Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

I absolutely love this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe because it brings together so many of my favorite flavors all in one comforting bowl. The creamy sun-dried tomato sauce paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked rigatoni makes for a meal that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to pull off on a busy weeknight. Whenever I’m craving something cozy yet a little fancy, this recipe is my go-to—it’s like a little Italian escape right in my kitchen!

One of the things that makes this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe special is how well it balances richness and freshness. The sun-dried tomatoes and spinach add a burst of flavor and color against the creamy sauce, while the parmesan cheese brings everything together with a nutty depth. Once you get the hang of seasoning the chicken and sauce, I’m confident you’ll find this dish becoming a fast family favorite. Plus, it reheats beautifully, so leftovers are just as good.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is how each ingredient plays a key role in creating that signature flavor—the seasoning on the chicken, the sun-dried tomatoes in the sauce, and the fresh spinach all work together to build layers of taste and texture. Like I always say, fresh and good quality ingredients make all the difference, especially when it comes to the chicken and cheese.

• Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless work best for quick cooking and easy slicing.
• Olive oil: Use extra virgin for richer flavor, but regular olive oil works fine too.
• Paprika: Adds warmth and subtle smokiness, balancing the creaminess perfectly.
• Garlic powder: You can substitute with fresh garlic, but powder blends better into the seasoning rub.
• Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
• Black pepper: Freshly ground if possible for a little kick.
• Rigatoni pasta: The ridged shape holds the sauce beautifully—don’t overcook it!
• Unsalted butter: Adds richness without making the sauce overly salty.
• Shallot: Mild and sweet, finely diced to melt into the sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Soften in hot water before chopping to release their flavor fully.
• Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic gives more punch in the sauce stage.
• Tomato paste: Concentrated for depth; a small amount transforms the sauce.
• Dried oregano: Classic herb that adds an earthy Italian note.
• Heavy cream: Key for that velvety, rich sauce texture.
• Milk: Thins the sauce slightly to a perfect pourable consistency.
• Fresh spinach: Adds color and freshness; toss in just before serving to wilt gently.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for that distinctive sharp, nutty taste.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved to provide juicy bursts that complement the sauce.
• Fresh parsley: Garnish with chopped parsley for a bright finish.

Variations

One thing I love about this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Whether you want to lighten it up or add a little heat, you can customize this dish without losing its soul. I often switch up the greens or cheese depending on what I have on hand, and it still hits the spot every time.

• Swap the Chicken for Shrimp: I once tried this with shrimp, and the sauce clung beautifully—great for seafood lovers!
• Use Half-and-Half Instead of Heavy Cream: To cut calories but keep creaminess, just simmer a little longer to thicken.
• Add Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a kick, a pinch goes a long way without overpowering the flavors.
• Use Gluten-Free Pasta: I’ve used quinoa pasta with good results; just watch the cooking time so it doesn’t get mushy.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F, then drizzle two tablespoons of olive oil all over the chicken breasts and rub in the seasoning blend of paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heating the last tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet until it’s shimmering, sear the chicken for about 3 minutes on each side until beautifully browned. I like to use this step to build flavor—it’s all about that golden crust. Keep in mind, the chicken isn’t cooked through yet; it finishes in the oven. Transfer the skillet to bake for 10 to 15 minutes until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Then, set the chicken aside, covered loosely with foil to keep it warm and juicy.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Al Dente

While your chicken roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni until just al dente—usually about 14 minutes. I learned the hard way that overcooked pasta can ruin this dish, so taste it a minute earlier than the package says. Drain and set aside; you’ll mix the pasta into the creamy sauce shortly.

Step 3: Build the Tuscan Sauce

Using the same skillet you cooked the chicken in (yum, all those browned bits stuck to the pan will add flavor), melt the butter over medium heat. Add finely diced shallots and softened sun-dried tomatoes, cooking until the shallots are tender—around 3 to 5 minutes. Then add minced garlic and give it just one more minute to get fragrant. Stir in tomato paste, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, mixing well. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, stir, and bring to a gentle simmer. Toss in the fresh spinach, parmesan cheese, and cherry tomatoes, then let it simmer on low for 8 to 10 minutes until the cheese melts and the spinach wilts beautifully. The sauce will thicken slightly, coating the pasta wonderfully.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Finally, add your rigatoni to the skillet and gently toss everything to make sure every bite is coated in that rich sauce. Slice or cube your rested chicken and fold it in as well. Give it a final taste to check for salt and pepper, adjusting as needed. Serve immediately, sprinkled generously with extra parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped fresh parsley for that fresh green pop. I promise, the aroma will have everyone at the table ready to dig in!

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

To finish off this Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe, I love adding a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh parsley. The parsley adds a lovely freshness and color, balancing out the rich sauce. Sometimes I toss in a few extra halved cherry tomatoes on top for an even more vibrant presentation. It’s simple but elevates the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

I usually serve this with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette—something light to contrast the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or warm, crusty Italian bread is another favorite of mine alongside this dish because it’s perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce. If you want to add a veggie, roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans pair wonderfully too.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I like to serve the Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual wide bowls and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens for a bit of elegance. You can also layer the pasta and chicken in a fancy casserole dish and bring it to the table family-style for a cozy, shareable vibe. Little touches like lemon zest on top add brightness and make it look stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find they keep well for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, which is a nice bonus. Just keep in mind the pasta can absorb some of the sauce, so sometimes adding a splash of milk when reheating helps loosen things up.

Freezing

I’m honest—I prefer fresh with this recipe because cream-based sauces can shift texture when frozen, but if you want to freeze it, cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a bit of extra cream or milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the leftovers slowly on low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of milk or cream helps bring back that luscious sauce texture and prevents it from drying out. Microwaving works too if you’re short on time—just heat in short bursts and stir in between.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe truly feels like a hug on a plate whenever I make it. The creamy sauce, the tender chicken, and those little pops of sun-dried tomato and spinach create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—remember, cooking is meant to be fun and a chance to nourish both body and soul. So grab your skillet, give this recipe a whirl, and treat yourself to a little taste of Tuscany right at home!

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