There is nothing quite like a soul-satisfying plate of Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A Simple Recipe for Creamy Delight Recipe to bring warmth and comfort to your table. This dish combines tender, herb-seasoned chicken with a luscious creamy tomato sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta to create an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or treating yourself, this recipe is an easy way to transform everyday ingredients into a luxurious meal that feels special but comes together effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this recipe right means having just the right balance of fresh, aromatic, and pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s building flavor, enriching the sauce, or adding texture that makes every bite worth savoring.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the herbs and spices beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Essential for browning the chicken and adding a subtle fruity richness.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance all the natural flavors.
- Dried oregano, basil, and thyme: Classic Italian herbs that bring the Tuscan essence to the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a hint of spice for those who like a little kick.
- 1 medium onion: Adds sweetness and depth when perfectly softened.
- 2 cloves garlic: Infuses the sauce with a savory, aromatic base.
- Crushed tomatoes (28 ounces) and tomato sauce (15 ounces): Together, they create the creamy, tangy tomato backbone.
- Chicken broth: Lightens and enriches the sauce with savory goodness.
- Dry white wine (optional): Adds complexity and subtle acidity; can be swapped for more broth if preferred.
- 1 teaspoon sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes perfectly.
- Bay leaf: Adds a subtle layer of herbal complexity during simmering.
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli): The perfect vessel to soak up the creamy sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch that adds nutty, salty richness.
- Fresh basil (optional): Offers a bright, fresh contrast to the creamy sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional): For added velvety smoothness and depth.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A Simple Recipe for Creamy Delight Recipe
Step 1: Season Your Chicken
Start by generously seasoning your chicken cubes with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a subtle heat. Take a moment to massage the spices into the chicken so every bite is bursting with flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken evenly on all sides without overcrowding the pan—this locks in juices and builds a flavorful crust. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Build the Sauce Base
In the same skillet, cook chopped onion until translucent and sweet, about five minutes. Then add minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant, creating a deliciously aromatic foundation.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in your crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, and white wine if you’re using it. Stir in sugar, thyme, and the bay leaf, then bring everything to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and let these flavors meld together for 15 to 30 minutes, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Sauce
Return the browned chicken to the skillet and let it simmer in the sauce for another 5 to 10 minutes. This step ensures the chicken absorbs even more of the rich, herby flavors.
Step 6: Prepare the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, cook your pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until perfectly al dente. Reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining—it’s a secret trick that helps achieve that silky sauce texture.
Step 7: Toss and Finish
Add the cooked pasta directly to the sauce and chicken. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick. Stir in Parmesan cheese and butter for an indulgent, creamy finish that makes this dish truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A Simple Recipe for Creamy Delight Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped basil is the perfect bright green pop of color and flavor to crown this creamy dish. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan right on top doesn’t hurt either—both add a fresh, inviting finish.
Side Dishes
Serve this pasta with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or crusty garlic bread to mop up that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini also pair beautifully to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming rustic look, serve the pasta family-style in your favorite wide, shallow bowl. Or portion it into individual bowls, garnishing each with basil and Parmesan for a restaurant-quality touch that’s sure to impress guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A Simple Recipe for Creamy Delight Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better after a bit of resting time.
Freezing
If you want to enjoy it later, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Just allow the dish to cool completely before freezing to preserve texture and taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving at high power which can dry out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, and fusilli are great choices because their shapes hold sauce well, but feel free to get creative with other varieties like farfalle or even spaghetti if you prefer.
Is the white wine necessary?
White wine adds a lovely depth of flavor, but you can easily substitute it with extra chicken broth if you prefer to keep the dish alcohol-free or avoid wine.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
While this recipe centers around chicken, you can replace it with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or eggplant to keep the creamy texture and rich flavors while making it vegetarian-friendly.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
Adding the butter and Parmesan cheese at the end creates that silky, creamy consistency. For an extra creamy touch, a splash of heavy cream can be stirred in while simmering.
What is the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheating on the stove over low heat with a little added liquid helps maintain the sauce’s creaminess without drying out the chicken. Stir frequently for even warming.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that combines simplicity with comfort and bursts with layers of flavor, you’ve got to try Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A Simple Recipe for Creamy Delight Recipe. It’s a personal favorite that transforms everyday ingredients into a memorable meal, perfect for impressing loved ones or indulging yourself after a busy day. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become a go-to recipe that’s just as easy as it is delicious.
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Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A Simple Recipe for Creamy Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta features tender chicken cubes simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with Italian herbs, served over perfectly cooked pasta and finished with Parmesan cheese and butter for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 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)
Vegetables & 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
Pasta & Garnishes
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil, for garnish (optional)
- 2 tablespoons butter (optional, for richness)
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season chicken cubes generously with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Massage the seasoning into the chicken to ensure even coating.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Onions: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook over medium heat until softened, approximately 5 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Prepare Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, white wine (if using), sugar, dried thyme, and bay leaf. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let simmer gently for 15 to 30 minutes to develop flavors.
- Combine Chicken and Sauce: Stir the cooked chicken back into the sauce and simmer for an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Mix Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Toss well to coat all pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Add Finishing Touches: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and butter for extra creaminess. Toss thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Serve: Serve the Tuscan Chicken Pasta immediately, garnished with fresh chopped basil if desired.
Notes
- White wine can be substituted with additional chicken broth if preferred or to keep the recipe alcohol-free.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
- Use pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli which hold the sauce well.
- Reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and bind it to the pasta for better texture.
- Butter adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter version.
