Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
When you’re craving a comforting and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your dinner table, look no further than this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal. The combination of tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a creamy sauce tossed with pasta creates a symphony of flavors that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
What Makes This Recipe Special
This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta recipe stands out for several reasons. First, the balance of flavors is exquisite, with the sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes, the richness of the creamy sauce, and the freshness of spinach coming together beautifully. Additionally, the use of freshly grated Parmesan cheese enhances the dish’s creaminess and adds a savory depth that is hard to resist. Finally, the recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables or proteins, making it a versatile addition to your meal rotation.
What Goes Into Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
To create this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 medium chicken breasts (approx. 1 pound), pounded to an even thickness
- 1 tsp each: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika
- 1/4 tsp each: salt, pepper
- Olive oil for drizzling
- 16 oz. penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomatoes jar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 large shallot, chopped (about 1/2 cup; may sub 1 tsp onion powder)
- 4 oz. sun-dried tomatoes in oil, rinsed and chopped (1 heaping cup)
- 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups half and half or milk whisked with 1 TBS cornstarch, or evaporated milk mixed with 2 tsps cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
- 1 tsp each: dried parsley, dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp each: salt, pepper
- 1 pint grape or cherry tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, packed (use micro grater)
- 4 cups baby spinach (optional)
Cook’s Kit
Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following tools on hand:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
- Whisk for mixing liquids
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board for chopping ingredients
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
Cooking Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe: The Process
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the pounded chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken to help the spices adhere.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 4: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomato oil and unsalted butter. Once melted, add chopped shallots and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Sprinkle flour over the shallot and garlic mixture, stirring to combine. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, half and half (or milk mixture), and chicken bouillon. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
Step 6: Add Flavor
Stir in the dried parsley, basil, oregano, additional salt, and pepper. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grape or cherry tomatoes, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 7: Finish with Cheese and Spinach
Reduce the heat to low and add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Finally, fold in the baby spinach until wilted.
Step 8: Combine with Pasta and Chicken
Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet, along with the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Flavor-Forward Alternatives
Feel free to customize your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta with these alternatives:
- Swap penne for your favorite pasta shape, such as fettuccine or rigatoni.
- Add fresh herbs like basil or thyme for an extra burst of flavor.
- Incorporate other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for added nutrition.
- Use different proteins like shrimp or tofu for a variation on the classic recipe.
Method to the Madness
Creating this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is all about layering flavors and textures. Start with well-seasoned chicken that’s cooked to perfection, then build a rich and creamy sauce that complements the pasta beautifully. The key to success lies in using fresh ingredients and allowing each component to shine. Don’t rush the cooking process; take your time to develop those flavors, and you’ll end up with a dish that’s nothing short of spectacular.
Meal Prep & Storage Notes
If you want to prepare this dish in advance, here are some helpful tips:
- Cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store separately from the pasta until ready to serve.
- This recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- To reheat, warm the pasta and sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up as needed.
- Consider freezing portions for later; just be aware that the texture of the spinach may change upon thawing.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap penne for any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or even gluten-free pasta.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and replace it with grilled vegetables, chickpeas, or a meat substitute. Ensure to use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, you can use roasted red peppers or even fresh tomatoes, though the flavor profile will vary slightly.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, storing them separately from the pasta until you’re ready to serve to maintain the best texture.
Let’s Eat
This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta recipe is a delicious way to bring a touch of Italian cuisine to your kitchen. With its rich flavors, creamy sauce, and vibrant ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Whether enjoyed as a family meal or served for guests, this comforting dish never fails to impress. So, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by seasoning the pounded chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle a little olive oil over the chicken to help the spices adhere.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- In the same skillet, add the sun-dried tomato oil and unsalted butter. Once melted, add chopped shallots and cook for about 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Sprinkle flour over the shallot and garlic mixture, stirring to combine. Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, half and half (or milk mixture), and chicken bouillon. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken for about 3-5 minutes.
- Stir in the dried parsley, basil, oregano, additional salt, and pepper. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and grape or cherry tomatoes, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Finally, fold in the baby spinach until wilted.
- Slice the cooked chicken and add it back to the skillet, along with the cooked penne pasta. Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Notes
- Cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store separately from the pasta until ready to serve.
- This recipe keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- To reheat, warm the pasta and sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up as needed.
