This Chicken Creamy Tuscan Pasta is a dreamy dish! It’s full of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich creamy sauce that wraps around every noodle.
You’ll love how quick it is to make—perfect for a busy night! I often pair it with a simple salad because who can resist a fiber boost with all that creaminess? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Rigatoni or penne work great here. If you want a gluten-free option, feel free to use chickpea or lentil pasta. They hold up well in creamy sauces!
Chicken: I usually use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful. If you’re vegetarian, swap it for firm tofu or your favorite meat substitute.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a rich flavor. If you’re out, try cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers instead. Just sauté them a bit longer to soften.
Heavy Cream: This gives a creamy texture; half-and-half can be a lighter alternative. For dairy-free, use coconut cream or a cashew cream blend.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is perfect, but you can use kale or even frozen spinach if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well!
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce is Perfectly Creamy?
Creating a creamy sauce is all about technique! Here’s how to make sure it comes out just right:
- Start by sautéing garlic until fragrant, which adds a nice base flavor. Don’t let it burn!
- Once you pour in the heavy cream and broth, stir well to combine and let it simmer gently. This allows the flavors to meld.
- Add cheese slowly while stirring. This helps it melt evenly into the sauce and thickens it nicely.
- If the sauce feels too thick, you can add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up. This adds flavor too!
Sounds easy, right? With these tips, you’ll have a creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta evenly!
How to Make Chicken Creamy Tuscan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz rigatoni or penne pasta
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (oil-packed preferred)
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
- Optional: freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Creamy Tuscan Pasta takes about 30 minutes to prepare. With about 10 minutes for cooking the pasta and 20 minutes for the sauce and chicken, you’ll have a mouth-watering dinner ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni or penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Chicken:
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken to the skillet and season it with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Next, toss in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Now, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. It’s time to make it creamy! Add the grated Parmesan cheese and keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens a bit, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Add Chicken and Spinach:
Once your sauce is creamy and delicious, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss in the fresh spinach leaves and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring until the spinach wilts down.
6. Combine with Pasta:
Add the drained pasta to the sauce in the skillet and give everything a good toss to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Transfer your creamy Tuscan pasta to serving plates or bowls. Finish it off with fresh basil leaves and, if you like, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese on top. Serve immediately and enjoy your delightful Chicken Creamy Tuscan Pasta!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. For safe thawing, place it in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Pat it dry before cooking to help it brown nicely!
How Do I Store Leftover Pasta?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy. You can also use the microwave, covering it to retain moisture!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version. Just note that the flavor and texture may vary slightly, but the dish will still be delicious!
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the sun-dried tomatoes for added flavor and nutrients!