The Best Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe You’ll Ever Try

Tender chicken nestles perfectly in a rich tuscan chicken pasta that bursts with Mediterranean flavors.

Aromatic herbs and sun-dried tomatoes dance through each delectable bite.

Creamy sauce coats every strand of pasta with luxurious elegance.

Weeknight dinners deserve something extraordinary like this comforting dish.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty, sharp complexity that elevates the entire meal.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through Italian-inspired cuisine.

You’ll savor every single morsel of this restaurant-quality creation at home.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with this irresistible culinary masterpiece.

One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Ingredient List

• Chicken: A lean protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the pasta dish.

• Butter, Cream, Milk, Parmesan Cheese: Provide a rich, creamy base for the sauce and enhance the overall taste.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach: Offer depth of flavor, fragrance, and a nutritious green element to the one-pot meal.

• Penne: A classic pasta shape that holds sauce well and creates a satisfying texture.

• Olive Oil: Helps in cooking the chicken and adds a subtle Mediterranean flavor.

Cooking One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear Succulent Chicken

Sprinkle chicken with seasoning and sizzle in a golden pool of olive oil.

Let each side develop a beautiful caramel-brown crust for 3-4 minutes.

Once perfectly cooked, slice the chicken into bite-sized chunks and set aside.

Step 2: Build Aromatic Foundation

• Minced garlic
• Chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• Italian herb blend

Stir until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance that makes your mouth water.

Step 3: Create Creamy Pasta Base

• Heavy cream
• Whole milk
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Penne pasta

Simmer and stir, allowing the pasta to drink up the luxurious sauce until it reaches tender, al dente perfection in about 10 minutes.

Step 4: Combine and Elevate

Reunite the seared chicken with the creamy pasta.

Gently fold in fresh spinach leaves, letting them dance and wilt into the dish.

Cook for a quick 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through and beautifully blended.

Serve immediately and enjoy your one-pot Italian masterpiece!

Tips for a Perfect One-Pot Chicken Pasta

• Cut chicken into even 1-inch pieces to ensure consistent cooking and tender bites throughout the dish.
• Watch pasta closely during cooking to prevent overcooking; add extra milk if sauce becomes too thick.
• Toast Italian seasoning briefly in butter to release aromatic oils and enhance overall taste profile.
• Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard for added nutrients and slightly different texture variation.
• Replace cream and milk with coconut milk or vegetable broth for a lighter, allergen-friendly version.

Variations for Italian Chicken Pasta Fans

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, cubed and pan-fried with Italian seasonings for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Substitute regular penne with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta, reducing carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy Italian flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Swap cream and milk with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and choose olive oil over butter for a lactose-free rendition.

Serving Italian Chicken Pasta Family-Style

• Rustic Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this hearty pasta directly from the pot, creating a warm, inviting family-style meal that encourages sharing and connection.
• Italian Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley on top to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful green color contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich, creamy dish with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay to balance the flavors and enhance the dining experience.
• Side Salad Companion: Pair with a simple mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to cut through the pasta's richness and add a refreshing element to the meal.

How to Store Italian Chicken Pasta Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta might absorb more liquid, so add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore its creamy texture.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating in a pan with a little extra liquid.
• Keep the pasta's creamy consistency by avoiding high heat when reheating. Use low to medium heat and stir frequently to maintain the sauce's smooth texture.
• This dish tastes most delicious when served immediately after cooking. The spinach stays vibrant, and the chicken remains tender and juicy when enjoyed right away.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or bowtie pasta. Just ensure cooking times remain similar.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, traditional penne contains wheat. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free penne or alternative pasta made from rice, corn, or legumes.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes during the sauce stage or include a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat. You can also incorporate sliced jalapeños or hot sauce to taste.

• Can I prepare this recipe with chicken alternatives?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with shrimp, turkey, or plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure proper protein preparation.

Why One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Is a Family Hit

• Whip Up Quickly: This one-pot wonder saves you from multiple dirty dishes, making cleanup a breeze with minimal kitchen mess.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this pasta will win over both kids and adults at the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Swap spinach for other greens, adjust seasoning to taste, or add extra protein for a personalized meal that suits your mood.
• Nutrition in Every Bite: Combines lean protein from chicken, iron-rich spinach, and calcium-packed Parmesan for a balanced, satisfying dinner option.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Indulgent Tuscan chicken pasta promises a culinary journey through Italian-inspired flavors, blending tender chicken with rich, velvety sauce. Creamy, herb-infused ingredients meld perfectly, creating a comforting meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 pounds (0.9 kg) chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

Pasta and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (227 grams) penne pasta, uncooked
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups milk
• 3 cups baby spinach

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Instructions

1. Sear the chicken with salt and pepper in olive oil over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into bite-sized pieces.
2. In the same pot, melt butter and sauté minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning until aromatic, approximately 1-2 minutes.
3. Pour cream, milk, and Parmesan cheese into the pot, then add penne pasta. Simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta reaches al dente texture.
4. Reintroduce the sliced chicken into the creamy pasta mixture, then gently fold in fresh spinach leaves. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts and chicken is thoroughly heated.

Notes

• Optimize Chicken Browning Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
• Creamy Sauce Control Adjust milk and cream ratios for desired thickness; less liquid creates a richer, more concentrated sauce.
• Spinach Swap Experiment with alternative greens like kale or arugula for different nutritional profiles and taste variations.
• Make-Ahead Magic Prepare the dish in advance and reheat gently, adding a splash of milk to restore sauce consistency and prevent drying.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 669
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 257mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 48g
• Cholesterol: 155mg