Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cheese - Best Recipe

Looking for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight? Look no further than this delectable Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Rotini recipe! Packed with juicy chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Imagine twirling tender rotini pasta coated in a luscious cream sauce with savory bites of chicken and bursts of sun-dried tomato goodness. It’s a dish that strikes the perfect balance between hearty and indulgent, making it ideal for a cozy dinner at home. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese adds a rich and gooey texture that will have you coming back for seconds.

Sun-dried tomatoes are the secret ingredient that elevates this dish, infusing it with a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile. Paired with fresh basil and a hint of garlic, this Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Rotini transports your taste buds to the sun-soaked fields of Tuscany with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a gathering with friends, this recipe is a surefire way to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.

Table of Contents

Quick Benefits

Quick and easy weeknight dinner option with simple ingredients
Versatile recipe that allows for ingredient swaps based on availability
Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great meal prep option
Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy punch and beautiful color to the dish

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cheese – Best Recipe Recipe

Comforting and Flavorful: This recipe combines creamy pasta, juicy chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and melty cheese for a dish that is comforting and packed with savory flavors.
Easy Weeknight Meal: Achievable on a busy weeknight, this recipe is perfect for when you want a special dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
Leftover Perfection: Leftovers taste even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead option for a quick and delicious lunch or dinner.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy punch and beautiful color, elevating the dish with their bold flavor reminiscent of Tuscany.
Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap ingredients based on what you have on hand, such as using different types of pasta, vegetables, or dairy products.
Meal Prep Friendly: Components can be stored separately to maintain texture, and the dish reheats beautifully for a quick and easy meal.
Family Favorite: A crowd-pleaser, this recipe has received rave reviews from friends and family, making it a great addition to your regular dinner rotation.
Freezer-Friendly: This dish can be frozen for future meals, allowing you to enjoy a homemade, comforting meal even on your busiest days.
Italian-Inspired: Combining Tuscan flavors with American comfort food, this dish transports you to the rolling fields of Tuscany with each bite.

Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cheese – Best Recipe

Chicken

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 ounce Parmesan cheese, finely grated
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Kosher salt, to taste

Pasta and Sauce

1/3 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
1.75 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
2 ounces baby spinach
2.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
10 ounces rotini pasta
2 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomatoes

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cheese – Best Recipe

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Cook rotini in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Chicken Bites

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until chicken is golden and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Melt Cheese over Chicken

Lower the skillet heat to low. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the chicken. Cover and allow the cheeses to melt. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Step 4: Prepare Pasta Sauce

Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach; cook until spinach wilts. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Combine reserved rotini with the sauce, tossing until pasta is well coated.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Portion the sauced pasta onto plates, then add the cheesy Tuscan chicken bites on top. Garnish with fresh basil right before serving.

Storage Tips

Once you have prepared and enjoyed your Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Rotini, it is important to store any leftovers properly to maintain their flavor and texture. To store the dish in the refrigerator, keep the pasta and chicken stored in separate airtight containers. This helps prevent the chicken from making the pasta mushy. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat them in the microwave or in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce. The pasta and chicken reheat beautifully, making for a delicious meal the next day.

If you want to freeze the Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Rotini for later consumption, allow the dish to cool completely before packaging it. Store the chicken and sauce together in one container, and the pasta in another. To reheat the frozen meal, make sure to thaw it fully before gently warming the sauce and chicken on the stovetop. Once the components are heated through, stir in freshly boiled pasta to achieve the best texture. While the dish is best enjoyed freshly made, freezing portions of the Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Rotini allows for easy batch cooking and future meals that retain the comforting flavors and appeal of this Tuscan-inspired dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don’t have rotini pasta on hand, you can easily substitute it with penne or fusilli, both of which will work well with the creamy sauce. These pasta shapes have nooks and crannies that hold onto the sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Additionally, if you’re out of sun-dried tomatoes, you can try using jarred roasted red peppers as a substitute. They will provide a similar burst of flavor and a touch of sweetness to the dish.

While olive oil is the primary cooking fat in this recipe, you can enhance the flavor depth by using the oil from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes instead. This will add an extra layer of richness and a hint of tanginess to the dish. Remember to sauté the chicken over medium heat just until golden and cooked through to prevent it from drying out. You can also omit the chicken entirely and use sautéed mushrooms as a hearty and satisfying alternative for a vegetarian version of this dish.

Serving Suggestions

For a beautiful presentation, try serving this Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Rotini in individual cast-iron skillets or colorful pasta bowls, garnished with a sprig of fresh basil on top. The vibrant colors of the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach will pop against the creamy white sauce, making it an enticing dish for a dinner party or date night at home. Pair it with a glass of crisp Pinot Grigio to enhance the Mediterranean flavors and create a delightful dining experience.

To take this dish to the next level, consider adding a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast. Serve alongside a simple arugula salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the creamy pasta. This Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Rotini is versatile enough to be enjoyed on its own as a comforting weeknight meal or dressed up with fancy plating for a special occasion, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

FAQs for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cheese – Best Recipe

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of rotini?

Yes, penne or fusilli work well, though rotini helps hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

Can I substitute olive oil for sun-dried tomato oil?

Olive oil is a great replacement, but sun-dried tomato oil adds extra flavor depth.

How long should I sauté the chicken for?

Sauté over medium heat just until golden and cooked through, then remove from heat to prevent drying.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Omit the chicken and use sautéed mushrooms for a satisfying, hearty alternative.

Conclusion

I hope you enjoyed making and savoring every bite of this delightful Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Rotini. It’s dishes like these that truly bring comfort and joy to the dinner table, don’t you think? The blend of savory chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and creamy cheeses creates a symphony of flavors that never fails to impress.

Remember, cooking is an art, and you are the artist in your kitchen. Feel free to make this recipe your own by incorporating seasonal vegetables, experimenting with different pasta shapes, or even trying out various cheeses. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, let the warmth of this Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Rotini bring people together and create lasting memories around the dining table. Happy cooking and savoring every delicious moment!

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Cheese – Best Recipe

Indulge in creamy Cheesy Tuscan Chicken Rotini with sun-dried tomatoes, savory chicken, and melty cheese for a special yet achievable weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time20 min

Cook Time25 min

Total Time45 min

CuisineItalian-American

Skill LevelEasy

Servings4 Servings (Serves 4, about 1.5 cups per serving)

Ingredients

Chicken

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 ounce Parmesan cheese, finely grated
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 ounces mozzarella cheese, shredded
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Kosher salt, to taste

Pasta and Sauce

1/3 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
1.75 ounces Parmesan cheese, grated
2 ounces baby spinach
2.5 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
10 ounces rotini pasta
2 tablespoons oil from sun-dried tomatoes

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook rotini in a large pot of salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sauté Chicken Bites: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook until chicken is golden and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Melt Cheese over Chicken: Lower the skillet heat to low. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the chicken. Cover and allow the cheeses to melt. Remove from heat and keep warm.
Prepare Pasta Sauce: Heat sun-dried tomato oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and baby spinach; cook until spinach wilts. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
Combine and Finish: Combine reserved rotini with the sauce, tossing until pasta is well coated.
Serve and Garnish: Portion the sauced pasta onto plates, then add the cheesy Tuscan chicken bites on top. Garnish with fresh basil right before serving.