Save This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta has become my signature dish whenever I want to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach in a velvety Parmesan sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal that always leaves everyone asking for seconds.
I first made this dish when my Italian grandmother was visiting and needed to prove I had inherited her cooking genes. She not only asked for the recipe but now makes it regularly for her bridge club ladies who have nicknamed it "The Pasta That Ruins Diets."
Ingredients
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: provide lean protein and become incredibly tender when cooked properly
- Italian seasoning blend: saves time while delivering authentic Tuscan flavor
- Heavy cream: creates the luxurious base for the sauce that coats every bite
- Sun dried tomatoes packed in oil: bring concentrated sweet tomato flavor and gorgeous color
- Baby spinach: adds nutritional value and beautiful color contrast
- Parmesan cheese: provides the salty umami depth that makes the sauce irresistible
- Penne pasta: with its ridges and hollow center captures maximum sauce in every bite
Instructions
- Pasta Perfection:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil before adding a generous tablespoon of salt. The water should taste like seawater to properly season your pasta from within. Add your pasta and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook until al dente according to package instructions which is typically 8 to 10 minutes. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
- Chicken Preparation:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning. Season generously on both sides with Italian seasoning, salt and pepper, pressing the seasonings into the meat. Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Place the chicken in the hot pan without overcrowding and resist the urge to move it for at least 5 minutes. This creates the golden crust that seals in juices. Flip once and cook until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Building The Flavor Base:
- Using the same skillet with all those wonderful chicken bits, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about 60 seconds. Watch carefully as garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter. Add the sun dried tomatoes and sauté briefly to release their oils and flavor into the butter.
- Creating The Signature Sauce:
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to incorporate all the flavorful bits. Bring to a gentle simmer not a boil which could cause the cream to separate. Reduce the heat and add the Parmesan cheese in small batches, stirring constantly until completely melted before adding more. This ensures a smooth sauce without clumps. Let it simmer gently until it coats the back of a spoon.
- Bringing It All Together:
- Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and watch it wilt within minutes. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Gently fold in the drained pasta, ensuring every piece gets coated with the luscious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Save The sun dried tomatoes are truly the secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered their transformative power years ago when I accidentally added twice the amount called for in another pasta dish. What could have been a disaster turned into a happy accident that I now deliberately repeat. Their intense sweetness balances the richness of the cream perfectly.
Storage and Reheating
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta stores brilliantly in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight as the pasta absorbs more of the sauce. When reheating, add a small splash of cream or milk to revitalize the sauce which tends to thicken in the refrigerator. Warm gently over medium low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. Microwaving works in a pinch but tends to make the chicken tougher, so stovetop reheating is preferred whenever possible.
Smart Substitutions
This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Thigh meat can replace chicken breasts for even more flavor and tenderness. For a lighter version, substitute half and half for heavy cream though the sauce will be slightly less rich. Frozen spinach can work in place of fresh just be sure to thoroughly drain and squeeze out excess moisture. Pecorino Romano makes an excellent alternative to Parmesan with a sharper flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta in warmed bowls to keep it hot longer. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil provides the perfect acidic counterpoint to the rich pasta. Crusty garlic bread is essential for sopping up every last bit of the delicious sauce. For wine pairing, a crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce beautifully. For a complete dinner party menu, start with bruschetta appetizers and finish with a light lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate.
Seasonal Adaptations
Summer Version:
Add fresh cherry tomatoes in the final minutes of cooking.
Incorporate fresh basil instead of dried herbs.
Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.
Fall Variation:
Add roasted butternut squash cubes for sweetness.
Incorporate sage leaves fried in butter as garnish.
Use wild mushrooms for deeper earthy flavor.
Winter Comfort:
Add caramelized onions for sweetness.
Stir in a pinch of nutmeg to enhance the cream.
Finish with toasted pine nuts for texture.
Save This dish is a labor of love that provides incredible flavor for minimal actual work. Enjoy the compliments you'll receive!
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne and fettuccine work well, but you can substitute with your favorite pasta shapes, including gluten-free varieties.
- → Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half is a great substitute, offering a lighter texture while maintaining a creamy finish.
- → What can I serve alongside this dish?
Pair it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the flavors.
- → Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
The sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the main components ahead and assemble when ready to serve.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.
- → What adds extra flavor to the dish?
A pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh basil can enhance both the aroma and flavor profile of this pasta meal.