Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta – Rich, Velvety & Packed with Flavor

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta – Rich, Velvety & Packed with Flavor

A restaurant-worthy dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl! Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach come together in a luscious garlic cream sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta. It’s elegant enough for date night, yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

▸ 2 tablespoons butter

▸ 1 tablespoon olive oil

▸ 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin cutlets

▸ 3 cloves garlic, minced

▸ 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced

▸ 2 cups baby spinach

▸ 1 cup heavy cream

▸ 1 cup chicken broth

▸ 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

▸ 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta

▸ 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

▸ Salt and black pepper, to taste

▸ Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2️⃣ Sear the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce:

In the same skillet, add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer.

4️⃣ Add Cheese & Spinach:

Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add spinach and let it wilt into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.

5️⃣ Combine Everything:

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the skillet with the cooked pasta. Toss well to coat in the creamy sauce. Simmer for 1–2 minutes to let everything soak up the flavor.

6️⃣ Serve & Garnish:

Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Tips & Variations

▸ Swap chicken for shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.

▸ Add mushrooms or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and texture.

▸ Leftovers reheat beautifully — just add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.