Tuscan chicken pasta is a comforting and rich dish that the whole family will love. With tender chicken and a creamy sauce, it’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home. This recipe combines everyday ingredients for a delightful meal that’s simple and quick to make. You’ll want to add this to your regular dinner rotation!
Why You Will Love This Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This Tuscan chicken pasta is a total crowd-pleaser. It’s loaded with flavor yet so easy to pull together. Even on busy weeknights, you can whip it up quickly and enjoy a satisfying meal. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. This dish is sure to become a family favorite!
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Making this pasta dish is straightforward. You’ll start by preparing the chicken, cooking the pasta, and then creating the creamy sauce. The ingredients come together beautifully, creating a meal that’s both comforting and scrumptious. In no time, you’ll have a homemade dinner that feels special.
What You Need
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1 pound)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta (cooked al dente according to package instructions)
- 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter
- ¼ cup shallot, finely diced
- ¼ cup 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 heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, grated (plus more for garnish)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and let it rest, then slice it.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta and Sauce
Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the shallots, cooking until soft. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, then add tomato paste, oregano, and seasoning. Pour in the heavy cream and milk, mixing until smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, spinach, parmesan cheese, and cherry tomatoes to the sauce. Mix everything well and heat until warmed through. Serve topped with extra parmesan and fresh parsley.
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is delightful on its own but can be elevated with some simple sides. A crisp green salad or garlic bread makes a great pairing. If you like a touch of spice, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes will add a nice kick. This dish is also perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in.
How to Store Tuscan Chicken Pasta
To keep leftovers fresh, store the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, portion it into freezer-safe containers. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in a microwave, adding a little milk to restore creaminess.
Recipe Tips
- Use fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente for the best texture.
- Swap chicken for shrimp or a plant-based protein for variety.
- Adjust spices according to your family’s taste.
- Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Variations & Swaps
- Creamy Tomato: Add more tomato paste for a richer flavor.
- Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty veggie option.
- Herbed Flavor: Use fresh basil or thyme in place of oregano for a different herb profile.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta a day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge. Just combine and heat when you’re ready to serve.
Can I freeze Tuscan chicken pasta?
Absolutely! This dish freezes well. Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying them out?
To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream while warming the pasta on the stove or in a microwave. This will help keep it creamy.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk. Just know the sauce may be a little less rich and creamy.
What should I serve with Tuscan chicken pasta?
It pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts Approximately 1 pound
- 3 tablespoons olive oil Divided
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces rigatoni pasta Cooked al dente according to package instructions
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (½ stick)
- ¼ cup shallot Finely diced
- ¼ cup 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 heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups milk
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1 cup parmesan cheese Grated (plus more for garnish)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes Halved
Instructions
Preparation
- Season the chicken breasts with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken and let it rest, then slice it.
Cooking Pasta and Sauce
- Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter and add the shallots, cooking until soft.
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and garlic, then add tomato paste, oregano, and seasoning.
- Pour in the heavy cream and milk, mixing until smooth.
Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked pasta, sliced chicken, spinach, parmesan cheese, and cherry tomatoes to the sauce.
- Mix everything well and heat until warmed through.
- Serve topped with extra parmesan and fresh parsley.
