Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta (Print Version)

Rich chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan create a comforting Italian-style pasta with creamy sauce.

# Components:

→ Poultry

01 - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
03 - ½ teaspoon salt
04 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
05 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

→ Pasta

06 - 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

→ Sauce Components

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 1 cup heavy cream
10 - ½ cup chicken broth
11 - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 - ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
13 - 2 cups baby spinach leaves
14 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

15 - Extra grated Parmesan
16 - Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts on both sides with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken breasts and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet, let rest for 2 minutes, then slice into strips.
03 - In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another minute. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently.
05 - Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Add spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until just wilted.
06 - Return the sliced chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper as needed.
07 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in just 40 minutes from start to finish
  • Uses simple ingredients you likely have on hand
  • Creates restaurant quality flavor with minimal effort
  • Perfect balance of creamy richness and fresh vegetables
02 -
  • High in protein with over 38g per serving
  • Can be made ahead and reheated beautifully
  • Versatile base for adding other vegetables or proteins
  • Impressive enough for guests but easy enough for weeknights
03 -
  • The success of this dish relies on patience with each step. Taking time to properly brown the chicken creates depth of flavor that cannot be rushed.
  • Similarly, allowing the sauce to simmer gently rather than boil ensures a silky texture without separation.
  • Remember that the pasta will continue absorbing sauce after cooking, so serving immediately preserves the perfect consistency.
  • For the most authentic flavor, use genuine Parmigiano Reggiano and grate it yourself rather than using pre-grated varieties which contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

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