If you are craving a meal that’s rich, indulgent, and bursting with vibrant flavors, the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is sure to become your new favorite go-to dish. This recipe brings together tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach all enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to perfectly cooked rigatoni. Every bite offers a harmonious blend of savory and slightly tangy notes with the warmth of Italian herbs, making it a comforting yet sophisticated dinner option that’s surprisingly easy to pull together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe starts with simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each component plays an essential role, whether adding depth, creaminess, color, or a hint of brightness to your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 Pounds Chicken Breast (Cut Into Bite-Sized Pieces): Using chicken breast ensures tender, juicy bites that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil: A heart-healthy fat that sears the chicken to perfection while adding subtle richness.
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika: Adds a smoky warmth and gentle color to the chicken.
- 1 Teaspoon Granulated Garlic Powder: Enhances savory depth without overpowering other flavors.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt: Balances and elevates the natural flavors.
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper: Offers a slight kick and spice complexity.
- 2 Tablespoons Butter: Adds velvety smoothness to the sauce.
- 1 Cup Sundried Tomatoes (Drained): Brings a sweet tang and chewy texture contrast.
- 3 Cloves of Garlic (Minced): Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with aromatic richness.
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that brings Tuscan flair.
- 1/2 Cup Chicken Stock: Adds savory depth and helps simmer the sauce to perfection.
- 2 Cups Heavy Cream: The star of the dish’s creamy texture and indulgence.
- 1 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese: Introduces salty, nutty undertones and thickens the sauce.
- 8 Ounces Rigatoni (Cook According to Package Instructions To Al-dente): The ideal pasta shape for holding onto every drop of sauce.
- 1/2 Cup Cooked Spinach (Drained Well): Adds freshness and a pop of green color.
- Fresh Basil: Used as a vibrant garnish for freshness and an herby finish.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Begin by cutting your chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easier eating. Toss the chicken with olive oil, paprika, granulated garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper to create a simple yet flavorful coating. This seasoning step is crucial as it forms the flavor base for the entire dish.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure beautiful browning rather than steaming. Remove the chicken and set it aside; this caramelization is what gives the dish its depth.
Step 3: Build the Tuscan Base
In the same skillet, add butter to melt, then toss in the drained sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until the garlic is fragrant and the sundried tomatoes begin to soften, about 2 minutes. This step gently infuses the fat with flavor and sets the stage for your luxurious sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken stock to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those browned bits from the bottom – this is flavor gold. Let the stock reduce for a couple of minutes before stirring in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce thicken to a silky consistency, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the sauce along with the cooked and drained spinach. Gently mix everything to coat the chicken evenly and warm through. Finally, add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet, tossing it fully in the creamy sauce until you see every pasta piece drenched and inviting.
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves not only adds a burst of green but also lends a clean, herbaceous note that complements the richness beautifully. If you love extra cheese, a little more grated Parmesan on top is perfect for that savory finish.
Side Dishes
This dish stands beautifully on its own but pairs nicely with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables for added texture and freshness. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread work wonders for sopping up every last creamy morsel.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve this pasta in shallow bowls with a delicate drizzle of olive oil and a sprig of basil on top to impress your guests visually and gastronomically. Individual portions garnished with a sun-dried tomato or two can add a refined touch that shows off the dish’s vibrant components.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or second-night dinners.
Freezing
While the pasta can be frozen, the creamy texture may slightly change upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, portion it into freezer-safe containers and consume within 2 months to retain the best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken stock to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. This careful reheating will help maintain the luscious texture that makes the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni is ideal because of its ridges and tube shape that hold sauce well, penne, fettuccine, or even farfalle would work wonderfully to showcase the creamy sauce.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream cheese, but keep in mind the sauce may be less rich and thick.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or artichokes. Just sauté them first and follow the same steps to create the creamy sauce.
What can I use instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers can be a lovely substitute, offering sweetness and color, though the flavor will be slightly different.
How do I know when the pasta is al dente?
Al dente means the pasta is cooked just until firm to the bite, not mushy. Start tasting your pasta a minute or two before the package suggests to ensure it has that perfect chew.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a heartwarming dish that brings a taste of Italy right to your table with ease and elegance. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or treat yourself to something special, this recipe delivers creamy, flavorful satisfaction in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it a cherished part of your family’s dinner rotation!
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 to 6.6 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
Enjoy a rich and flavorful Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, featuring tender bite-sized chicken breast simmered in a luscious creamy sauce with sundried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, served over al-dente rigatoni and garnished with fresh basil. This comforting Italian-inspired dish is perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken & Seasonings
- 2 Pounds Chicken Breast (Cut Into Bite-Sized Pieces)
- 1 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1 Teaspoon Granulated Garlic Powder
- 1/2 Teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons Butter
- 1 Cup Sundried Tomatoes (drained)
- 3 Cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 Cup Chicken Stock
- 2 Cups Heavy Cream
- 1 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
Pasta & Greens
- 8 Ounces Rigatoni (Cook According to Package Instructions To Al-dente)
- 1/2 Cup Cooked Spinach (Drained Well)
- Fresh Basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sundried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up any browned bits from the pan, then stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese and Spinach: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce until melted and smooth. Add the cooked spinach and stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for another 2-3 minutes.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the creamy sauce. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta and stir everything together to evenly distribute the sauce and ingredients. Heat through for an additional minute or two.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serve warm for a delightful and creamy Tuscan pasta experience.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh chicken breast cut into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Drain sundried tomatoes well to avoid adding excess oil to the sauce.
- Cook rigatoni pasta to al dente as it will continue to absorb sauce after mixing.
- Spinach should be well-drained to prevent watery sauce.
- Fresh basil adds a bright herbal finish—substitute with parsley if preferred.
- To lighten the dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but note the sauce may be less thick.
