Looking for a dinner that’s quick, tasty, and sure to impress? Tuscan Chicken Pasta is your answer! This dish combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a rich sauce that bursts with flavor. In no time, you’ll have a colorful meal on your table that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the recipe and make your weeknight dinner a delightful success!

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced - 8 oz (about 225g) penne pasta - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced - 2 cups fresh spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese The heart of Tuscan chicken pasta lies in its main ingredients. First, the chicken gives protein and a juicy bite. Next, penne pasta holds the sauce well and adds texture. The olive oil brings richness, while garlic adds a nice kick. Sun-dried tomatoes provide a sweet and tangy flavor. Fresh spinach offers color and nutrients. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy, and Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish. - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil leaves, for garnish Seasoning is key to great flavor. A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances every ingredient. Fresh basil leaves brighten the dish and add a fragrant touch. They make each bite feel fresh. This combination of simple yet vibrant flavors makes Tuscan chicken pasta a true delight for any weeknight dinner. {{ingredient_image_1}} To cook the pasta, start with a large pot of water. Add salt to the boiling water. This step adds flavor. Use 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it until it is al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside for the next steps. For the chicken, use two boneless, skinless breasts. Slice them into thin pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken slices. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown. Make sure they are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 cup of sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté these for about 2 minutes. You want the kitchen to smell great. This step builds flavor for your sauce. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to mix it with the garlic and tomatoes. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This makes the sauce slightly thick. Check the consistency. It should be creamy but not too thick. Now, add the cooked pasta back into the skillet. Include the sautéed chicken as well. Stir everything together. Add 2 cups of fresh spinach. Let it wilt for about 1-2 minutes. This adds freshness to your dish. To serve, spoon the pasta onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your Tuscan Chicken Pasta! To keep the chicken juicy, use a skillet over medium heat. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil before adding the chicken. This helps to seal in the moisture. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown. Make sure to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Overcooking dries out the chicken, so stay close. If it starts to brown too fast, lower the heat. Remove it from the skillet once it is done. For perfect pasta, cook the penne until it is al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite when you eat it. Follow the package instructions, but start checking a minute early. Drain the pasta and do not rinse it. This keeps the starch, which helps the sauce stick. I recommend using penne, but you can try fusilli or rigatoni too. These shapes hold the sauce well. Fresh herbs can make a big difference. I love adding basil for a fresh taste. You can also add thyme or oregano. These herbs pair well with the creamy sauce. For an extra kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes. They can bring a nice heat without overpowering the dish. Adjust the amounts based on your taste. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the flavor of your dish. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for a unique twist on the classic recipe. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or a splash of white wine. Perfect Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. {{image_2}} - Alternative proteins: You can use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Both options cook quickly and soak up the sauce's flavors well. If you prefer beef, thinly sliced steak works nicely too. - Dairy-free options: For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk. Use a vegan cheese blend in place of Parmesan. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy. - Vegetables to include: Add bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and crunch. Mushrooms also add a nice earthy flavor. Toss in some asparagus for a spring twist. - Flavorful mix-ins: Try adding capers or olives for a briny kick. Sunflower seeds or pine nuts add a great crunch. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish and enhances the flavors. - Other Tuscan-inspired ingredients: Incorporate cannellini beans for added protein and fiber. You can also use fresh herbs like sage or rosemary for a more robust flavor. - Traditional pairings: Serve with crusty bread and a fresh salad. A simple arugula and lemon salad complements the dish well. Pair with a light red wine for a true Tuscan experience. To keep your Tuscan chicken pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Use glass or plastic containers that seal tightly. This helps prevent air from getting in and keeps the flavors intact. Always let the pasta cool to room temperature before sealing it. This avoids condensation, which can make the pasta soggy. - Best Practices: - Store in an airtight container - Cool before sealing - Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days You can freeze Tuscan chicken pasta for later. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, divide it into meal-sized portions and place them in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. - How to Freeze: - Cool completely before freezing - Use freezer-safe bags or containers - Portion for easy meals To thaw, place the frozen pasta in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or water to keep it moist while reheating. - Thawing and Reheating Tips: - Thaw in the fridge overnight - Reheat in a skillet or microwave - Add liquid to maintain moisture Tuscan chicken pasta is a creamy and savory dish. It features tender chicken and fresh ingredients. You cook penne pasta and mix it with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich sauce. The dish is topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. This meal brings the flavors of Tuscany to your table. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately. You can make the sauce and add it just before serving. This way, you keep the flavors fresh. Reheat everything on the stove for a quick meal. If you want to replace heavy cream, try these options: - Half-and-half for a lighter sauce - Coconut milk for a dairy-free choice - Greek yogurt for creaminess without the fat These swaps will change the taste slightly but still taste great. This dish is not spicy. It has mild flavors from garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. To make Tuscan chicken pasta healthier, you can: - Use whole wheat pasta for more fiber - Add more fresh vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini - Use less cheese or choose a lighter cheese option These changes will keep the dish tasty while cutting calories. This blog post covered how to make Tuscan chicken pasta. We explored main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavor. Remember to season your chicken well and cook the pasta al dente for the best texture. You can also try variations like adding vegetables or dairy-free options. Proper storage and reheating will keep your dish fresh. Tuscan chicken pasta is versatile and can fit many diets. Try it your way, and enjoy this savory meal with family and friends!$

Why I Love This Recipe

Delicious Creamy Sauce: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
Fresh Ingredients: With spinach and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients.
Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for a busy weeknight dinner.
Versatile Dish: You can easily customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the protein.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
8 oz (about 225g) penne pasta
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

The heart of Tuscan chicken pasta lies in its main ingredients. First, the chicken gives protein and a juicy bite. Next, penne pasta holds the sauce well and adds texture. The olive oil brings richness, while garlic adds a nice kick. Sun-dried tomatoes provide a sweet and tangy flavor. Fresh spinach offers color and nutrients. Heavy cream makes the sauce creamy, and Parmesan cheese adds a savory finish.

Seasoning and Garnish

Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Seasoning is key to great flavor. A sprinkle of salt and pepper enhances every ingredient. Fresh basil leaves brighten the dish and add a fragrant touch. They make each bite feel fresh. This combination of simple yet vibrant flavors makes Tuscan chicken pasta a true delight for any weeknight dinner.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

To cook the pasta, start with a large pot of water. Add salt to the boiling water. This step adds flavor. Use 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it until it is al dente. This usually takes about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside for the next steps.

Preparing the Chicken

For the chicken, use two boneless, skinless breasts. Slice them into thin pieces. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken slices. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they turn golden brown. Make sure they are cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Sautéing Aromatics

In the same skillet, add 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 cup of sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté these for about 2 minutes. You want the kitchen to smell great. This step builds flavor for your sauce.

Creating the Sauce

Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well to mix it with the garlic and tomatoes. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. This makes the sauce slightly thick. Check the consistency. It should be creamy but not too thick.

Combining Ingredients

Now, add the cooked pasta back into the skillet. Include the sautéed chicken as well. Stir everything together. Add 2 cups of fresh spinach. Let it wilt for about 1-2 minutes. This adds freshness to your dish.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, spoon the pasta onto plates or into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your Tuscan Chicken Pasta!

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Chicken

To keep the chicken juicy, use a skillet over medium heat. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil before adding the chicken. This helps to seal in the moisture. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown. Make sure to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (75°C). Overcooking dries out the chicken, so stay close. If it starts to brown too fast, lower the heat. Remove it from the skillet once it is done.

Pasta Cooking Tips

For perfect pasta, cook the penne until it is al dente. This means it should still have a slight bite when you eat it. Follow the package instructions, but start checking a minute early. Drain the pasta and do not rinse it. This keeps the starch, which helps the sauce stick. I recommend using penne, but you can try fusilli or rigatoni too. These shapes hold the sauce well.

Enhancing Flavor

Fresh herbs can make a big difference. I love adding basil for a fresh taste. You can also add thyme or oregano. These herbs pair well with the creamy sauce. For an extra kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes. They can bring a nice heat without overpowering the dish. Adjust the amounts based on your taste.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh spinach and high-quality sun-dried tomatoes to enhance the flavor of your dish.
Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for a unique twist on the classic recipe.
Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth or a splash of white wine.
Perfect Pasta Cooking: Make sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce.

Variations

Substitutions

Alternative proteins: You can use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Both options cook quickly and soak up the sauce's flavors well. If you prefer beef, thinly sliced steak works nicely too.
Dairy-free options: For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream for coconut milk. Use a vegan cheese blend in place of Parmesan. This keeps the dish creamy without dairy.

Ingredient Additions

Vegetables to include: Add bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and crunch. Mushrooms also add a nice earthy flavor. Toss in some asparagus for a spring twist.
Flavorful mix-ins: Try adding capers or olives for a briny kick. Sunflower seeds or pine nuts add a great crunch. A splash of lemon juice brightens the dish and enhances the flavors.

Regional Twists

Other Tuscan-inspired ingredients: Incorporate cannellini beans for added protein and fiber. You can also use fresh herbs like sage or rosemary for a more robust flavor.
Traditional pairings: Serve with crusty bread and a fresh salad. A simple arugula and lemon salad complements the dish well. Pair with a light red wine for a true Tuscan experience.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Tuscan chicken pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Use glass or plastic containers that seal tightly. This helps prevent air from getting in and keeps the flavors intact. Always let the pasta cool to room temperature before sealing it. This avoids condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.

Best Practices:
Store in an airtight container
Cool before sealing
Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days

Freezing Instructions

You can freeze Tuscan chicken pasta for later. First, let the dish cool completely. Then, divide it into meal-sized portions and place them in freezer-safe bags. Squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn.

How to Freeze:
Cool completely before freezing
Use freezer-safe bags or containers
Portion for easy meals

To thaw, place the frozen pasta in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or water to keep it moist while reheating.

Thawing and Reheating Tips:
Thaw in the fridge overnight
Reheat in a skillet or microwave
Add liquid to maintain moisture

FAQs

What is Tuscan chicken pasta?

Tuscan chicken pasta is a creamy and savory dish. It features tender chicken and fresh ingredients. You cook penne pasta and mix it with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich sauce. The dish is topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. This meal brings the flavors of Tuscany to your table.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then store them separately. You can make the sauce and add it just before serving. This way, you keep the flavors fresh. Reheat everything on the stove for a quick meal.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want to replace heavy cream, try these options:

Half-and-half for a lighter sauce
Coconut milk for a dairy-free choice
Greek yogurt for creaminess without the fat

These swaps will change the taste slightly but still taste great.

Is Tuscan chicken pasta spicy?

This dish is not spicy. It has mild flavors from garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. If you want some heat, add red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste.

How can I make it healthier?

To make Tuscan chicken pasta healthier, you can:

Use whole wheat pasta for more fiber
Add more fresh vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini
Use less cheese or choose a lighter cheese option

These changes will keep the dish tasty while cutting calories.

This blog post covered how to make Tuscan chicken pasta. We explored main ingredients, cooking steps, and tips to enhance flavor. Remember to season your chicken well and cook the pasta al dente for the best texture. You can also try variations like adding vegetables or dairy-free options. Proper storage and reheating will keep your dish fresh. Tuscan chicken pasta is versatile and can fit many diets. Try it your way, and enjoy this savory meal with family and friend