The Best Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe You’ll Crave Every Night

Rich, creamy Tuscan chicken pasta brings Mediterranean warmth right to your dinner table.

Sunshine-soaked ingredients dance together in a harmonious culinary symphony of flavors.

Robust herbs and tender chicken create a luxurious experience that transports you beyond ordinary meals.

This classic Italian-inspired dish blends comfort and sophistication with unexpected depth and character.

Fragrant spices and velvety sauce promise a restaurant-quality meal prepared effortlessly in your own kitchen.

Smooth textures and vibrant ingredients weave a delectable narrative of culinary creativity.

Bold yet balanced, the recipe celebrates simple ingredients crafted into something extraordinary.

What Makes Tuscan Chicken Pasta So Special

• Savor Creamy Tuscan Flavors: This recipe delivers a rich, luxurious taste with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and multiple cheeses that dance together in perfect harmony, creating a mouthwatering experience that transports you straight to the Italian countryside.
• Effortless Gourmet Cooking: Despite its impressive appearance, the dish comes together easily in one skillet and baking dish, making it accessible for home cooks of all skill levels who want to create a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques.
• Nutritious Comfort Food Fusion: Packed with protein from chicken, nutrients from spinach, and a balanced mix of creamy and tangy elements, this pasta provides a wholesome meal that feels indulgent yet offers substantial nutritional value for the whole family.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Solution: From start to finish, this recipe takes under an hour to prepare, making it ideal for busy households craving a delicious, satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Goes Into Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: A hearty base that absorbs the creamy sauce and provides texture.
• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish, best when fresh and cut into even pieces.

• Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for sauce and adds depth of flavor.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth consistency.
• Broth: Adds depth and enhances overall flavor profile.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture in the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Brings intense, tangy flavor with a chewy texture.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic, sharp taste that complements other ingredients.
• Italian Seasoning, Oregano: Provides classic Mediterranean herb blend with earthy notes.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing overall taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and warmth to the dish.
• Spinach: Introduces fresh, green element with nutritional benefits.

• Parmesan Cheese: Offers sharp, salty flavor and helps thicken sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Creates a melty, golden topping with stretchy texture.
• Olive Oil: Used for cooking chicken and preventing sticking.

Step-by-Step Guide to Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Lightly grease a 9×13″ baking dish. If using two 8×8″ dishes, adjust accordingly. Set oven temperature to 375°F.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil pasta according to package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Drain completely and transfer to prepared baking dish.

Step 3: Sear Chicken Pieces

• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes. Transfer chicken to baking dish and mix with pasta.

Step 4: Create Creamy Tuscan Sauce

• Sun-dried tomatoes
• Minced garlic
• Italian seasoning
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

• Parmesan cheese ()
• Fresh spinach

Cook until spinach wilts.

Step 5: Assemble and Bake

• Mozzarella cheese
• Parmesan cheese ()

Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes until heated through and bubbly. For extra golden top, broil during final minutes.

Serve hot and enjoy your Tuscan Chicken Pasta Delight!

Pro Tips for a Better Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Pasta Perfection: Cook the pasta just until al dente to prevent a mushy texture, ensuring it maintains a slight bite when baked.
• Chicken Browning Trick: Pat the chicken dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior that locks in flavor and juiciness.
• Sauce Smoothness: Whisk the broth and cream gradually to prevent lumps, creating a silky, luxurious sauce that coats every pasta and chicken piece.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Let the cheese rest for a few minutes after broiling to achieve that irresistible stretchy, golden-brown topping.
• Flavor Boost: Toast the Italian seasoning and garlic briefly to intensify their aromatic qualities and deepen the overall dish's taste profile.

Store and Reheat Tuscan Chicken Pasta the Smart Way

• Refrigeration: Transfer leftover Tuscan Chicken Pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Reheating Method: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent dryness. Alternatively, reheat in a covered oven-safe dish at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Freezing Option: Wrap the pasta tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

What to Serve with Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy, sun-dried tomato sauce and cut through the richness of the chicken.
• Serve with Garlic Bread Companion: Craft a crusty, herb-infused garlic bread to soak up the delectable sauce and add a crunchy texture contrast to the soft pasta.
• Match with Fresh Arugula Salad: Create a light, peppery arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the creamy dish.
• Enhance with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare a medley of roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant to echo the Tuscan-inspired flavors and add nutritional depth to the meal.

Unique Twists on Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Mediterranean Seafood Fusion: Replace chicken with shrimp or a mix of seafood like scallops and white fish, enhancing the Tuscan flavor profile with extra garlic and a splash of white wine.
• Vegetarian Garden Blend: Swap chicken for roasted zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers, using plant-based cream and adding extra herbs for depth of flavor.
• Spicy Chorizo Challenge: Substitute chicken with spicy Spanish chorizo, increasing red pepper flakes and adding smoked paprika for a bold, robust taste experience.
• Protein-Packed Quinoa Swap: Replace traditional pasta with quinoa for a gluten-free, high-protein alternative that maintains the creamy Tuscan sauce's rich texture.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Delight Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Delight brings creamy Mediterranean comfort straight to your kitchen. Succulent chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach mingle with perfectly al dente pasta, creating a harmonious blend of rich flavors that transport you to the rolling hills of Italy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless skinless chicken
• ¼ cup (30 grams) shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 ½ cups (170 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 5 cups (340–390 grams) short pasta like penne or fusilli
• 2 cups (60 grams) chopped fresh spinach
• ¼ cup (60 grams) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon oil
• ¼ cup (57 grams) butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/8 – ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• 3 tablespoons (24 grams) flour
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) low sodium chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons (15 grams) Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by lightly coating a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeters) or two 8×8 inch (20×20 centimeters) dishes with non-stick cooking spray. Set the oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
2. Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until it reaches a tender yet firm consistency. Carefully drain and transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Slice chicken into uniform bite-sized pieces approximately 1/2 to 3/4 inch (1.3 to 1.9 centimeters) thick. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4. Sauté chicken pieces until golden brown and completely cooked through, approximately 5-6 minutes. Ensure no pink remains in the center. Transfer the cooked chicken to the baking dish, gently mixing with the prepared pasta.
5. Using the same skillet, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes to release aromatic flavors.
6. Sprinkle all-purpose flour into the skillet, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a smooth, velvety sauce. Continue cooking until the mixture slightly thickens.
7. Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach leaves. Cook until spinach wilts and becomes tender, approximately 2-3 minutes.
8. Pour the creamy sauce evenly over the pasta and chicken mixture, stirring to ensure complete coverage. Top with shredded mozzarella cheese and remaining of Parmesan cheese.
9. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove foil during the final 2-3 minutes to achieve a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping.
10. Allow the dish to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven. Serve hot, garnishing with additional herbs if desired.

Notes

• Prep Ahead Magic: Assemble this dish completely up to 24 hours before baking, storing covered in the refrigerator for a convenient make-ahead meal that saves time on busy nights.
• Pasta Perfect: Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rotini that capture the creamy sauce beautifully and provide excellent texture in every bite.
• Protein Power: Swap chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken or diced turkey for a quick alternative without compromising flavor and convenience.
• Spice Flexibility: Adjust red pepper flakes to control heat level, adding more for spice lovers or reducing for a milder version that suits all taste preferences.
• Veggie Boost: Customize by adding extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers, artichokes, or zucchini to increase nutritional value and create a more robust meal.
• Leftover Love: Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to maintain sauce consistency and prevent drying out, making this dish equally delicious the next day.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 820 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 55 g
• Saturated Fat: 32 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 220 mg