Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Creamy and Savory Recipe

If you are searching for a hearty, comforting meal that bursts with flavor and creamy indulgence, this Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Creamy and Savory Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender chicken pieces, perfectly cooked pasta, and a deeply flavorful tomato-based sauce enriched with herbs and a touch of parmesan cheese. Every forkful wraps you in warmth and the nostalgic taste of Italian countryside cooking, making it an instant favorite for dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients that each play a crucial role. From the juicy chicken cubes to the aromatic herbs and that luscious creamy sauce, every element is essential to achieve the perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for even cooking and tender bites.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the chicken and adds a hint of richness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Brings classic Italian herb flavor.
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil: Complements the tomatoes beautifully.
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For a gentle spicy kick.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and body to the sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Must-have aromatic for any savory Italian dish.
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes: The base of the sauce, delivering intense tomato flavor.
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce: Adds smoothness and richness to the sauce.
• 1/2 cup chicken broth: Builds depth without overwhelming the sauce.
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional): Infuses subtle complexity; chicken broth works well as a substitute.
• 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances acidity of tomatoes for a rounded flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds earthy undertones.
• 1 bay leaf: Infuses the sauce with warm, herbaceous notes.
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli): Picks up the sauce beautifully with its shape.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides that creamy, umami finish.
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional): A fresh, aromatic garnish to brighten the dish.
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional): Stirred in for extra richness and silkiness.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Creamy and Savory Recipe

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Start by tossing your chicken cubes with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and if you like, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Make sure every piece is well-coated because this seasoning step lays the foundation for a flavorful dish. Heat the olive oil in your skillet and brown the chicken until it’s cooked through and golden on all sides. This locks in juices and gives that lovely caramelized flavor.

Step 2: Build Your Sauce

Remove the cooked chicken and use the same skillet to soften the onions over medium heat. Once tender, add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Next, pour in crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and white wine if you’re using it. Stir in a teaspoon of sugar and sprinkle in thyme and your bay leaf. Let it all simmer gently, allowing the flavors to marry beautifully for at least 15 minutes. This slow simmering is key to developing that signature creamy and savory profile.

Step 3: Combine Chicken and Sauce

Return the browned chicken to the skillet and continue simmering for another 5 to 10 minutes, letting the chicken soak up that rich sauce. Taste the sauce before moving to the next step, and adjust salt or pepper as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce finishes simmering, boil the pasta until just al dente—you want a little bite to the pasta so it holds up to the sauce. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid is gold for loosening the sauce if it gets too thick.

Step 5: Mix Pasta with Sauce

Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet with your creamy chicken sauce. Toss everything together so each piece is coated luxuriously. Use some of your reserved pasta water to reach that perfect consistency if your sauce seems thick.

Step 6: Finish with Cheese and Butter

To finish, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and butter if you want extra richness. These ingredients add that silky, creamy texture and that mouthwatering umami flavor that makes this Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Creamy and Savory Recipe so irresistibly good.

How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Creamy and Savory Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh basil leaves adds vibrant color and herbal brightness that balances the richness of the sauce. You could also grate a little extra Parmesan on top for that gorgeous cheesy finish that’s just so inviting.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread for soaking up every last bit of the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also complement the dish well without overpowering the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the pasta in individual rustic bowls and garnish with a basil sprig and a small drizzle of high-quality olive oil. A side of lemon wedges can brighten the dish even further, giving your dinner table a beautiful, authentic Tuscan vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Tuscan Chicken Pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to three days if stored in an airtight container. Flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but it’s best to slightly undercook the pasta before freezing to avoid mushiness. Freeze in portions for easy reheating and enjoy within two months for the best quality.

Reheating

When reheating, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. This will restore the creamy texture and keep the pasta moist and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Creamy and Savory Recipe?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, and fusilli all work wonderfully because their shapes hold the sauce well, but you can use any pasta you prefer or have on hand.

Is white wine necessary for the sauce?

White wine adds a lovely depth and subtle acidity, but it’s totally optional. If you prefer not to use alcohol, simply substitute with extra chicken broth and your dish will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, just skip the butter and Parmesan cheese or use dairy-free alternatives to keep that creamy texture and flavor while accommodating dietary needs.

How spicy is this dish if I add red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that enhances the savory flavor without overpowering it. You can adjust the amount based on your tolerance or omit them entirely.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Definitely! The sauce actually tastes better when made ahead because the flavors have more time to develop. Just cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Creamy and Savory Recipe is the kind of meal that you’ll want to make again and again. It hits all the right notes of being comfort food with a touch of elegance, perfect for family dinners or impressing guests. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this rich, flavorful dish as much as I do. Give it a try and get ready for lots of happy taste buds around your table!

Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Creamy and Savory Recipe

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4.2 from 82 reviews

• Author: admin
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe features tender, seasoned chicken cooked in a flavorful, creamy tomato sauce with aromatic herbs and served over perfectly al dente pasta. Combining Italian-inspired ingredients like crushed tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and fresh basil, this hearty dish is both comforting and elegant, ideal for a family dinner or entertaining guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken and Seasoning

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Sauce

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 bay leaf

For the Pasta

• 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)

For Garnish and Finishing

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil (optional)
• 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for richness)

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Instructions

1. Season the chicken: Generously season the cubed chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and optional red pepper flakes. Massage the seasoning thoroughly into the chicken to ensure even flavor.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the onion: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened and translucent, approximately 5 minutes.
4. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
5. Make the sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and optionally white wine (or additional chicken broth). Add sugar, dried thyme, and the bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 15 to 30 minutes to develop flavor.
6. Combine chicken and sauce: Stir the cooked chicken back into the simmering sauce and continue to cook together for another 5 to 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
7. Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water before draining.
8. Mix pasta with sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the chicken and tomato sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
9. Finish the dish: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and optional butter to add creaminess and richness. Toss until combined and heated through.
10. Serve: Plate the dish immediately and garnish with chopped fresh basil if desired for a fresh, aromatic finish.

Notes

• For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with sautéed mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• White wine adds depth of flavor but can be omitted or substituted with additional chicken broth for a non-alcoholic option.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
• Use fresh herbs if available for a brighter taste.
• Butter is optional but recommended for added richness and silky texture.
• Serve with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian