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Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Tuscan Chicken Pasta

A cozy, creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan in a garlicky cream sauce tossed with al dente pasta.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 720 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 10 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or similar)
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt, divided
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper, divided
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (plus more if needed)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 0.5 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 0.75 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach, loosely packed
  • 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for gentle heat)

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • While the pasta cooks, pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and cut them into bite-sized strips or small cubes.
  • Season the chicken pieces with about 3/4 teaspoon of the fine sea salt, 1/4 teaspoon of the black pepper, and the Italian seasoning, tossing to coat evenly.
  • In a large deep skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the seasoned chicken in a single layer.
  • Cook the chicken for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is lightly golden on the outside and cooked through, then transfer the chicken to a plate and set it aside.
  • Reduce the heat to medium, add the butter to the same skillet, and once melted, stir in the minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  • Add the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and dried basil to the skillet, stirring for 1–2 minutes so they warm through and infuse the butter and garlic.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, then let the mixture simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and the red pepper flakes if using, then bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
  • Reduce the heat to low and gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
  • Add the fresh baby spinach to the skillet and stir for 1–2 minutes until the spinach is just wilted into the creamy sauce.
  • Return the cooked chicken and any accumulated juices to the skillet, stirring to coat the pieces in the sauce and letting them warm through for 1–2 minutes.
  • Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and chicken, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated; if the sauce seems too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water a little at a time.
  • Taste the Tuscan Chicken Pasta and adjust the seasoning with a pinch more salt or black pepper if needed, then serve warm.