As the leaves change and the air gets crisp, a cozy meal is just what you need. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a perfect choice for a busy weeknight. It’s filled with tender chicken and a rich, herby sauce, all ready in under an hour.
Key Takeaways
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy weeknight meal.
- The dish features tender chicken in a creamy, flavorful Tuscan-inspired sauce.
- It’s a comforting, cozy meal that’s perfect for fall and winter.
- The recipe can be made in under an hour, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
- This dish is versatile and can be made gluten-free or dairy-free to accommodate dietary needs.
A Comforting, Quick Dinner for Busy Nights
Craving cozy comfort? Tuscan flavors are just what you need. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is perfect for fall, when soups and pastas are favorites. It’s a rich, satisfying dish ready in no time.
This recipe is quick, taking only 30 minutes to prepare. It includes chicken, pasta, chicken broth, cream, and more. You’ll also need parmesan cheese, garlic, and Italian seasoning.
To make it, cook chicken in oil and season it. Then add chicken broth, cream, sun-dried tomatoes, and pasta. Simmer until the pasta is done. Finish with parmesan cheese and spinach. The nutritional info is an estimate for this dish.
You can adjust the recipe to your liking. Try different pasta or use chicken thighs instead. Add some veggies or bread for a complete meal.
“When you’re craving cozy comfort, lean into Tuscan flavors that hit the spot. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta checks all the boxes, especially during fall when soups and pastas are go-to meals.”
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: An Irresistible Bite
This dish is a treat with tender chicken in a rich, herby Tuscan sauce. The sauce is creamy, thanks to heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Together, they create a flavor that’s hard to resist.
This recipe is great because you can make it your own. Use gluten-free pasta for a special version, or dairy-free alternatives like coconut milk. You can also try different pasta shapes like rigatoni or pappardelle. They all soak up the sauce beautifully.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A Flavor-Packed Delight
The dish’s amazing taste comes from tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and Tuscan herbs. The sun-dried tomatoes add a nice chew and sweetness. Garlic, basil, oregano, and red pepper flakes make the sauce aromatic and robust.
Looking for a comforting dinner or a dish to impress? This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is perfect. It’s creamy, tender, and offers many pasta options. It’s sure to become a favorite in your home.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Boneless skinless chicken breasts | 1 1/2 pounds |
| Sun-dried tomatoes | 1/2 cup |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Garlic cloves | 4 |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Red pepper flakes | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cream cheese | 8 ounces |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1 cup |
| Spinach | 10 ounces |
| Pasta of choice | 12 ounces |
“This creamy tuscan chicken pasta is an absolute flavor bomb. The tender chicken and luscious sauce make every bite irresistible.”
Four Simple Steps to Weeknight Comfort
Enjoying easy dinner recipes like Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is simple. This tasty dish is ready in just four steps. It’s the ideal quick weeknight dinner choice.
- Begin by seasoning the chicken with your favorite spices. Let it rest to allow the flavors to meld.
- While the chicken rests, cook the pasta as the package instructs. This ensures it’s perfectly al dente.
- Next, sear the seasoned chicken in a skillet until it’s golden brown. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side.
- Finally, make the bold, creamy Tuscan sauce. It’s full of flavor and ready in under an hour. This makes it the ultimate one pot meal for busy weeknights.
With these four easy steps, you can have a comforting, 30-minute meal. It’s perfect for nights when you want something satisfying and delicious. The Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Making creamy tuscan chicken pasta is easy with the right ingredients. This dish combines pantry staples and fresh produce. It’s perfect for a quick one pot meal on busy weeknights. Here are the main ingredients for this italian chicken recipe:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 8 ounces short-cut pasta (like penne or fusilli)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups chopped kale
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Many of these pantry staples are probably in your kitchen. This chicken pasta recipe is a quick solution for a comforting meal on busy nights.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts | 4 |
| Extra-Virgin Olive Oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Italian Seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Sea Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Garlic Powder | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Smoked Paprika | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Red Pepper Flakes (optional) | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Short-Cut Pasta | 8 ounces |
| Unsalted Butter | 3 tablespoons |
| Cherry Tomatoes, Halved | 1 1/2 cups |
| Garlic, Minced | 3 cloves |
| Heavy Cream | 1/2 cup |
| Chicken Stock | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Kale, Chopped | 2 cups |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | 3/4 cup |
| Fresh Basil Leaves, Chopped | 1/4 cup |
Make Your Own Tuscan Blend
Making your own homemade tuscan seasoning is quick and easy. It only takes a few minutes. You mix smoked paprika, dried parsley, basil, oregano, sea salt, black pepper, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary. This way, you can adjust the tuscan seasoning blend to your liking.
If you’re in a hurry, you can use a pre-made italian seasoning blend. But making your own lets you control the flavor. It adds a personal touch to your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 2 teaspoons of dried parsley, 1 teaspoon each of dried basil, oregano, garlic powder, thyme, and rosemary.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of sea salt and black pepper to taste.
- Stir the ingredients together until well blended.
- Store the homemade tuscan seasoning in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
This tuscan seasoning blend is great for more than just pasta. Use it on roasted veggies or grilled meats. Play with the amounts to get your favorite taste. Having a italian seasoning blend ready to go is super convenient.
“Homemade seasonings allow you to control the flavors and create a truly personalized taste experience.”
Kitchen Essentials for This Recipe
To make this tasty Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, you’ll need some key tools. A good skillet for searing the chicken and an immersion blender for smooth sauce are must-haves. These gadgets make cooking this comforting dinner a breeze.
Cooking Tools for Flavorful Searing
- Large skillet or cast-iron pan for searing the chicken to perfection
- Meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through
- Sturdy tongs or spatula for handling the chicken during cooking
Blending for a Creamy Sauce
An immersion blender is a must for this recipe. It blends the sauce right in the pan for a silky texture. If you don’t have one, a standard blender or food processor works too.
Baking Essentials for the Perfect Pasta
For cooking pasta, high-quality baking sheets are a big help. Use them to boil the pasta, then mix it with the creamy Tuscan sauce.
| Kitchen Gadget | Why It’s Essential |
|---|---|
| Large Skillet | Sears the chicken to a delicious golden-brown crust |
| Meat Thermometer | Ensures the chicken is cooked through to a safe internal temperature |
| Immersion Blender | Blends the creamy sauce to perfection right in the pan |
| Baking Sheets | Versatile for boiling pasta and tossing cooked noodles with sauce |
With these essential tools, you’re ready to make an amazing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. It’s sure to impress everyone.
Dairy-Free and Gluten-Free Options
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta can be made dairy-free and gluten-free. This makes it perfect for different diets. Just a few simple swaps can keep the dish’s rich flavors intact.
To go dairy-free, use vegan butter instead of regular butter. Replace heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. This change keeps the sauce creamy without dairy.
For gluten-free, pick a gluten-free pasta. Options like rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour pasta work great. They make the dish just as tasty as the original.
These tweaks let you enjoy the dish’s flavors while sticking to your dietary needs. The dairy-free cream sauce still offers a creamy, comforting taste. It’s just like the creamy tuscan chicken pasta but without the dairy or gluten.
| Ingredient | Regular Version | Dairy-Free Version | Gluten-Free Version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pasta | Regular pasta | Regular pasta | Gluten-free pasta |
| Butter | Regular butter | Vegan butter | Vegan butter |
| Cream | Heavy cream | Full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream | Full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream |
With these easy changes, you can enjoy the dish’s comforting taste. It’s great for those on a gluten-free or dairy-free diet. This recipe is for everyone.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
The star of this creamy tuscan chicken pasta dish is the garlicky cream sauce. It pairs perfectly with the tender chicken, making each bite irresistible. This dish is easy to make in just one skillet, perfect for busy weeknights.
This Tuscan-inspired pasta is sure to become a family favorite. It uses 10 ounces of short pasta and 1.5 pounds of chicken breast. The sauce is creamy, made with 2% milk or lite coconut cream, thickened with gluten-free flour or corn starch.
In 30 minutes, you can have this one pot meal ready. The chicken is pan-fried for 5-7 minutes. Then, the sauce ingredients are added and simmered briefly. The pasta cooks al dente, and fresh spinach is added at the end for color and nutrition.
This creamy tuscan chicken pasta dish is a cozy, comforting meal. It’s easy to make and perfect for satisfying your cravings. Enjoy it on a quick weeknight dinner or save leftovers for up to 3 days in the fridge.
“This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the perfect way to enjoy the flavors of Italy on a busy weeknight. It’s so easy to make and incredibly delicious!”
Checking for Doneness
To make sure your chicken is just right in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe, follow a few steps. The best way is to use a meat thermometer. It should show an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the safe temperature for cooked chicken.
Another way is to check the juices. If they’re clear, the chicken is done. Also, the chicken should feel firm and not squishy. Lastly, it should be white or a bit opaque, with no pink left. These checks help you get tender, perfectly cooked chicken every time.
| Indicator | Recommended Value |
|---|---|
| Internal Chicken Temperature | 165°F (74°C) |
| Juices from Chicken | Clear |
| Chicken Texture | Firm, non-springy |
| Chicken Color | White or slightly opaque, no pink |
With these easy cooked chicken temperature, chicken doneness, and chicken cooking tips, your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta will always be a hit.
Protein Alternatives and Delicious Pairings
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe is super versatile with protein. You can swap chicken for turkey, pork, shrimp, or lobster for a fancy twist. Any protein you pick will match the rich Tuscan sauce perfectly.
For sides, garlic bread is great for soaking up the sauce. Or, try a fresh salad or roasted veggies for a lighter option. They all pair well with the pasta.
Protein-Packed Alternatives
- Turkey: A lean protein that adds a subtle flavor twist to the dish.
- Pork: Tender and juicy pork chops or medallions work wonderfully in this recipe.
- Shrimp: For a seafood-based version, succulent shrimp are a delicious choice.
- Lobster: Indulge in a luxurious take by swapping in tender lobster meat.
Delectable Side Dish Ideas
- Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty loaf is perfect for soaking up the creamy Tuscan sauce.
- Fresh Salad: A crisp, green salad with a light dressing provides a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roast up your favorite seasonal veggies as a flavorful side.
| Protein Alternatives | Nutritional Information |
|---|---|
| Turkey | 45g of protein per serving |
| Pork | 52g of protein per serving |
| Shrimp | 48g of protein per serving |
| Lobster | 55g of protein per serving |
“This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta dish is a game-changer – the protein-packed options allow you to customize it to your taste, while the side dishes complement the flavors perfectly.”
Pasta Variety for Creamy Tuscan Chicken
This creamy tuscan chicken pasta recipe lets you pick from many pasta shapes. You can go for thick rigatoni or thin pappardelle. It’s all about what you like.
For a traditional taste, pair it with whole-wheat pasta like fettuccine. Or, if you’re gluten-free, zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta like penne are great. You can make it fit your diet and taste.
Every pasta shape will make this dish special. The creamy sauce and chicken are a perfect match for many pastas. Try different ones to find your favorite way to enjoy this meal.
| Pasta Shape | Recommended for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta |
|---|---|
| Rigatoni | Sturdy enough to hold the luscious sauce |
| Pappardelle | Delicate ribbons to capture every flavor |
| Tagliatelle | Classic pairing with whole-wheat pasta |
| Penne | Versatile shape for gluten-free pasta options |
| Zucchini Noodles | Low-carb, gluten-free alternative |
“The versatility of this recipe means you can customize it to your dietary needs and personal taste preferences.”
Conclusion
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the perfect cozy meal for any weeknight. It’s filled with tender chicken, bold Tuscan flavors, and a creamy sauce. This Italian-inspired dish is sure to satisfy your cravings.
It’s ready in under an hour, making it great for busy nights. You can serve it with a fresh salad, crusty garlic bread, or enjoy it alone. It’s a winner that will make your taste buds happy.
This weeknight meal is nutritious and satisfying for the whole family. Next time you want a easy dinner recipe with lots of flavor, try this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. It’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.