Tuscan Chicken Pasta - beautifully plated pasta dish

Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic in a creamy sauce with seasoned chicken. A restaurant favourite made at home.

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

20 min

Servings

4

Calories

520

Ingredients

  • 400 g pasta (your choice of shape)
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Base

    While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

  3. 3

    Build the Sauce

    Add the main sauce ingredients to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the flavours meld together, about 3-5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Combine

    Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss vigorously, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency that coats every strand.

  5. 5

    Serve

    Plate immediately and garnish with fresh herbs and freshly grated cheese. Serve hot with crusty bread on the side.

Chef's Notes

I always slice chicken breast against the grain and pound it to even thickness before cooking. Even cooking means juicy results.

Chef Luca Bianchi

About This Recipe

Tuscan chicken pasta is one of those dishes that feels like it came out of a bistro kitchen, but it comes together in thirty minutes flat. The magic happens when sun-dried tomatoes melt into a creamy garlic sauce, folding into tender pasta with wilted spinach and juicy chicken pieces. It's rich without being heavy, and that bright tang from the tomatoes keeps every bite interesting.

Canadian home cooks keep coming back to this recipe because it hits that sweet spot between comfort food and something that feels special enough for guests. The one-skillet approach means minimal cleanup, and the flavours are bold enough that you don't need anything fancy to make it shine.

Tips for the Best Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Salez l'eau de cuisson des pâtes comme la mer — c'est votre seule chance de les assaisonner de l'intérieur. Réservez un bon verre d'eau amylacée avant d'égoutter : c'est de l'or liquide pour transformer une sauce fine en quelque chose de soyeux qui adhère à chaque brin. Retirez les pâtes une minute avant l'al dente, puisqu'elles continueront de cuire dans la sauce.

What to Serve With It

Serve this straight from the pan with a wedge of lemon on the side — the acidity cuts through the cream beautifully. Crusty Italian bread or garlic focaccia is perfect for soaking up the sauce. Pair with a light Pinot Grigio or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, and add a simple arugula salad tossed with lemon juice and shaved Parmesan for something green alongside the richness.

Storage & Reheating

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of milk or pasta water — the sauce will tighten up in the fridge, and that liquid brings back the silkiness. Freeze only if you're okay with the pasta softening slightly; it's best enjoyed fresh.

Nutrition Facts

520

cal

12g

Protein

14g

Fat

44g

Carbs

8g

Fiber

712mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?+

Yes, but chicken thighs stay juicier during the quick cook. If using breast, slice it thin and cook just until opaque to avoid drying it out.

What pasta shapes work best?+

Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli hold the creamy sauce well. Long shapes like fettuccine work too if you toss them thoroughly with the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?+

The sauce and chicken are fine prepped ahead, but cook the pasta fresh. Reheated pasta tends to turn mushy, so assemble and serve right away.

How do I keep the sauce from breaking?+

Keep the heat moderate when combining pasta with sauce, and add pasta water gradually. High heat can cause the dairy to separate.

Is there a dairy-free version?+

Swap the cream for coconut cream or cashew cream. Sun-dried tomatoes and garlic still give you that deep flavour without the dairy.

Tips & Tricks

  • Always salt your pasta water generously — it should taste like the sea.
  • Reserve a cup of starchy pasta water before draining. It's liquid gold for emulsifying sauces.
  • Cook pasta 1 minute less than the package says if finishing it in the sauce.

Reviews (5)

Chantal D.★★★★★

Facile à préparer et tellement bon! Même mes enfants difficiles ont vidé leur assiette. Je recommande fortement.

Pierre T.★★★★★

Excellente recette! J'ai suivi les instructions à la lettre et le résultat était parfait. Ma femme a adoré.

Marie L.★★★★★

Made this last night and my family loved it! The sauce was perfect and so easy to make. Will definitely be adding this to our regular rotation.

Michael W.★★★★★

This recipe is a keeper. Great balance of flavours and the cooking times are spot on. My new favourite pasta dish.

Sarah M.★★★★★

So glad I found this recipe. The instructions are clear and the result is consistently great. I've made it four times already.