This Chicken Creamy Tuscan Pasta is a cozy dish filled with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, all tossed in a rich and creamy sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate!
Honestly, how can you go wrong with pasta that’s creamy and loaded with flavor? I love to pair it with a salad for crunch. It’s a comforting meal that feels fancy but is super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine or tagliatelle works well in this dish for a nice, creamy coating. If you don’t have either, any long pasta like spaghetti or linguine can be substituted.
Chicken: I like using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their tenderness. If you want to try something different, you can use diced chicken thighs for more flavor or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick option.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These add a lovely depth of flavor. If you can’t find them, you can use fresh tomatoes or even a bit of tomato paste for a similar richness.
Heavy Cream: It gives that luxurious and creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, try using half-and-half or cashew cream for a dairy-free version.
Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the sauce, but if you have frozen spinach, that will work too! Just make sure to thaw and drain excess water.
How Do I Cook the Chicken Perfectly Without Drying It Out?
Cooking chicken can be tricky, but with the right techniques, it can turn out juicy every time!
- Start with pieces of similar size to cook evenly—bite-sized pieces are great.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; if needed, cook chicken in batches to ensure it browns nicely.
- Season well before cooking for added flavor.
- Cook on medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and no longer pink in the middle, then remove immediately to keep it tender.
How to Make Chicken Creamy Tuscan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Chicken:
- 12 oz fettuccine or tagliatelle pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for slight heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful pasta dish will take about 30 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking your pasta and chicken, and the sauce comes together in around 15 minutes. Prep your ingredients ahead of time for an even smoother cooking experience!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling, add the fettuccine or tagliatelle and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Preparing the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Once done, take the chicken out of the skillet and set it aside.
3. Making the Sauce:
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Then, toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they soften a bit.
4. Creating the Creamy Base:
Pour the heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Add in the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly; this should take about 3-5 minutes.
5. Bringing It All Together:
Now, return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in the fresh spinach leaves. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts down. Then, toss in the drained pasta, mixing everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
6. Final Touches:
Give your creamy Tuscan pasta a taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed. When it’s perfect, transfer to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
Enjoy your rich, creamy Chicken Creamy Tuscan Pasta! It’s sure to be a hit!
Can I Use Different Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine and tagliatelle work beautifully, you can substitute with any pasta you have on hand, like penne or spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, replace the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative such as cashew cream. For the cheese, try nutritional yeast or a dairy-free Parmesan to maintain that cheesy flavor.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! This dish pairs well with other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just sauté them along with the garlic for extra flavor!
