Looking for an easy, delicious dinner idea that will wow your family? This Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a perfect choice! Rich with flavors of seasoned chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and fresh spinach, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or just looking to switch up your pasta routine, this recipe is a must-try.
Introduction to Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Tuscan Chicken Pasta is inspired by the rustic flavors of Italy, where fresh ingredients and hearty meals bring people together. With its rich, creamy sauce and seasoned chicken, this dish is both comforting and satisfying. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, Tuscan Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken pieces, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta in a delicious sauce that everyone will love.
This easy-to-make dish stands out for its simplicity and flavor. If you love Italian-inspired meals, this is one to add to your rotation!
Ingredients for Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious Tuscan Chicken Pasta. This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust based on your preferences or dietary needs.
Pasta:
- 300 g (10.5 oz) pasta shapes – I use rigatoni, but penne or bowties work too!
Chicken:
- 3 chicken breasts – (approx. 525g/1.1lbs), chopped into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1.5 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
Sauce:
- 1 onion – peeled and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- 160 g (1 cup) sun-dried tomatoes – I prefer the bright red ones from the deli counter
- 1 red bell pepper – de-seeded and sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato puree (paste for US readers)
- 90 ml (1/3 cup) white wine
- 240 ml (1 cup) chicken stock
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 90 ml (1/3 cup) double (heavy) cream
- 50 g (1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese – grated
- 90 g (3 packed cups) fresh baby spinach
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta – Step by Step
Making this Tuscan Chicken Pasta is easy and quick. Follow these steps to create a flavorful Italian-inspired dish that will become a new favorite.
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by adding your pasta to a large pan of salted boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes), then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken is lightly browned.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Once the chicken is browned, add the sliced onion and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the onion to soften. Then, add the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, red bell pepper, and tomato puree. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add Wine and Stock
Pour in the white wine, allowing it to bubble and reduce for about 2 minutes. Then, add the chicken stock and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, followed by the cream, grated Parmesan, and fresh spinach. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 6: Serve
Once everything is combined, serve your Tuscan Chicken Pasta with a sprinkling of fresh parsley on top. Enjoy!
Helpful Tips for Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes elevate the flavors.
- Swap the Cream: For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or a milk alternative for the cream.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly.
Cooking Tips for the Best Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Chicken Cooking Techniques: Ensure your chicken is evenly cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Best Pasta Choices: Use pasta shapes like rigatoni or penne, which hold onto the sauce well.
- Wine Alternatives: If you don’t have white wine, chicken broth can be used as a substitute.
Serving Suggestions for Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Serve your Tuscan Chicken Pasta with a crisp side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal. A glass of white wine pairs wonderfully with this rich and creamy dish.
Nutritional Information for Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Calories: 610 per serving
- Fats: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 35g
- Vitamins: A, C, D, Calcium
Storage and Leftovers for Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, rigatoni, penne, or even farfalle work well with this sauce. - Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the cream with a dairy-free option like coconut cream and omit the Parmesan. - How do I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients, like chicken stock, are gluten-free. - Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, pre-cooked chicken can be added during the final stages of cooking to save time.
Related Recipes for Tuscan Chicken Lovers
Looking for more delicious chicken pasta recipes? Check out these dishes:
Conclusion
This Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that is sure to impress. Perfect for a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is both simple to make and packed with rich, savory flavors. We’d love to hear how your Tuscan Chicken Pasta turns out – share your thoughts or any twists you’ve added!
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Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe | Creamy & Flavorful Dinner
Description
Looking for an easy, delicious dinner idea that will wow your family? This Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a perfect choice! Rich with flavors of seasoned chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and fresh spinach, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Whether you’re a fan of Italian cuisine or just looking to switch up your pasta routine, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 300 g (10.5 oz) pasta shapes – I use rigatoni, but penne or bowties work too!
For the Chicken:
- 3 chicken breasts – (approx. 525g/1.1lbs), chopped into bite-sized chunks
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1.5 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
For the Sauce:
- 1 onion – peeled and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic – minced
- 160 g (1 cup) sun-dried tomatoes – I prefer the bright red ones from the deli counter
- 1 red bell pepper – de-seeded and sliced
- 2 tbsp tomato puree (paste for US readers)
- 90 ml (1/3 cup) white wine
- 240 ml (1 cup) chicken stock
- Pinch of salt and pepper
- 90 ml (1/3 cup) double (heavy) cream
- 50 g (1/2 cup) Parmesan cheese – grated
- 90 g (3 packed cups) fresh baby spinach
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by adding your pasta to a large pan of salted boiling water. Cook according to the package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes), then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken is lightly browned.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Once the chicken is browned, add the sliced onion and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the onion to soften. Then, add the minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, red bell pepper, and tomato puree. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 minutes.
Step 4: Add Wine and Stock
Pour in the white wine, allowing it to bubble and reduce for about 2 minutes. Then, add the chicken stock and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 5: Finish the Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, followed by the cream, grated Parmesan, and fresh spinach. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 6: Serve
Once everything is combined, serve your Tuscan Chicken Pasta with a sprinkling of fresh parsley on top. Enjoy!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes elevate the flavors.
- Swap the Cream: For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or a milk alternative for the cream.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish celiac-friendly.
