Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Juicy chicken breasts are seared to golden perfection and served alongside tender pasta enveloped in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. This hearty meal combines classic Italian flavors to satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente — tender but still with a slight bite. Before draining, scoop out about ½ cup of pasta water and set it aside. Then drain the pasta and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, pressing the seasoning in gently so it sticks.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook undisturbed for 5–6 minutes per side until it develops a deep golden crust and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let the garlic brown.
5. Step 5: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir gently and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the Parmesan cheese, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy, coating the back of a spoon.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet. Toss gently until every strand is coated in the garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
7. Step 7: Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the creamy sauce over the top. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Add sun-dried tomatoes or spinach to the sauce for a Tuscan twist.
• Use fettuccine or penne instead of spaghetti for a different pasta texture.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use another cut of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well as a substitute. They stay juicy and flavorful, but adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they are cooked through.

How do I prevent the garlic from burning in the sauce?

Cook the minced garlic over medium heat and stir constantly for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Burnt garlic tastes bitter, so keep an eye on it and reduce heat if needed.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 163 reviews

Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Garlic Parmesan Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish featuring tender seared chicken breasts served with a luscious garlic Parmesan pasta. The creamy sauce, infused with garlic, Parmesan cheese, and Italian herbs, perfectly coats the spaghetti, making it a comforting and indulgent meal ideal for family dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Cleo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

For the Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta:

• 12 ounces spaghetti
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until al dente—tender but still with a slight bite. Before draining, scoop out about ½ cup of pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and let it rest while you prepare the sauce.
2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels to help them brown nicely. Season both sides with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, pressing the seasonings gently so they stick well.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook undisturbed for 5–6 minutes per side until a deep golden crust forms and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Build the Garlic Butter Base: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Stir for about 30 seconds until garlic is soft and aromatic but not browned.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir gently and let simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add Parmesan cheese, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy, coating the back of a spoon.
6. Toss with Pasta: Add the cooked spaghetti directly to the skillet. Toss gently to coat every strand with the garlic Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it and help it cling to the pasta.
7. Bring It All Together: Return the chicken to the skillet. Spoon sauce over the chicken and let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Notes

• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.
• Ensure internal chicken temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Optional red pepper flakes add a mild heat component but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and sauce texture.
• Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.

Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken, Garlic Parmesan Pasta, Italian chicken recipe, creamy pasta, skillet chicken, easy dinner recipe