CREAMY TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA ULTIMATE

Imagine twirling your fork through perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a luscious, creamy sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and tender chicken – that’s Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta in a nutshell. Get ready, because this recipe is about to become your weeknight hero, delivering restaurant-quality deliciousness with minimal effort. I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make something so incredibly satisfying!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
• Salt for pasta water

Let’s Talk Chicken Prep

Alright, before we dive into the creamy, dreamy sauce, let’s make sure our chicken is ready to shine. I like to start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces – this helps it cook quickly and evenly, and it’s just easier to eat that way. You can use chicken thighs if you prefer, but I find chicken breasts work perfectly well here. Don’t be afraid to experiment! Now, here’s a little secret: patting the chicken dry with paper towels before seasoning is KEY. This helps the spices adhere better and ensures a nice sear when you cook it.

Spice is Nice: Seasoning the Chicken

Okay, now for the fun part: seasoning! We’re going for a simple yet flavorful blend of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the amounts to your liking, of course. Don’t be shy with the paprika – it adds a lovely warmth and color to the chicken. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated. This step is important because it sets the flavor base that you’re going to build on.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Cooking!

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Cook the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the aromatics: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
4. Build the sauce: Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for another minute. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds a ton of flavor!
5. Make it creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Add the cheese and greens: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, fresh basil, and fresh spinach. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) to taste.
7. Combine everything: Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
8. Serve immediately: Serve hot and enjoy! Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, if desired.

Troubleshooting Tips & Tricks

Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned in the kitchen. Here are a few things to watch out for and how to fix them:

• Sauce too thick? No problem! That’s why we reserved that pasta water. Add a little at a time until you reach the perfect consistency. The starch in the pasta water helps to bind the sauce and create a beautiful, creamy texture.
• Sauce too thin? Simmer it for a few more minutes, allowing it to reduce and thicken naturally. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to the sauce. Stir until thickened.
• Sun-dried tomatoes too overpowering? Use less next time, or try using sun-dried tomatoes that are not oil-packed. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce to brighten it up and balance the flavors.
• Chicken not cooking evenly? Make sure the chicken pieces are all roughly the same size. You can also lightly pound thicker pieces to ensure even cooking.

Variations to Make it Your Own

The beauty of this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe is that it’s totally customizable! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add vegetables: Mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus would all be delicious additions. Sauté them along with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or use a spicier Italian sausage instead of chicken.
• Cheese it up even more: Use a blend of Parmesan, mozzarella, and provolone cheese for an extra cheesy sauce.
• Make it lighter: Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream to reduce the fat content.
• Add protein: Shrimp, Italian sausage, or even white beans would be great additions.

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious served with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad. For a more substantial meal, try serving it with Chicken Parmesan Casserole. A crusty loaf of bread is also perfect for soaking up every last bit of that delicious sauce. And don’t forget the wine! A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would be a perfect pairing.

Making it Ahead and Storing

While this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is best served fresh, you can definitely make it ahead of time. The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta and chicken, and then combine everything in the skillet. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. Keep in mind that the sauce may thicken slightly as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.

Other Delicious Chicken Pasta Recipes

If you’re a fan of creamy chicken pasta dishes, you’ve come to the right place! Be sure to check out my other popular recipes, such as Boursin Chicken Pasta, which is incredibly flavorful and easy to make. Or, for a heartier option, try my Chicken Rigatoni – it’s a family favorite! If you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal, you could also try Chicken Spinach Penne. If you’re in the mood for something fun, try my Chicken Alfredo Monkey Bread! And of course, if you are really craving the Tuscan flavors, check out my classic Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe. You can also easily adapt this recipe to your own preferences.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it – my ultimate recipe for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta! I truly believe this will become a staple in your kitchen, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Happy cooking, my friend!