Silky Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Flavorful Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Tasty One-Pan Wonder

Creamy and comforting, this tuscan chicken pasta dances with rich flavors that will steal your heart.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients weave magic into every delightful bite.

Tender chicken mingles with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach add vibrant depth to this irresistible dish.

Fresh herbs and a luscious sauce elevate each forkful into a culinary celebration.

Weeknight dinners or special gatherings become extraordinary moments with this simple yet elegant recipe.

You’ll want to savor every single mouthwatering spoonful.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 610 kcal

Servings: 5

Everything You Need For Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

For Protein:
  • Chicken Cutlets: Tender, lean meat that absorbs flavors beautifully and provides a protein-packed base for this Tuscan-style dish. Choose fresh, trimmed cutlets for even cooking and maximum juiciness.
For Cooking Foundation:
  • Olive Oil: Authentic Mediterranean cooking essential that helps create a golden sear and adds a subtle, rich undertone to the chicken. Select extra virgin olive oil for the most robust flavor and health benefits.
For Seasoning:
  • Salt, Pepper: Classic flavor enhancers that bring out the chicken's natural taste and create a balanced seasoning profile.
  • Italian Seasoning: A vibrant herb blend that infuses the chicken with traditional Mediterranean aromatics and depth.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a smooth, concentrated garlic essence that complements the chicken's mild flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Tools To Make Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Fast

  • Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating the sauce.
  • Sharp knife: Needed to slice chicken and chop garlic and spinach.
  • Cutting board: Clean surface for preparing ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing sauce ingredients.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add seasonings and herbs.
  • Tongs: Great for flipping and handling chicken during cooking.
  • Cooking thermometer (optional): Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature.

Steps To Cook Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Smoothly

  • Spice Up the Chicken

Sprinkle chicken cutlets with a zesty blend of salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and garlic powder to create a flavor explosion that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Sizzle and Brown

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then lovingly place the seasoned chicken into the pan. Let it sear until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and cooks completely through, about 4-5 minutes per side.

  • Rest the Star

Gently transfer the perfectly cooked chicken to a waiting plate, allowing it to take a delicious breather while you prepare the next magical steps.

  • Create the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic and let it become fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, stirring until the sauce becomes wonderfully thick and luxurious.

  • Bring It All Together

Slide the chicken back into the pan, nestling it into the creamy sauce. Sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top and let everything simmer together for a few minutes.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the saucy chicken over warm pasta, making sure each plate gets a generous helping of that dreamy Tuscan-inspired goodness. Garnish with fresh basil and prepare for a mouthwatering meal that’ll transport you straight to the Italian countryside.

Tips For Extra Flavor In Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

  • Pro Cooking Tips
  • Chicken Tenderness: Pound chicken cutlets to even thickness before seasoning to ensure uniform cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
  • Sauce Consistency: Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free sauce that blends effortlessly with other ingredients.
  • Herb Enhancement: Fresh basil or chopped parsley can brighten the dish's flavor profile, adding a vibrant touch just before serving.
  • Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness and allow it to absorb the rich, creamy sauce more effectively.
  • Diet-Friendly Variations
  • Low-Carb Option: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, keto-friendly alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version that maintains creamy texture.
  • Gluten-Free Swap: Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables to accommodate gluten-sensitive diners without compromising taste.
  • Protein Alternatives: Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or white fish for diverse protein options that work wonderfully with the Tuscan-inspired sauce.

Serve Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta With Ease

  • Pasta Party Platter: Arrange the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta on a large, rustic wooden board surrounded by fresh basil leaves, cherry tomatoes, and shaved parmesan for a gorgeous, Instagram-worthy presentation.
  • Mediterranean Herb Boost: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving to add a bright, aromatic finish that elevates the dish's flavor profile and visual appeal.
  • Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the rich, creamy sauce with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay that cuts through the richness and enhances the chicken's savory notes.
  • Family-Style Feast: Serve directly in the skillet for a warm, inviting family meal that encourages sharing and creates a cozy, intimate dining experience with minimal cleanup.

Storing Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Without Drying Out

  • Smart Meal Prep: Prepare chicken and sauce components separately, storing them in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Keeps meal fresh and ready for quick reheating.
  • Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Allow completely cooled dish to sit in freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before gentle reheating to maintain pasta's creamy texture.
  • Portion Control Hack: Divide remaining pasta into individual meal-sized containers for convenient grab-and-go lunches. Ensures balanced portions and reduces midweek cooking stress.
  • Sauce Separation Tip: Store sauce and chicken separately to prevent pasta from becoming soggy. Reheat components individually, then combine just before serving for maximum flavor and texture quality.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Silky Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Silky Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 12 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Creamy Tuscan chicken pasta elevates weeknight dinners with rich Italian-inspired flavors. Quick ingredients blend seamlessly for a restaurant-quality meal you can savor at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless), sliced into thin cutlets
  • 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Fresh basil or parsley
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Seasoning: Thoroughly coat chicken cutlets with a harmonious blend of salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, massaging the spices into every crevice for maximum flavor infusion.
  2. Searing: Ignite olive oil in a capacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling canvas that transforms chicken into a golden-crusted masterpiece, cooking each side for 4-5 minutes until perfectly caramelized.
  3. Sauce Foundation: Leverage the chicken’s flavorful remnants to craft a sumptuous sauce, introducing sun-dried tomatoes, vibrant spinach, and velvety heavy cream into the same skillet, simmering until the mixture thickens into a luxurious embrace.
  4. Chicken Reunion: Gently reintroduce the seared chicken into the creamy sauce, allowing the pieces to bathe and absorb the rich, herbaceous essence of the Tuscan-inspired creation.
  5. Pasta Integration: Concurrently prepare pasta in salted boiling water until achieving an ideal al dente texture, then delicately fold the noodles into the skillet, ensuring each strand becomes thoroughly enrobed in the luscious sauce.
  6. Finishing Touch: Crown the dish with a generous dusting of freshly grated parmesan cheese and a delicate sprinkle of chopped basil, creating a visually stunning and aromatic culinary masterpiece ready to be savored immediately.

Notes

  • Seasoning Technique: Press the seasoning mix firmly into chicken cutlets to create a robust, even flavor profile that penetrates deeply during cooking.
  • Oil Temperature Control: Watch for shimmering oil’s subtle dance – this indicates perfect medium-high heat for achieving golden-brown chicken without burning.
  • Sauce Consistency Trick: Simmer sauce slowly to prevent separation; if too thin, let it reduce naturally or add a pinch of cornstarch to thicken without compromising texture.
  • Dietary Adaptation: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk for dairy-free version, use gluten-free pasta, and replace chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian alternative.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 610
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 32g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 57g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 27g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star