This Chicken Creamy Tuscan Pasta is a warm hug in a bowl! With juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy sauce, it’s deliciously comforting.
The best part? You can whip it up in no time! I love serving it with a sprinkle of parmesan on top—every bite is a cheesy delight that makes me smile! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with turkey cutlets or even chickpeas for a vegetarian twist!
Heavy Cream: This adds that luscious creaminess. If you want a lower-fat version, you can use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free option, but be mindful of the flavor.
Pasta: Rigatoni is great, but you can switch it up with penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for more fiber. Just remember to adjust the cooking time based on your choice!
Spinach: Fresh baby spinach beautifully wilts into the sauce. If you don’t have it, kale or arugula can work too. Frozen spinach is an alternative, just make sure to thaw and drain it well.
How Do You Get the Chicken Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the chicken to perfection is crucial for this recipe. Here’s my method to ensure moist, tender chicken:
- Start on medium heat; this gives you enough time to get a good sear without burning.
- Cook until golden brown on both sides and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer for best results.
- Let the chicken rest after cooking. This keeps the juices inside and ensures it’s not dry when you slice it!
What’s the Best Way to Create a Creamy Sauce?
Making a creamy sauce is simple once you know the steps:
- Start with garlic and onion to build flavor; cook them until they’re soft and fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir consistently until it’s well blended, then let it simmer for a few minutes. This thickens the sauce!
- Adding Parmesan cheese not only thickens the sauce more but also enhances the cheesy flavor. Don’t forget to stir until fully melted!
These tips will help you whip up a delightful Chicken Creamy Tuscan Pasta that’s sure to impress! Enjoy!
How to Make Chicken Creamy Tuscan Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 2 medium boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For The Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach
For The Pasta:
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta (or any short pasta)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Chicken Creamy Tuscan Pasta can be prepared in about 30 minutes. You’ll spend around 10 minutes on prep and 20 minutes cooking. It’s a quick and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. This will add flavor to the chicken as it cooks.
2. Cook the Chicken:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if necessary, and sauté the minced garlic and chopped onion for about 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and softened. This will create a tasty base for your sauce.
4. Add Cherry Tomatoes:
Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. They’ll add a sweet burst of flavor to your dish.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This is where the creamy goodness begins!
6. Mix in Cheese and Seasoning:
Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat!) and the grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. This step adds that rich, cheesy flavor that we all love!
7. Cook the Pasta:
While the sauce is simmering, cook the rigatoni pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
8. Add Spinach:
Add the fresh spinach to the creamy sauce and stir until it wilts. It adds a nice pop of color and loads of nutrients!
9. Combine Chicken and Pasta:
Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Now, add the cooked rigatoni pasta and gently toss everything together to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce.
10. Final Simmer:
Let everything simmer together for about 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors beautifully.
11. Finish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh thyme sprigs and some additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Now it’s time to serve your warm and comforting Chicken Creamy Tuscan Pasta. Enjoy every cheesy, flavorful bite!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works wonderfully, you can substitute it with any short pasta like penne, farfalle, or even fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta choice!
Can I Make This Recipe Without Cream?
Yes, you can! For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt or a non-dairy cream alternative. Just add it at the end of the cooking process and heat gently to avoid curdling.
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Creamy Tuscan Pasta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream to refresh the sauce.
What Can I Substitute for Parmesan Cheese?
If you’re out of Parmesan or want a different flavor, you can use Pecorino Romano, Grana Padano, or even nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option. Each will add its unique twist!
