Here’s a comforting, restaurant-style Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe that’s bursting with flavor—juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach in a luscious parmesan cream sauce. Easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for guests!
🍝 Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
🕒 Ready in 30–35 minutes | 🍽️ Serves 4–6
Ingredients:
For the Pasta:
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12 oz penne, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta
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Salt for boiling water
For the Chicken:
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1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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1/2 tsp paprika
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Salt & pepper to taste
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1–2 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce:
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), drained and chopped
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1 cup chicken broth
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1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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2 cups fresh spinach
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Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions:
🔸 1. Cook the Pasta
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Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
🔸 2. Cook the Chicken
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Season chicken with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sear chicken 4–5 minutes per side (or until golden and cooked through).
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Remove and let rest. Then slice or dice into bite-sized pieces.
🔸 3. Make the Sauce
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In the same skillet, lower heat to medium.
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Add a touch of oil (if needed), then sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
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Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes.
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Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
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Add cream, Parmesan, and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly (3–5 minutes).
🔸 4. Combine & Finish
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Add spinach and cook until wilted.
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Return chicken to the pan along with cooked pasta.
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Toss to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for a silkier sauce.
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Taste and adjust salt/pepper.
🧀 Serve:
Garnish with extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, or fresh basil. Serve hot with crusty bread or a light salad.
🔄 Variations:
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Swap chicken for shrimp or Italian sausage.
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Make it low-carb with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi.
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Add mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra veggies.