Rich & Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

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Hey there, pasta lovers! Today, I’m excited to share with you my favorite Tuscan chicken pasta recipe. This Tuscan chicken pasta is a true crowd-pleaser that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking! If this sounds good to you, be sure to try my Cheesy Ranch Chicken Pasta, Pasta Shells with Ground Beef, and Million Dollar Spaghetti Casserole.

A dish of Tuscan Chicken Pasta in a blueled pan, featuring rigat pasta, creamy tomato sauce, slices of chicken, and cherry tomatoes. The dish is garnished with chopped parsley. Fresh parsley and two forks rest the pan on a napkin

The Magic of Tuscan Flavors

Before we explore the recipe, let’s talk about what makes Tuscan chicken pasta so special. Tuscan cuisine is known for its simplicity and focus on high-quality ingredients. This dish embodies that philosophy perfectly, blending the richness of cream, the savory notes of chicken, and the bright flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It’s a harmonious mix that transports you straight to the rolling hills of Tuscany with every bite.

When you think of comforting meals, Tuscan chicken pasta should be at the top of your list. It’s easy to make, and everyone loves it!

A flat lay of for creamy chicken pasta At the center are two raw chicken breasts on white plate. Surround them are uncookedatoni, grated, tomato sauce, fresh parsley, sun-dried tomatoes, olive oil, garlic fresh spinach, tomatoes and an onion.

Let’s Break It Down:

  1. Pasta: I love using rigatoni for this chicken breast pasta recipe. The ridges and tubular shape help capture the creamy sauce perfectly. Feel free to swap it with penne or fusilli if that’s what you have on hand.
  2. Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to, but you can use thighs for a juicier option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  3. Sun-dried Tomatoes: These little flavor bombs add a delightful tangy sweetness to our sun-dried tomato pasta. If they’re too dry, soak them in warm water for 10 minutes before chopping.
  4. Spinach: Adding spinach not only boosts the nutritional value but also gives a lovely color contrast. It’s an easy way to sneak in some greens!
  5. Cream Sauce: The heart of any good cream sauce pasta recipe. We’re using a combination of heavy cream and chicken broth for richness and depth of flavor.

In fact, this Tuscan chicken pasta is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

A collage of six images the steps to make Rigoni Chicken Pasta. The first image shows a creamy sauce being stirred a pan. The second image adds fresh spinach to the sauce. The third has grated cheese on top of the spinach. The fourth image shows the mixed into a creamy sauce. The fifth adds cooked rigat and cherry tomatoes with cheese and a basil leaf The sixth image shows final dish mixed together basil on top.

Mastering the Cream Sauce

The cream sauce is what transforms this dish from good to extraordinary. Here’s how to nail it every time:

  1. Start with a good base: Sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant. This infuses the oil with flavor that will carry through the entire sauce.
  2. Deglaze with care: After cooking the chicken, there will be flavorful bits stuck in the pan. Deglaze with a splash of chicken broth to incorporate these tasty morsels into your sauce.
  3. Simmer, don’t boil: Once you add the cream, keep the heat medium-low. A gentle simmer will thicken the sauce without risk of separation.
  4. The cheese factor: Parmesan cheese not only adds flavor but also helps thicken the sauce. Add it gradually, stirring constantly for a smooth consistency.
  5. Adjust the consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water. Too thin? Let it simmer a bit longer.
A skillet filled with pasta in a creamy sauce topped with grilled chicken pieces, roasted cherry tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. The pasta is rigatoni, and the sauce has a rich, orange hue with herbs sprinkled on.

Don’t forget, this Tuscan chicken pasta is incredibly versatile; you can customize it with your favorite vegetables.

Elevate Your Creamy Chicken Pasta

Want to take your Tuscan chicken pasta to the next level? Try these gourmet twists:

  1. Herb it up: Fresh basil or oregano added at the end brings a burst of fresh flavor.
  2. Nutty depth: Toast some pine nuts and sprinkle them on top for a delightful crunch.
  3. Veggie boost: Roasted bell peppers or artichoke hearts make great additions.
  4. Wine not?: A splash of white wine in the sauce adds complexity to the flavor profile.
  5. Cheese please: Try mixing in some crumbled goat cheese for a tangy kick.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Chicken Pasta:

  • For a lighter version, you can replace half the heavy cream with milk. Just be careful when reheating, as milk-based sauces can separate more easily.
  • Don’t overcook your pasta! You want it al dente as it’ll continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
  • If you’re a garlic lover like me, feel free to add an extra clove or two. It enhances the flavor of this Tuscan chicken pasta.
  • For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.
A bowl of creamy spinach pasta with rigatoni, garnished with fresh parsley. pasta is mixed with a sauce and diced red bell peppers. fork is lifting a piece of the pasta, showing its, cheesy texture.

Storage and Reheating:

For an extra twist, you can add some extra spices to your Tuscan chicken pasta for a kick!

This easy Tuscan chicken dinner keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container once it’s completely cooled. When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the sauce, as it tends to thicken when chilled.

To reheat, you can either:

Once you try this Tuscan chicken pasta, you’ll understand why it’s a family favorite!

Elevate your Tuscan chicken pasta with fresh ingredients and bold flavors.

  1. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
  2. Warm it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

There you have it, folks! A delicious Tuscan chicken pasta recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or hosting a dinner party, this dish is guaranteed to impress. So grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! Remember, the key to great pasta is cooking with love (and lots of garlic). Enjoy!

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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

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  • Author: lana
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
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Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1 tsp each: paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1/2 stick (4 tbsp) unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup each: diced shallot, chopped sun-dried tomatoes (softened)
  • 1 tsp minced garlic
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp each: oregano, paprika
  • 1/2 tsp each: garlic powder, kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups each: heavy cream, milk
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
  • 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken:
    1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
    2. Coat chicken with 2 tbsp olive oil and season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
    3. Sear in a large oven-safe skillet with 1 tbsp oil for 3 minutes per side.
    4. Finish in the oven for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
    5. Set aside and keep warm.
  2. Cook the Pasta:
    1. Boil rigatoni in salted water until al dente (about 14 minutes).
  3. Prepare the Sauce:
    1. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté shallots and sun-dried tomatoes for 3-5 minutes.
    2. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
    3. Stir in tomato paste and seasonings (oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper).
    4. Pour in cream and milk, then add spinach, parmesan, and tomatoes.
    5. Simmer on low for 8-10 minutes until cheese melts and spinach wilts.
  1. Combine and Serve:
    1. Toss cooked pasta with the sauce.
    2. Slice chicken and add to the pasta.
    3. Garnish with extra parmesan and parsley.
    4. Season to taste and serve.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Entrée / Main Course
  • Method: Stove, Oven-baked (for chicken)
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4th of the recipe
  • Calories: 740 kcal
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Fat: 50g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 40g
  • Cholesterol: 190mg

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us @mymotherkitchen — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

Always remember, the secret to perfecting your Tuscan chicken pasta is in the technique.

With every bite, this Tuscan chicken pasta brings a burst of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

Trust me; once you try this Tuscan chicken pasta, you’ll want to make it again and again.

This recipe for Tuscan chicken pasta is not just a dish; it’s an experience!

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