Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

 

 Why You'll Love This Recipe

There's something magical about a dish that looks and tastes like it took hours to prepare but comes together in under 30 minutes. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner—rich, flavorful, and absolutely comforting. The combination of tender seasoned chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a velvety garlic parmesan cream sauce will have your family asking for seconds (and thirds!).

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📋 Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp olive oil

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite shape)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 3 cups fresh baby spinach
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.

Step 2: Season & Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove from the skillet, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

In the same skillet (don't wipe it out — that's flavor gold!), reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Add the Cream

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in the Italian seasoning and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Toss in the cooked pasta and sliced chicken. Mix everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

Plate the pasta, garnish with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, and serve immediately.

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💡 Pro Tips

• Don't overcook the chicken. Using a meat thermometer ensures perfectly juicy chicken every time.
• Use quality Parmesan. Freshly grated Parmesan melts much better than the pre-shredded kind and gives a creamier sauce.
• Make it lighter. Substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream if you want a slightly lighter version.
• Add some heat. Toss in ¼ tsp of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle kick.
• Pasta shape matters. Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle work best because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.