke Tortellini Bake for baked pasta comfort with a creamy twist.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add mushrooms or change up the cheese? Maybe swapped the chicken for shrimp?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

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