Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that transports you straight to the sun-soaked hills of Tuscany with every bite. Creamy, flavorful, and packed with tender chicken and vibrant vegetables, this pasta is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. With its rich sauce and hearty ingredients, it provides comfort and satisfaction, making it a go-to recipe in any home. Let’s dive into why this dish deserves a spot on your table and how you can create it.

Why It Deserves a Spot

Tuscan Chicken Pasta combines classic Italian flavors with a creamy texture that’s simply irresistible. The combination of juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a velvety sauce creates a harmonious blend that pleases the palate. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables or pasta types. This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a quick and easy meal, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights.

Gather These Ingredients

1.5 pounds chicken tenders, or halved chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
¾ cup all-purpose flour, divided
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried basil
¼ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon onion powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1½ tablespoons all-purpose flour
¾ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup milk
½ cup heavy whipping cream
1 cup baby spinach leaves, chopped
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning, or more, to taste
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 lb fettuccine noodles

Gear Checklist

Large skillet: For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
Pot: To boil the fettuccine noodles.
Whisk: For mixing the sauce ingredients smoothly.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
Cutting board and knife: For chopping vegetables and chicken.

Directions: Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

In a small bowl, combine ½ cup of the all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, basil, oregano, and onion powder. Dredge the chicken tenders or halved chicken breasts in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure they’re well coated.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced red bell pepper and sauté for about 3 minutes, until it begins to soften. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Sprinkle the remaining 1½ tablespoons of flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir well to combine. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Next, add the milk and heavy whipping cream, continuing to whisk until the mixture is smooth and thickened.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Cheese

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the spinach to wilt, which should take about 2-3 minutes. Season the sauce with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and additional salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

While you’re preparing the sauce, cook the fettuccine noodles according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving a bit of the pasta water in case you want to thin the sauce later.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it to the sauce. Toss in the cooked fettuccine noodles, mixing everything until the pasta is well coated in the creamy Tuscan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the Tuscan Chicken Pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, if desired. Enjoy the comforting flavors and creamy texture that make this dish a true crowd-pleaser.

Dairy-Free/Gluten-Free Swaps

For dairy-free: Use cashew cream or coconut cream instead of heavy whipping cream, and almond milk or oat milk in place of regular milk.
For gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free fettuccine noodles.

Author’s Commentary

Tuscan Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The combination of creamy sauce with the tender chicken and vibrant vegetables is not only satisfying but incredibly versatile. I love to customize this dish with whatever fresh vegetables I have on hand, like mushrooms or zucchini. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability—feel free to get creative!

Prep Ahead & Store

If you’re looking to save time, you can prep the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce can also be made in advance and reheated before adding the cooked pasta and chicken. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated on the stove or microwave. Just be mindful that the pasta may absorb some of the sauce, so you may want to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.

Common Qs About Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While fettuccine is a classic choice, you can easily swap it out for penne, bowtie, or even whole wheat pasta to suit your preferences.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the components in advance and assemble them just before serving. The flavors will meld beautifully if made the day before, making it even more delicious!

How spicy is this Tuscan Chicken Pasta?

This recipe is not spicy, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat. Adjust to your taste preference!

What can I serve with Tuscan Chicken Pasta?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A side of roasted vegetables would also be a great addition.

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Bring It Home

Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a dish that brings together the rustic charm of Italian cuisine and the comfort of home-cooked meals. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables, it’s a recipe that you’ll want to pull out time and time again. Whether for family dinners or a cozy night in, this Tuscan Chicken Pasta is sure to impress. Enjoy the flavors of Tuscany in your kitchen, and make this dish a staple in your recipe arsenal.

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