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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe Easy Homemade with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

creamy tuscan chicken pasta - featured image

A rich and cozy creamy Tuscan chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a quick and indulgent meal that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach (about 3 ounces)
  • 1 cup heavy cream (8 fl oz)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (about 1.75 ounces)
  • ½ cup chicken broth (4 fl oz), preferably low sodium
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus a splash if using dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes
  • 8 ounces pasta (fettuccine or penne)
  • Salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of pasta and cook according to package instructions for al dente (usually 9-11 minutes). Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season chicken pieces lightly with salt, black pepper, and ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs.
  3. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
  5. Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Add 3 cups fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Stir in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Add remaining Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce thicken slightly and become glossy.
  8. Return cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and let sit for a minute to allow flavors to marry. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking chicken to ensure proper browning. Pat chicken dry before seasoning. Keep heat medium when cooking garlic and cream to avoid burning or curdling. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Let pasta sit in sauce off heat for 2 minutes to absorb flavors.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, easy chicken pasta, comfort food, creamy pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian herbs, spinach pasta