Tuscan Chicken Pasta 🍗🌿🍅🧄 Creamy, Herby, and Loaded With Bold Mediterranean Flavor in a Silky Sauce

This dish is all about that perfect balance of richness and brightness — seared chicken layered over a creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce with sweet-tart sun-dried tomatoes, wilted greens, and your favorite pasta. It’s cozy, elegant, and ready in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

For the pasta

• 12 oz penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine
• Salted water for boiling
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

For the chicken

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the sauce

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
• 1½ cups heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 cups baby spinach or chopped kale
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or squeeze of lemon

To finish

• Extra Parmesan and fresh basil
• Drizzle of sun-dried tomato oil or balsamic glaze (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Boil the pasta
Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Cook the chicken
Pound chicken to even thickness. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Rest, then slice.

Step 3: Build the sauce
In the same pan, melt butter. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in cream and simmer 2–3 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and spinach. Let spinach wilt, then adjust sauce thickness with pasta water as needed.

Step 4: Combine
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with sauce until glossy. Stir in sliced chicken or lay on top. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or lemon.

Step 5: Serve
Plate hot with extra cheese, basil, and an optional drizzle of tomato oil or glaze.

Flavor Variations

• Add mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra depth
• Use ricotta or mascarpone for a silkier texture
• Swap chicken for shrimp or seared tofu
• Stir in white beans or olives for Mediterranean flair
• Add white wine before the cream for a splash of acidity

Pro Tips

• Sear chicken in the same skillet to build flavor
• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for richness
• Add pasta water gradually — it helps emulsify the sauce
• Let the sauce simmer gently — don’t boil the cream

Final Thoughts

Tuscan Chicken Pasta is creamy, comforting, and filled with Mediterranean warmth. It’s the kind of dish that feels special but cooks up fast — perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or just when you want to treat yourself midweek.

Sear it. Swirl it. Savor the sunshine in every bite. 🍗🌿🍅🧄

🍝 Pasta Recipes Collection

Explore All Pasta Recipes – A complete noodle lover’s hub — creamy, meaty, veggie-packed, or refreshingly cold, these recipes have it all.

🧄 Classic & Comforting

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🧀 Sauce Styles

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🍗 Protein-Packed Pastas

• 🐓 Chicken Pasta Recipes – Tender chicken meets creamy or tangy sauces — the perfect protein-pasta pairings.
• 🍤 Shrimp Pasta Recipes – Juicy shrimp with garlic butter, wine, or creamy sauces — quick and elegant.
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• 🐄 Ground Beef Pasta Recipes – Comforting classics like bolognese, skillet meals, and one-pot beefy favorites.
• 🌭 Sausage Pasta Recipes – Hearty and spiced — from Italian to spicy andouille, sausage elevates every bite.

🥗 Pasta Salads & Light Fare

• 🥗 Pasta Salad Recipes – Great for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep — versatile and crowd-pleasing.
• ❄️ Cold Pasta Salad Recipes – Crisp veggies and chilled noodles tossed with light vinaigrettes or creamy dressings.
• ⏱️ Easy Pasta Salad Recipes – Quick assembly, great texture — ideal for lunches and BBQs.
• 🥬 Healthy Pasta Recipes – Nourishing options made with whole grains, lean proteins, and fresh produce.