If you are craving a meal that hits all the right notes — creamy, savory, and packed with vibrant flavors — then this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender chicken breasts seared to perfection, joined by rigatoni enveloped in a luscious sauce of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and parmesan cheese. Every bite feels like a warm Italian hug, with just the right balance of herbs and creaminess. This recipe is not only a crowd-pleaser but also surprisingly simple to make, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a starring role in delivering the rich texture and bold Mediterranean flavors that make the dish unforgettable. From the spices that season the chicken to the fresh spinach and cherry tomatoes that add brightness, every element is essential for that authentic homemade taste.
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Choose fresh and plump breasts for the juiciest results.
- Olive oil: Divided use ensures perfect searing and a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth to both the chicken and sauce.
- Garlic powder: Works with fresh garlic to create that quintessential Italian aroma.
- Kosher salt: Balances and enhances every flavor in the dish.
- Black pepper: Just enough for a gentle kick without overpowering.
- Rigatoni pasta noodles: Their hollow shape captures the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Unsalted butter: Brings richness and helps develop layers of flavor in the sauce.
- Shallot: Finely diced, it offers a delicate sweetness and subtle crunch.
- Sun-dried tomatoes: Soaked and chopped to infuse intense tangy-sweet notes.
- Garlic (minced): Fresh and vibrant for that unmistakable Italian soul.
- Tomato paste: Concentrated tomato goodness that thickens and deepens the sauce.
- Oregano: Adds herbal brightness and earthiness.
- Heavy cream: The cornerstone of the luscious, silky sauce that wraps the pasta.
- Milk: Lightens the cream just enough for perfectly balanced richness.
- Fresh spinach: Wilted into the sauce for color, nutrition, and a mild fresh flavor.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated to add salty, nutty complexity and melt into creamy perfection.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved to bring pops of juicy sweetness and a fresh finish.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish that introduces a bright, herbaceous note.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry to ensure a great sear. Mix together paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper, then rub this vibrant seasoning blend all over your chicken. This simple seasoning mix not only flavors but also forms a beautiful crust when cooked, locking in the juices and setting the stage for that tender bite you’re aiming for in this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken gets ready, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni noodles until al dente. Remember, undercooked pasta is a no-go here because it will continue to cook in the sauce later. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed later — this small step ensures your dish boasts the perfect silky texture.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then gently place the chicken breasts in. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The searing stage is crucial; it develops deep flavors and locks moisture into the chicken, a must for the overall success of your Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe. Once cooked, remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter and the diced shallots. Sauté until fragrant and tender, then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. After a minute, add tomato paste and sprinkle in oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until aromatic and well combined; this is where the heart of the Tuscan flavors truly begins to unfold.
Step 5: Add Cream and Spinach
Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to meld the sauce ingredients. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, creating that rich, silky base everyone loves. Toss in the fresh spinach and let it wilt gradually into the sauce, adding vibrant color and a fresh bite. This step gives your Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe a beautiful balance of creamy indulgence and garden-fresh brightness.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return the sliced chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked rigatoni noodles. Stir everything gently to combine, allowing the pasta to soak up the luscious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of that reserved pasta water will help achieve the ideal consistency. Finally, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese throughout, folding it in so it melts seamlessly and elevates the sauce’s texture and flavor.
Step 7: Add Cherry Tomatoes and Final Seasoning
Just before serving, fold in the halved cherry tomatoes for juicy bursts of sweetness that cut through the creamy sauce wonderfully. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed — this final tweak ensures that every bite is perfectly seasoned, a signature touch in this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe.
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a fresh, herbaceous punch and a little more salty, cheesy goodness. These simple yet effective garnishes make each serving inviting and visually appealing, showcasing the colors and textures of your creation.
Side Dishes
Serve this hearty Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness, or pair it with crusty garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of that gorgeous sauce. Both options complement the dish perfectly without overwhelming the delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, consider plating the pasta in shallow bowls, topped with a sprig of fresh basil or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. Alternatively, present it family-style in a large warmed platter, inviting everyone to dig in and share the comforting experience together. No matter how you serve it, this recipe always looks and tastes like something special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully for up to 3 days, making it an excellent choice for next-day lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Freezing
While the cream-based sauce isn’t ideal for freezing due to potential texture changes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and pasta separately if needed. Freeze in individual portions to make reheating easy and maintain the best quality for your recipe.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often to prevent the sauce from breaking. Adding a splash of milk or cream during reheating helps restore the creamy texture. Microwaving works too, but stir halfway through to ensure even warming without drying out the dish.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for the Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While rigatoni works perfectly to grab the sauce in its hollow tubes, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle would work beautifully as well. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente to keep the texture right.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
You can swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt to reduce fat while still keeping a creamy texture. Just add the yogurt at the end and heat gently to avoid curdling.
Can I prepare parts of the Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe in advance?
Definitely. You can season and sear the chicken ahead of time, and even prepare the sauce. Then finish assembling and heating everything just before serving for a quicker mealtime.
What can I use if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
Roasted red peppers or even a good quality canned tomato paste can add a similar depth of flavor. Just adjust the quantity to your taste, as sun-dried tomatoes are quite intense.
How spicy is this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe?
This recipe has a mild warmth from the paprika and pepper but is not spicy hot. If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you cook the sauce to give it a little kick.
Final Thoughts
This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite dishes to share because it combines such comforting, luxurious flavors with everyday ease and ingredients. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s one of those recipes that feels special enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight treat. Once you make it, I know it will hold a spot in your recipe rotation just like it did in mine.
Print
Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish featuring perfectly seasoned chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce, served over rigatoni pasta. It combines rich Italian flavors with a quick stovetop preparation ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
Pasta
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta noodles (cooked al dente according to package instructions)
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick, 57 g) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup (40 g) shallot (finely diced)
- ¼ cup (27.5 g) sun-dried tomatoes (softened in hot water and chopped)
- 1 teaspoon garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups (357 g) heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups (245 g) milk
- 1 cup (30 g) fresh spinach
- 1 cup (100 g) parmesan cheese (grated, plus more for garnish)
- 1 cup (149 g) cherry tomatoes (halved)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare and Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides evenly with paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. This seasoning will provide a flavorful crust when cooked.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the diced shallots and sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Tomatoes and Aromatics: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, minced garlic, and tomato paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Season the Sauce: Sprinkle in oregano, paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the seasonings evenly throughout the sauce.
- Incorporate Cream and Milk: Slowly pour the heavy cream and milk into the skillet while stirring continuously. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Vegetables and Cheese: Stir in fresh spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, and grated parmesan cheese. Cook just until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, creating a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Cut the rested chicken into slices or bite-sized pieces. Add the cooked rigatoni pasta and chicken back into the skillet, gently tossing until everything is well coated with the sauce and heated through for 2-3 minutes.
- Final Taste and Adjustments: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the Tuscan chicken pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- For best results, cook the pasta al dente to ensure it doesn’t get mushy when combined with the sauce.
- You can substitute rigatoni with penne or fusilli if preferred.
- If sun-dried tomatoes are dry-packed, soak them in hot water for 10 minutes beforehand to soften.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the richest flavor and better melting quality.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently on the stovetop to avoid curdling the cream sauce.
- Adjust the cream and milk quantity if you prefer a thinner or thicker sauce.
