Quick Benefits
Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta is a flavorful and hearty dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and penne pasta in a creamy Alfredo sauce. It’s an easy one-skillet meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With rich flavors, protein-packed chicken, and a creamy texture, this dish is both comforting and satisfying.
Essential Ingredients
To make this delicious pasta dish, you will need:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 8 oz penne pasta, uncooked
- 1 jar Alfredo sauce (15 oz)
- 2 cups boiling water
- 1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
- Basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparation Steps
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the cubed chicken, minced garlic, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Melt butter in a deep oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through.
- Combine the Ingredients: Turn off the heat and add sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, uncooked penne pasta, and Alfredo sauce to the skillet. Mix well to combine.
- Add Boiling Water: Pour 2 cups of boiling water over the mixture, stirring to combine everything evenly.
- Bake: Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and carefully transfer it to the oven. Bake for 30 minutes, or until the pasta is fully cooked and tender.
- Add Cheese & Bake Again: Remove the skillet from the oven and sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish & Serve: Finish by garnishing with fresh basil or parsley for added color and flavor. Serve hot and enjoy!
Health Benefits
- High in Protein: Chicken provides essential lean protein for muscle health.
- Calcium-Rich: The Alfredo sauce and cheese contribute to strong bones and teeth.
- Nutrient-Dense Greens: Spinach is loaded with iron, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Sun-dried tomatoes and olive oil in the Alfredo sauce contain healthy fats that support heart health.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a Fresh Salad: A crisp Caesar or mixed greens salad complements the creamy pasta.
- Garlic Bread on the Side: Serve with warm, crusty garlic bread for an extra treat.
- Wine Pairing: A light Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio balances the richness of the dish.
- Family-Style Serving: Serve directly from the skillet to keep the meal warm and inviting.
Creative Variations
- Swap the Protein: Substitute chicken with shrimp, sausage, or tofu for variety.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or chili powder for a little heat.
- Low-Carb Version: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- Different Pasta Shapes: Try rotini, farfalle, or rigatoni for a fun twist.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
- Freezing: Avoid freezing as creamy sauces may separate upon reheating.
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta directly in the sauce helps absorb more flavor.
- Use Fresh Cheese: Pre-grated cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Deglaze the Pan: Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth after cooking the chicken for extra depth of flavor.
- Let It Rest: Allow the pasta to sit for 5 minutes after baking to enhance the sauce’s thickness and texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the dish and refrigerate it before baking. When ready to eat, bake it at 400°F for 35 minutes.
2. What can I use instead of Alfredo sauce?
You can make a homemade cream sauce by combining butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
3. How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?
Bake the dish just until the pasta is tender, and avoid overcooking.
4. Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2 hours, then stir in the cheese before serving.
5. What vegetables can I add?
Mushrooms, bell peppers, or asparagus would be great additions to this dish.
Enjoy your Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta, a rich, comforting, and delicious meal the whole family will love!
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Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta
Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and comforting pasta dish that brings together tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and creamy Alfredo sauce over perfectly cooked penne pasta. This one-skillet meal is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or special occasions. With bold Italian flavors and a creamy texture, it’s a meal everyone will love!
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
2 tablespoons butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into cubes
1 teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
3 cups baby spinach
8 oz penne pasta, uncooked
1 jar Alfredo sauce (15 oz)
2 cups boiling water
1 1/2 cups mozzarella cheese
Basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
First, preheat your oven to 400°F.
Next, in a medium-sized bowl, combine the cubed chicken, minced garlic, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good toss to coat the chicken evenly.
Now, in a deep oven-safe skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the seasoned chicken and cook it for 7-8 minutes until it’s cooked through.
Turn off the heat and add the sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, uncooked penne pasta, and Alfredo sauce to the skillet. Mix everything well until it’s all combined.
Pour the boiling water over the mixture and stir to combine everything nicely.
Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil and carefully transfer it to your preheated oven.
Bake for 30 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to perfection.
After that time, bring the skillet out from the oven and sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over it.
Return it to the oven to bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finally, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, if desired, before serving. Voilà!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-6 servings
- Calories: Approximately 700 per serving