Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Pasta

A rich and comforting pasta dish featuring juicy seasoned chicken, a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. It’s ready in about 40 minutes and is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–6

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Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni
• 2 tbsp butter
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (drained if packed in oil)
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated Parmesan
• Fresh basil (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions.
3. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain.

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2. Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and fully cooked.
4. Transfer the chicken to a plate.

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3. Make the Tuscan Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt the butter.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning.
5. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
6. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
7. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted.

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4. Combine

1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.
2. Add the drained pasta and toss until coated.
3. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with:

• Garlic bread or cheesy garlic rolls
• Caesar salad or a mixed green salad
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus
• Extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper

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Tips

• Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
• Don’t let the cream boil vigorously, as it can separate.
• For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or crispy bacon.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for some of the heavy cream, though the sauce will be less rich.

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Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving, 6 Servings)

• Calories: 670
• Protein: 39 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg

This creamy Tuscan pasta pairs tender chicken with a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach for a restaurant-quality meal that’s both elegant and satisfying.