Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta (Restaurant-Style!)
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken, a luscious sun-dried tomato and spinach cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It's a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home, perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta fettuccine, penne, or your favorite variety
- Fresh basil for garnish optional
Instructions
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Follow these simple steps to make this restaurant-style dish in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes for al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. You can toss it in a little olive oil to prevent it from sticking together.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Next, add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then add the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
- Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook for 2-3 minutes, until it wilts and softens. You’ll love how the spinach adds a pop of color and freshness to the rich, creamy sauce.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
- Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Add the sliced chicken on top, mixing it in gently so the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
- Plate the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta and garnish with freshly chopped basil, if desired. Serve immediately with a side of garlic bread or a simple salad for a complete meal.
Notes
Chicken Substitutes: If you prefer a different protein, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even a vegetarian option like grilled tofu.
Make it Spicy: For a bit of heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce while it simmers.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and freshly grated Parmesan make a huge difference in flavor. While you can use jarred sun-dried tomatoes, using those packed in oil brings out the best flavors.
Pasta Alternatives: Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti.