Tuscan chicken pasta is a delightful Italian-inspired dish that combines tender pieces of chicken with al dente pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce. The sauce is made with heavy cream, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and herbs like oregano. It is a comforting and satisfying meal that food lovers around the world cherish and it is a quick meal that can come together within 30 minutes.
Ingredients for Tuscan chicken pasta
Chicken
I used one and a half chicken breast that was one pound. I cut the chicken breasts into cutlets for even cooking and then sprinkled them with the spices. Chicken breast takes 3 to 4 minutes to cook per side. Once done leave it on the side to rest before mixing them into the sauce.
Spices
Some everyday spices were used in this recipe such as onion and garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. I also used dried oregano which is one of my favorite herbs to use in any pasta dishes.
Pasta
Tuscan chicken pasta is commonly made with rigatoni. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions before mixing with the sauce. You can also use any other shape of pasta that you have or prefer.
Sun-dried tomatoes
I used sun-dried tomatoes in oil but didn’t use oil. They are slightly sour as compared to fresh tomatoes and also a little chewer. Biting into the tomatoes along with chicken and creamy sauce provides a texture and sourness.
Spinach
Spinach is a good source of iron and vitamins. I used 4 oz. of baby spinach as I made a small quantity of pasta. You can always add more because after cooking, spinach will wilt down.
Heavy cream and cheese
Heavy cream makes the base of the sauce along with Parmesan cheese. I used 2/3 cups of each. Mixed with other herbs and spices makes a perfect creamy sauce. Also, sprinkle some extra cheese right before serving.
How to serve Tuscan chicken pasta
This pasta recipe is a complete meal, you don’t need anything else to serve it. You can serve it as a main dish or as a side for a meal when you are hosting a dinner. This creamy and flavorful pasta will be the first one to disappear from your menu.
How to store Tuscan chicken pasta
One-pot pasta recipes are my favorite for meal prep. You can keep it in an airtight container for up to 4-5 days. Reheat the pasta as needed, sprinkle some Parmesan and chili flakes right before serving.
Tuscan chicken pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz Rigatoni pasta or half a package
- 1 lb Chicken breast cut into fillets for even cooking
- 3 tbsp Olive oil
- 3/4 tsp Salt or to taste
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Black pepper powder
- 1 tsp Oregano
- 2/3 cup Heavy cream
- 2/3 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1 Shallot
- 2 tsp Minced garlic
- 4 oz Spinach
- 1/3 cup Sun-dried tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Peel and dice your shallots, and mince your garlic.
Cook Pasta
- Cook pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
Cook Chicken
- Cut chicken breast into thin fillets for even cooking.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, garlic, and onion powder.
- Sprinkle 2/3 of the spice mix on both sides of the chicken.
- Add 2 tbsp of oil in a large skillet, and cook chicken on medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Once the chicken is cooked, take it out on a plate and let it rest.
Make sauce
- In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp of oil, diced shallots, minced garlic, and remaining spices. Cook for 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream, sundried tomatoes, and spinach. Mix and cook for about 2 minutes.
- Now add boiled pasta, pasta water, and Parmesan cheese. Mix everything.
- Cut chicken into small pieces, add it to the pasta, and enjoy.