Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and a creamy tomato-based sauce with pasta. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy dinner, offering a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
Why This Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Is the Best
- Creamy and Rich Sauce: The creamy tomato-based sauce is perfectly balanced with herbs and spices, making it rich and flavorful.
- Tender Chicken: The chicken pieces are seasoned and cooked to a golden brown, adding a delicious savory element to the dish.
- Fresh Spinach: The addition of fresh spinach not only adds a burst of color but also provides a nutritious boost.
- Hearty Pasta: Penne pasta is ideal for holding onto the sauce, making each bite satisfying and delicious.
- Beautiful Presentation: Garnished with fresh herbs, this dish is visually appealing and perfect for any occasion.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a weeknight meal, or looking for a comforting and flavorful dinner option, Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the perfect choice. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh spinach makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredient Notes
- Rigatoni: Perfect for holding the creamy sauce in its ridges, ensuring flavorful bites.
- Chicken Breasts: Tender chunks seasoned with a flavorful blend of paprika, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Olive Oil: For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Onion and Garlic: Create a fragrant, savory base for the sauce.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add a tangy, sweet depth, balancing the creaminess of the sauce.
- Red Bell Pepper: Brings a sweet crunch and vibrant color.
- Tomato Purée: Concentrates the tomato flavor and enriches the sauce.
- Chicken Stock: Provides a savory backbone for the sauce.
- Double Cream (Heavy Cream): Adds richness and smoothness to balance the spices.
- Parmesan Cheese: Infuses the sauce with salty, nutty depth and helps thicken it.
- Fresh Baby Spinach: Wilts into the sauce, adding a burst of green and earthy flavor.
- Chopped Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that complements the creamy sauce.
Tips for Making the Best Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh chicken, spinach, and high-quality pasta.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the herbs and spices – they add a lot of flavor to the dish.
- Cook Chicken Evenly: Ensure the chicken is cooked evenly to achieve a tender and juicy texture.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Top the dish with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
- With Garlic Bread: Serve Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- With a Side Salad: Add a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
- With Steamed Vegetables: Include steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for added nutrition.
- With Lemon Wedges: Serve with lemon wedges for a refreshing and tangy contrast.
- With Parmesan Cheese: Top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness.
A Must Try
Imagine digging into this Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta—each bite filled with tender chicken, hearty pasta, and fresh spinach, all coated in a rich and creamy sauce. Whether you’re sharing it with family and friends or enjoying it on your own, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your home. Gather your ingredients and create a meal that’s both satisfying and delicious. You’ll love sharing this comforting dish with loved ones and making special moments even more memorable!
Be sure to check out these other delicious dinner recipes!
Easy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 300 g 10.5 oz pasta shapes (I use rigatoni)
For the Chicken:
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 chicken breasts - approx. 525g/1.1lbs, chopped into bitesize chunks
- ¼ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper ,1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried thyme ,1.5 teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sauce:
- 160 gram 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 red bell pepper de-seeded and sliced
- 2 tablespoon tomato puree
- 330 ml 1 1/3 cups chicken stock
- 1 onion peeled and sliced
- 2 cloves garlic peeled and minced
- pinch salt and pepper
- 90 ml 1/3 cup double (heavy) cream
- 50 gram 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 90 gram 3 packed cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
- Place the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water and cook until tender, following the time suggested on the package (typically 10-12 minutes). Drain thoroughly.
- While the pasta cooks, warm the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, then season with salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns lightly golden. Stir in the onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until it begins to soften.
- Stir in the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, red pepper, and tomato puree, cooking for 2 minutes while stirring with a spatula.
- Pour in the chicken stock and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir the cooked pasta, cream, Parmesan, and spinach into the sauce. Cook for a few minutes until the spinach wilts. Serve with a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top.