🍝 Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta: A Restaurant-Worthy Dish at Home

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels fancy but is actually simple to make, you’ve found it: Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta. This luxurious, skillet-to-table pasta dish is bursting with tender chicken, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce, and all the bold Mediterranean flavors of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh herbs.

Inspired by the flavors of Tuscany, this pasta is hearty, comforting, and perfect for both busy weeknights and elegant entertaining. It’s indulgent, rich, and comforting — yet surprisingly easy to pull together in 30 minutes.

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🧄 Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta

• One-pan wonder – Fewer dishes, more flavor
• Creamy, garlicky, and bold – Flavor-packed sauce that clings to every bite
• Family-friendly – Adults love the elegance, kids love the creamy sauce
• Restaurant-style – Impressive enough for guests, simple enough for weeknights
• Customizable – Add veggies, switch the pasta, or lighten it up with substitutions

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🛒 Ingredients (Original Recipe + Substitutions)

Here’s what you need to recreate this dreamy Tuscan-style chicken pasta:

✅ Original Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped or sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• 1 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (in oil)
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 12 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente

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🔄 Optional Add-ins & Substitutions:

• Spinach – Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach at the end until wilted
• Red pepper flakes – Add a pinch for a kick
• Mushrooms – Sauté with garlic for added depth
• Half-and-half instead of cream – for a lighter version
• Gluten-free pasta – Swap for dietary needs
• Dairy-free – Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan

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👨‍🍳 How to Make Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil penne (or your favorite pasta) in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Sear the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cooked chicken pieces to brown and warm through. Remove and set aside.

Shortcut tip: Use leftover rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked grilled chicken to save time.

3. Sauté Garlic & Tomatoes

In the same pan, add the remaining oil and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1–2 minutes.

4. Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens (about 3–5 minutes).

5. Combine Pasta and Chicken

Return chicken to the pan, add cooked pasta, and toss to coat everything in the sauce. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

6. Finish and Serve

Stir in fresh parsley and serve hot. Garnish with extra Parmesan, cracked black pepper, or fresh basil if desired.

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🧂 Pro Tips for the Best Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes – They add richness and texture.
• Freshly grate your Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly.
• Reserve pasta water – It’s the secret to silky sauces.
• Let the sauce simmer slowly – This prevents it from breaking.
• Customize the veggies – Add spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers.

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🍽️ What to Serve With Tuscan Pasta

This creamy, dreamy pasta stands on its own — but it also pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• Simple side salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Sautéed green beans or asparagus
• Roasted mushrooms or zucchini
• Glass of dry white wine (like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)

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❄️ Storage, Make-Ahead, and Reheating

To store: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
To freeze: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently.
To reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Tip: Reheating slowly helps maintain the creaminess without separating the sauce.

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🔁 Variations to Try

• Tuscan Shrimp Pasta: Replace chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
• Tuscan Alfredo Bake: Pour into baking dish, top with cheese, and bake until golden.
• Keto Tuscan Pasta: Use zoodles or palmini noodles and low-carb cream.
• Tuscan Chicken Soup: Add more broth and turn it into a creamy pasta soup.
• Spicy Tuscan Pasta: Add diced chili or hot sauce for extra heat.

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📊 Nutritional Highlights (Est. Per Serving – 6 servings)

• Calories: ~480
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 24g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Net Carbs: 37g

(Nutritional values vary based on pasta and cream used)

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📝 Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta recipe is the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re dining in a cozy Italian trattoria — without ever leaving your kitchen. It’s rich, flavorful, and hits that comfort-food sweet spot between rustic and indulgent.

Make it for date night, a family dinner, or to impress guests. Or whip it up just for yourself — because honestly, you deserve this level of creamy deliciousness.

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