Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe : Ready in 30 Minutes!

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Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution that brings together tender chicken breast, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan cheese in a creamy, dreamy sauce. This simple chicken recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and requires minimal cleanup, making it one of those quick dinner ideas you’ll return to again and again. The rich flavors of Italian seasoning and garlic-infused oil from sun-dried tomatoes create a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for busy families.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Tuscan Chicken Pasta

This recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal. It’s quick, requiring only 30 minutes from start to finish. The ingredient list is straightforward with pantry staples you likely already have on hand. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile you can use gluten-free pasta, whole wheat, or lentil pasta to suit your dietary needs. The creamy sauce is made lighter with 2% milk instead of heavy cream, making it a healthier option without sacrificing any of the rich, comforting flavors.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. You’ll love how the sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy sweetness that perfectly balances the creamy sauce. Fresh baby spinach wilts right into the pasta, adding color, nutrition, and a subtle earthiness. The Parmesan cheese brings everything together with its nutty, salty notes that make every bite irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Short pasta	10 oz	Gluten-free, whole wheat, or lentil pasta works
Boneless skinless chicken breast	1.5 lbs	Chopped into bite-sized pieces
Olive oil	2 tbsp	Or use oil from sun-dried tomatoes
Garlic cloves	3-4	Minced
Italian seasoning	2 tsp	Dried herbs blend
Kosher salt	To taste	Season generously
Ground pepper	To taste	Freshly ground preferred
Sun-dried tomatoes	8 oz	In oil, drained and chopped
Milk	3 cups	2% milk or any milk variety
Gluten-free flour	2 tbsp	Or corn starch for thickening
Baby spinach	3 cups	Fresh
Parmesan cheese	1/2 cup	Freshly grated

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your short pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. This usually takes 8-10 minutes depending on the pasta type. Drain and set aside. Using a quality pot ensures even heat distribution for perfectly cooked pasta every time.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, chop your chicken breast into 1-inch pieces using a sharp chef’s knife on a sturdy cutting board. Place the chicken pieces into a mixing bowl and add the olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, and ground pepper. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated with the seasonings.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned chicken in a single layer. This is crucial—overcrowding the pan will steam the chicken rather than sear it. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust. Then stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Step 4: Prepare the Milk Mixture

In a small bowl, whisk together the milk and gluten-free flour using a whisk from your kitchen utensils set. Make sure there are no visible lumps this mixture will create the creamy sauce that makes this dish so special. The flour acts as a thickening agent, creating a velvety texture without the need for heavy cream.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour the milk mixture over the cooked chicken and sun-dried tomatoes in the pan. Mix well to combine everything together. Allow the sauce to bubble gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the sauce starting to thicken beautifully. This is when the magic happens the flavors meld together, and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.

Step 6: Add Spinach and Pasta

Once your sauce has reached the perfect consistency, add the fresh baby spinach and stir until it wilts into the sauce. This takes just about a minute. Then add your cooked pasta and the Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together using tongs or a large spoon until the pasta is completely coated in the creamy sauce and the cheese has melted throughout.

Essential Equipment

To make this recipe successfully, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment:

• Pots – A large pot for boiling pasta
• Frying Pans – A large skillet for cooking chicken and sauce
• Kitchen Utensils – Whisks, spatulas, and spoons
• Cutting Board – For chopping chicken and vegetables
• Chef’s Knives – Sharp knives for precise cutting
• Measuring Cups and Spoons Set – For accurate measurements
• Mixing Bowls – For seasoning chicken and mixing

Tips for Success

Use Quality Chicken: The key to tender, juicy chicken is not overcooking it. Cook just until it reaches 165°F internally. Invest in a good kitchen thermometer to ensure perfect results every time.

Don’t Skip the Searing: Letting the chicken sit undisturbed for 2-3 minutes creates that golden crust that adds incredible flavor and texture to the dish.

Save Pasta Water: Before draining your pasta, reserve a cup of the starchy cooking water. If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.

Fresh Parmesan is Best: Pre-grated Parmesan doesn’t melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese. Use a fine grater or food processor to grate your own for the best results.

Customize Your Pasta: This recipe works beautifully with penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or any short pasta shape that holds sauce well. Feel free to experiment with different varieties.

Variations and Substitutions

Dairy-Free Version: Swap the milk for lite coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for a dairy-free alternative that’s still incredibly creamy.

Add More Vegetables: Bell peppers, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes make excellent additions to this dish. Sauté them along with the chicken for extra nutrition and flavor.

Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken seasoning for a spicy kick.

Protein Alternatives: This recipe works well with shrimp, turkey, or even white beans for a vegetarian version.

Storage and Reheating

Store leftover Tuscan Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken when cold, so add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating. Reheat gently in a frying pan over medium heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval.

This dish is perfect for meal prep! Divide it into individual portions using meal prep containers, and you’ll have delicious lunches ready for the week ahead.

Nutritional Benefits

This Tuscan Chicken Pasta offers a balanced meal with lean protein from chicken breast, complex carbohydrates from pasta, and vitamins and minerals from spinach. The sun-dried tomatoes provide lycopene and antioxidants, while the milk adds calcium for strong bones. By using 2% milk instead of heavy cream, you’re reducing the saturated fat content while still enjoying a creamy, satisfying sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time. However, it’s best to cook the pasta and assemble the dish fresh for the best texture. The pasta can absorb too much sauce if left sitting for too long.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can substitute with roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes, though the flavor will be slightly different. Sun-dried tomatoes provide a concentrated, tangy sweetness that’s hard to replicate.

Can I freeze this dish?
While you can freeze it, cream-based pasta dishes sometimes separate when thawed. If you plan to freeze it, slightly undercook the pasta and freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat with a splash of milk.

How do I make this gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend. The recipe works perfectly with these simple swaps.

Can I use a different cut of chicken?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and tend to be even more flavorful and juicy. You can also use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version just add it at the end with the spinach.

What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy sauce and tangy sun-dried tomatoes beautifully.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Tuscan Chicken Pasta with a simple side salad and crusty garlic bread for a complete meal. The dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but a light, crisp salad provides a nice contrast to the creamy pasta. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.

For entertaining, this recipe easily doubles or triples, making it perfect for feeding a crowd. Serve it family-style in a large serving bowl, and watch it disappear!

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of techniques in this recipe creates layers of flavor. Searing the chicken develops a rich, caramelized crust. The sun-dried tomato oil adds depth to the sauce. Wilting the spinach directly into the hot sauce preserves its nutrients and bright green color. The flour-thickened milk creates a creamy sauce that’s lighter than traditional cream-based sauces but just as satisfying.

Using quality cookware ensures even heat distribution, preventing hot spots that could burn your sauce. Proper measuring tools guarantee consistent results every time you make this recipe.

This Tuscan Chicken Pasta has become a favorite for home cooks everywhere because it delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. It’s proof that simple chicken recipes can be absolutely spectacular when you combine quality ingredients with smart cooking techniques.

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