Quick Tuscan Chicken Pasta Delight Recipe for Dinner Bliss

Nestled in the heart of Italian-inspired comfort, this tuscan chicken pasta delight recipe brings a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table.

Creamy sauces mingle with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of taste that dances across your palate.

Vibrant sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach add depth and color to every hearty bite.

Herbs like basil and oregano whisper tales of tuscan countryside kitchens, infusing each forkful with warmth and passion.

The dish comes together effortlessly, promising a restaurant-quality meal without complex techniques.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you savor this luxurious yet simple pasta creation.

You’ll find yourself falling in love with every single, rich, and comforting spoonful.

Fridge and Freezer Tips for Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Refrigerate Smart: Store the Tuscan Chicken Pasta Delight in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavors and texture.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap the dish tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Freezes beautifully for up to 2 months, perfect for quick meal preparation on busy nights.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and keep the pasta tender.
• Portion and Pack: Divide into individual servings for easy grab-and-go lunches. Use leak-proof meal prep containers to keep the sauce from spilling, making workplace or school lunch a breeze.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 712 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients List for Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that provides hearty texture and filling satisfaction, selecting fresh, boneless cuts ensures tender, juicy meat.
• Spinach: Nutrient-packed green adding vibrant color and earthy flavor, choose crisp, dark green leaves for maximum freshness.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth foundation for creamy sauce, opt for unsalted butter to control overall saltiness.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious, velvety consistency, select high-quality cream for superior taste.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances depth of flavor, low-sodium varieties allow better seasoning control.
• Flour: Acts as thickening agent for sauce, all-purpose flour works perfectly for smooth integration.

• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty undertones, freshly grated yields more intense taste.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Offers melty, stretchy texture, whole milk version creates more decadent result.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduces concentrated, tangy sweetness, choose oil-packed for enhanced flavor.
• Garlic: Delivers aromatic punch, fresh cloves provide more robust taste compared to pre-minced.
• Italian Seasoning, Oregano: Infuse Mediterranean herbal notes, dried herbs work wonderfully.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and complexity, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning elements, freshly ground provides more vibrant taste.

Tools to Cook Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and preparing the creamy sauce with perfect heat control.
• Baking Dish (9×13: Crucial for assembling and baking the entire pasta dish.
• Whisk: Needed to smoothly blend broth, cream, and create a lump-free sauce.
• Cutting Board: Perfect for chopping chicken and prepping ingredients neatly.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for cutting chicken into uniform pieces.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise for measuring ingredients accurately.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring sauce and mixing ingredients gently.
• Aluminum Foil: Used to cover dish while baking and prevent excessive browning.

Making Tuscan Chicken Pasta Made Simple

• Pasta Canvas

Boil noodles until perfectly tender, creating a soft foundation for the delightful layers of flavor waiting to emerge.

• Savory Protein

Sizzle chicken pieces in a hot skillet, seasoning with a sprinkle of salt and pepper, transforming them into golden, juicy morsels.

• Dreamy Sauce Creation

Craft a luscious sauce by melting butter and dancing sun-dried tomatoes with fragrant garlic and aromatic herbs, whisking in cream and broth until silky smooth.

• Leafy Green Magic

Fold delicate spinach into the creamy mixture, watching it wilt and add a vibrant touch of freshness to the sauce.

• Cheesy Crown

Drench the pasta and chicken with the velvety sauce, then shower the top with a generous blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.

• Oven Transformation

Slide the dish into a warm oven, letting the ingredients meld and bubble, creating a golden-topped masterpiece that promises comfort and joy in every bite.

Flavor Ideas for Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Swap chicken breasts with thighs for richer flavor or use rotisserie chicken to save preparation time. Ground chicken works perfectly for a different protein texture.
• Replace spinach with kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for added nutritional variety. Roasted bell peppers or zucchini can enhance the vegetable profile and provide extra depth.
• Experiment with fontina, asiago, or gruyere instead of traditional mozzarella. Blend different cheeses to create a more complex and rich flavor profile.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to match personal heat preferences. Remove completely for mild versions or double the amount for extra kick. Fresh chili peppers can substitute for a more intense, fresh spice experience.
• Use gluten-free pasta and flour for celiac-friendly options. Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk for dairy-free versions. Low-fat options can be achieved by using Greek yogurt instead of cream.

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp Salad: Toss a fresh green salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta dish. The crunch and acidity will complement the warm, cheesy Tuscan chicken perfectly.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Slice a French baguette, brush with garlic butter, and toast until golden brown. The crispy bread will help soak up the delicious sauce and add an extra layer of flavor to your meal.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay to enhance the creamy sauce and sun-dried tomato notes. The wine's subtle acidity will cut through the richness of the dish, creating a harmonious dining experience.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top just before serving. These bright green herbs will add a pop of color and a burst of fresh flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Rustic Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rustic Tuscan chicken pasta delight combines tender chicken with sun-kissed herbs in a creamy sauce. Mediterranean flavors dance across your palate, promising comfort and culinary satisfaction for home cooks seeking authentic Italian inspiration.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) boneless skinless chicken
• 1 ½ cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup (30 g) shredded Parmesan cheese
• 5 cups (340–390 g) short pasta like penne or fusilli
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) low sodium chicken broth
• ¼ cup (57 g) butter
• 2 tbsps (15 g) Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsps (24 g) flour
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (60 g) chopped fresh spinach
• ¼ cup (60 g) sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• 1/8 – ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This initial step ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
2. Pasta Foundations: Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, then transfer to the prepared baking dish. The seasoned water enhances the pasta’s inherent flavor profile.
3. Chicken Searing: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and cook chicken pieces until golden and thoroughly done. Season with salt and pepper, creating a flavorful exterior while maintaining internal moisture.
4. Aromatic Infusion: Using the same skillet, sauté sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, Italian seasoning, oregano, and red pepper flakes. This technique builds a complex flavor base for the sauce.
5. Sauce Creation: Sprinkle flour to create a roux, then gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream. Incorporate Parmesan cheese and spinach, cooking until the sauce thickens and greens wilt.
6. Assembly and Cheese Layer: Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta and chicken, ensuring complete coverage. Generously top with mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a rich, golden finish.
7. Baking Perfection: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil in the final moments to achieve a crisp, bubbling cheese crust that adds textural complexity to the dish.
8. Serving: Let the pasta rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, allowing flavors to meld and sauce to settle. Garnish with fresh herbs for a vibrant presentation.

Notes

• Chicken Cutting Technique: Slice chicken into uniform 1/2 to 3/4 inch pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture throughout the dish.
• Seasoning Secret: Generously season chicken with kosher salt and black pepper before sautéing to develop deep, rich flavor profiles.
• Sauce Smoothing Trick: Continuously whisk flour and liquid ingredients to prevent lumps, creating a silky, restaurant-quality sauce.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Add cheese off direct heat to maintain its creamy consistency and prevent separation or graininess.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 712
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 512 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 23 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 167 mg