Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both comforting and fancy enough to impress, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is the answer. I absolutely love how the rich, velvety sauce perfectly coats the tender chicken and pasta, giving you layers of flavor in every bite. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll quickly become one of those recipes you reach for on busy weeknights or when you want to spoil yourself and your family a little.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe come together beautifully to create balance. The chicken is seasoned just right, and the sauce’s brightness from sun dried tomatoes and fresh basil pairs perfectly with the creamy richness. When you shop, look for good quality sun dried tomatoes and fresh basil to really make this dish pop.

• Chicken Breast: Slice it thin to ensure quick and even cooking.
• Smoked Paprika and Oregano: These spices add a subtle smokiness and herby depth that’s key to the recipe.
• Sun Dried Tomato Oil: Adds a rich tomato flavor and helps with browning the chicken; you can substitute olive oil if needed.
• Long-Cut Pasta (Linguine): The shape really holds the creamy sauce well, but fettuccine or spaghetti work too.
• Butter: Adds extra richness to the sauce base.
• Garlic: Mince finely—just a quick sauté releases its aroma without overpowering.
• Tomato Puree: Gives body and a subtle tang to the sauce.
• Chicken Stock: Use homemade or a quality store-bought stock; it’s the foundation of the sauce flavor.
• Double/Heavy Cream: The star for that silky, luscious texture.
• Sun Dried Tomatoes: Finely chopped, they provide bursts of intense flavor in the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and depth of flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Adds brightness—don’t skip it!
• Baby Spinach: Just enough to bring freshness and color without overwhelming the sauce.

Variations

I love to change things up with this recipe depending on what I have at hand or who I’m cooking for. It’s super forgiving and you can make little swaps to suit your taste or dietary needs.

• Make it Spicy: I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes while frying the garlic for a gentle heat that pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
• Vegetarian Version: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower—still rich and filling.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative.
• Greens Swap: Spinach can be swapped for baby kale or arugula for a bit more bite and pepperiness.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Chicken

First things first, slice the chicken breast horizontally so you have two thinner pieces of chicken. This trick helps them cook quickly and evenly, which I discovered saved me a lot of time and frustration in the kitchen. Once sliced, coat both sides evenly with smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let this sit while you get your pan ready—it’s like a mini marinate that perks up the flavors.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the sun dried tomato oil in a large pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. When the pan is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 3 minutes on each side. You want a light char and the centers just about cooked. This quick sear locks in juicy goodness and prevents dryness. Remove and set aside, but don’t slice yet—waiting preserves juices until the last moment.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken’s resting, get your pasta boiling in well-salted water and cook it until al dente. Here’s a tip: don’t drain the pasta! We’ll toss it directly into the sauce to soak up all that creamy goodness, and reserving some pasta water will be your secret weapon for adjusting sauce consistency.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium, melt the butter in the same pan used for chicken to capture all those delicious browned bits. Add your minced garlic and sauté just 10-20 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it burn or it will turn bitter. Stir in tomato puree and cook for about a minute, then slowly add chicken stock and heavy cream. Give it a good stir, then throw in the sun dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and freshly grated Parmesan. Let everything come to a gentle simmer, then lower your heat. This part is where the magic really happens—the sauce thickens and flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Finish with Spinach, Pasta & Chicken

Add the baby spinach to the sauce and stir just until it starts to wilt. I like to keep it a bit bright green and fresh, so don’t overcook. Using tongs, transfer the pasta straight from the pot into the pan with the sauce—no draining washes away the pasta goodness! Add your sliced chicken and all those lovely resting juices back into the pan and toss everything well. The sauce should thicken enough to cling to the pasta without being watery; if it over thickens, splash in reserved pasta water bit by bit until you get that perfect silky texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with extra freshly grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of torn fresh basil leaves. The Parmesan adds a salty punch while the basil brings a fresh, herbaceous brightness that perfectly balances the creaminess. Sometimes, a tiny drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top just before serving adds a silky sheen I can’t get enough of.

Side Dishes

For sides, a crisp green salad or garlic bread works wonderfully. I especially like serving it with a simple arugula salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through all that richness. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans also pair beautifully to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

On special occasions, I’ve plated this pasta in shallow bowls with little basil sprigs and sun dried tomato halves artfully arranged on top. For a dinner party, adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds texture and a surprising nutty note that guests love. You can also serve it family-style in a large pasta bowl, making it feel cozy and inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find that this dish stays creamy and delicious for 2-3 days. The chicken holds up well and the sauce maintains its rich texture—perfect for an easy lunch the next day.

Freezing

Freezing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is a bit tricky because cream sauces can separate. However, if you use a gluten-free pasta and freeze quickly, it works fairly well. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. I recommend freezing before adding spinach for best results.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and warm gently over low heat on the stove. This avoids overcooking the chicken and keeps your sauce creamy and smooth instead of curdling or drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is truly close to my heart because it’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent yet comforting in the best way possible. Whenever I make it, I find myself sneaking extra bites—the rich sauce, tender chicken, and fresh herbs just hit all the right notes. I can’t recommend it enough, especially if you want to impress with a simple, approachable recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!

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