Irresistible Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner

Comfort meets elegance in this mouthwatering easy creamy Tuscan chicken pasta that will transport you straight to Italy.

Tender chicken nestles among perfectly cooked pasta, draped in a luxurious sauce that whispers of sun-drenched Mediterranean flavors.

Garlic, herbs, and rich cream create a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Spinach and sun-dried tomatoes add vibrant color and depth to this classic dish.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of textures and robust seasonings that make dinner feel like a special occasion.

Weeknight cooking never looked so sophisticated, and you’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite at your table.

Prepare to savor every single bite of this irresistible culinary experience.

Tuscan Pasta Ingredient List

• Chicken Cutlets: Tender and lean protein that serves as the main star of the dish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that enhance the chicken's natural flavor.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Provide rich flavor and help create a smooth, creamy base.
• Garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic foundation to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and velvety texture for the Tuscan-style sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Bring a sweet and slightly tangy element to the dish.
• Flour: Used to create a slurry for thickening the sauce if needed.

• Rigatoni Pasta: Provides a hearty base that captures the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Baby Spinach: Adds a fresh, green color and nutritional boost to the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that adds a salty and nutty finish to the dish.

Steps for Tuscan Chicken Pasta Perfection

Step 1: Prepare Chicken Seasoning

Grab a small bowl and mix together salt, black pepper, dried basil, and Italian seasoning.

Generously rub the spice blend all over the chicken breasts, ensuring each piece is completely coated with the flavorful mix.

Step 2: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot pan.

Cook for 5-6 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and the chicken is cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Build Aromatic Sauce Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Sauté until fragrant and lightly golden.

Toss in cherry tomatoes and cook for 7-8 minutes, allowing them to soften and release their sweet juices.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and tomato paste.

Stir continuously to blend the ingredients into a smooth, rich sauce.

If the sauce seems too thin, whisk in a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water to thicken.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add rigatoni and cook until tender but still firm to the bite.

Drain the pasta quickly, reserving a small amount of pasta water.

Step 6: Combine and Finish Dish

Gently fold fresh spinach leaves into the creamy sauce.

Add the cooked rigatoni and toss to coat evenly.

Slice the chicken breasts and arrange on top of the pasta.

Sprinkle with fresh parmesan cheese and chopped fresh basil before serving.

Tips for Creamy, Rich Pasta

• Mix spices thoroughly to ensure even coating, creating a flavorful crust that locks in moisture and enhances overall taste.
• Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pan to get a beautiful golden-brown exterior on chicken without steaming.
• Adjust cream sauce thickness with a flour slurry if needed, ensuring a smooth, velvety texture that coats pasta beautifully.
• Cook rigatoni just until al dente and rinse briefly to prevent sticking, maintaining the perfect pasta bite.
• Add fresh spinach at the end to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients, creating a fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.

Tuscan Chicken Variations for Pasta Fans

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use vegan butter for a lactose-free version. Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a plant-based alternative.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Substitute tomatoes with roasted red peppers and add oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes. Use whole wheat pasta for extra nutrition and swap chicken with grilled shrimp.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Incorporate chipotle peppers, cumin, and chili powder into the sauce. Replace spinach with roasted corn and black beans. Use pepper jack cheese for added heat and complexity.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour thickener with cornstarch. Choose tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free.

Serving Ideas for Creamy Chicken Pasta

• Rustic Italian Feast: Serve this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta on large ceramic platters to highlight the vibrant colors and textures.
• Dinner Party Elegance: Pair with a crisp white wine like pinot grigio and crusty sourdough bread to soak up the rich, creamy sauce.
• Fresh Herbal Touch: Sprinkle freshly chopped basil or parsley on top just before serving to add brightness and aromatic depth to the dish.
• Side Salad Companion: Complement the pasta with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy chicken and provide a fresh contrast.

Storing Creamy Tuscan Pasta

• Transfer leftover Tuscan chicken pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers, leaving slight room for expansion. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with fresh spinach for best texture.
• Warm refrigerated pasta in microwave with splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir every 30 seconds to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, reheat gently in skillet over medium-low heat.
• Keep pasta and chicken separate when storing to prevent soggy texture. Store sauce, chicken, and pasta in individual containers, combining just before serving to maintain optimal consistency.

FAQs

• What spices work best for the chicken seasoning?

A blend of Italian herbs like oregano, basil, and garlic powder creates authentic Tuscan flavor. Salt and black pepper enhance the chicken’s natural taste.

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Rigatoni works great, but penne, fettuccine, or bowtie pasta are excellent alternatives that hold the creamy sauce well.

• How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thin?

Use tomato paste to thicken the sauce, and if needed, create a quick flour slurry by mixing flour with cold water before adding to the sauce off the heat.

Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Crowd Pleasers

• Whip Up Quickly: This recipe delivers gourmet-style Tuscan chicken pasta without complex techniques, perfect for home cooks wanting restaurant-quality meals in their own kitchen.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow swapping spinach for kale, using different pasta shapes, or adjusting spice levels to match personal taste preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken create a universally loved dish that satisfies both adults and kids, making family dinner a delightful experience.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup with a single pan cooking method means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious, homemade meal together.

Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Tuscan chicken pasta brings Italian countryside flavors right to your dinner table. Rich herbs, tender chicken, and silky sauce blend perfectly, delivering a comforting meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken cutlets or 2 chicken breasts, halved

Spices and Herbs:

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried parsley or oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Pasta and Sauce Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) rigatoni pasta
• 4 tablespoons oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons flour mixed with 1/2 cup water
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare a fragrant spice blend, thoroughly massaging it into each chicken cutlet to ensure complete coverage.
2. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, searing chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until a rich golden crust forms. Transfer chicken to a plate.
3. Reduce heat and melt butter, gently sautéing minced garlic until aromatic. Introduce chopped tomatoes, allowing them to soften and release their natural juices for 8-10 minutes.
4. Incorporate tomato paste and heavy cream, creating a velvety sauce. If consistency requires adjustment, whisk a flour slurry and fold in off the heat to achieve desired thickness.
5. Simultaneously, boil rigatoni in salted water until perfectly al dente. Quickly rinse pasta to halt cooking and prevent sticking.
6. Fold fresh spinach into the creamy sauce, allowing it to wilt gently. Introduce cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly with the luxurious sauce.
7. Slice the seared chicken and arrange atop the pasta, garnishing with fresh herbs for a vibrant finish. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and silky.

Notes

• Create a more intense flavor profile by letting the spice rub sit on chicken for 15-30 minutes before cooking to allow deeper penetration.
• Swap chicken for tofu or white fish to make this recipe vegetarian or seafood-friendly, ensuring similar cooking techniques.
• Use coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative that maintains the rich, creamy texture without compromising taste.
• Toast pine nuts or add sun-dried tomatoes for extra crunch and Mediterranean depth, elevating the overall dish complexity.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 1050
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 64 g
• Saturated Fat: 35 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 88 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 200 mg