Quick & Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

Whipping up a mouthwatering creamy tuscan chicken pasta brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Savory herbs and tender chicken dance with rich alfredo sauce, creating a symphony of flavors.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly in this irresistible dish.

Broccoli adds a crisp, vibrant touch that brightens every forkful.

Weeknight meals never looked this elegant or tasted so incredible.

Professional chefs would swoon over this restaurant-quality recipe that anyone can master at home.

How to Store Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Properly

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the chicken remains fresh and safe to eat.

Transfer pasta to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces, as they may separate when thawed.

Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent pasta from breaking and ensure even heating.

Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, rigatoni, or linguine. Choose a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace chicken with grilled tofu, roasted chickpeas, or extra vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms to create a vegetarian version.

• How can I make the sauce healthier?

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the Parmesan cheese quantity, or substitute with a lighter Greek yogurt for a lower-fat alternative.

• Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While best served fresh, you can cook the components separately and combine just before serving. Store chicken, pasta, and sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Alfredo

• Customize Your Comfort: Personalize this pasta with your favorite protein or veggie swap, making it a versatile dish that adapts to your taste and pantry.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Explosion: Packed with creamy Alfredo, tender chicken, broccoli, and sun-dried tomatoes, this recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal that will impress family and friends.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup with this streamlined recipe that cooks everything in a single pan, saving time and reducing dishwashing hassle.
• Balanced Nutrition Powerhouse: Combine lean protein from chicken, nutrient-rich broccoli, and satisfying pasta for a well-rounded meal that keeps you energized and satisfied.

Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Dinner

• Chicken Strips: Lean protein that provides a hearty and satisfying main component of the dish.

• Penne Pasta: Classic Italian pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully and adds texture to the recipe.

• Broccoli Florets: Nutritious green vegetable that adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color to the pasta.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Intense and sweet ingredient that brings a concentrated tomato flavor to the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides a rich, deep flavor base for the sauce.

• Heavy Cream: Creamy ingredient that creates a luxurious and smooth sauce texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty and nutty cheese that helps thicken the sauce and adds depth of flavor.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that adds traditional Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional spicy ingredient that provides a gentle heat kick.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright herb that adds a fresh finish and visual appeal to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Healthy cooking oil used for sautéing chicken and vegetables.

Step-by-Step Cooking Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook penne pasta in salted boiling water following package directions until perfectly tender. Drain completely and let rest in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Strips

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Place chicken strips into the pan and season generously with salt and black pepper.

Cook each side for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Transfer chicken to a clean plate.

Step 3: Bloom Aromatic Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté quickly for about 30 seconds until wonderfully fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 4: Prepare Crisp Broccoli

Add broccoli florets to the pan and cook for 3-4 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Ensure broccoli remains bright green and maintains a slight crunch.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Alfredo Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes silky smooth.

Step 6: Incorporate Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Fold sun-dried tomatoes into the creamy sauce, distributing evenly throughout.

Step 7: Combine All Components

Return chicken strips to the skillet and coat thoroughly with sauce.

Add cooked penne pasta and toss everything together until perfectly blended. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 8: Plate and Garnish

Serve immediately in warm pasta bowls. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top for a beautiful finishing touch.

Tips for Rich and Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Cook penne al dente to maintain a slight bite, preventing mushy texture and ensuring a delightful pasta experience.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a beautiful golden-brown crust that locks in juicy flavors and creates a restaurant-quality finish.
• Don't overcook broccoli; keep it crisp-tender to preserve nutrients, color, and a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy sauce.
• Stir Parmesan cheese gradually and on low heat to prevent clumping and create a silky, luxurious Alfredo sauce that coats every ingredient perfectly.

Flavorful Alternatives for Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Mediterranean Delight: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp and add kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Comfort: Swap chicken for roasted portobello mushrooms and include spinach for extra nutrition.
• Spicy Southwest: Incorporate black beans, corn, and jalapeños to create a zesty Mexican-style pasta dish.
• Protein Power: Use grilled chicken and add diced crispy bacon for an extra protein-packed meal.

Pairings That Balance Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy sauce and cut through the richness of the Alfredo.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Create a perfectly crunchy side that absorbs the delicious sauce and adds extra texture to the meal.
• Match with Light Arugula Salad: Prepare a zesty salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the heavy pasta and provide a fresh, peppery contrast.
• Enhance with Sparkling Water with Lemon: Offer a refreshing drink that cleanses the palate between bites and adds a citrusy brightness to the dining experience.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta With Broccoli Alfredo Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Broccoli Alfredo brings Italian-inspired comfort straight to dinner tables. Succulent chicken, tender broccoli, and rich parmesan sauce combine for a luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) chicken breast, cut into strips

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and prepare penne pasta according to package directions until perfectly al dente. Drain and reserve.
2. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper, then sear in hot olive oil over medium-high heat for 5-6 minutes per side until golden and thoroughly cooked. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. Reduce skillet heat and quickly toast minced garlic until aromatic, approximately 30 seconds.
4. Introduce broccoli florets to the skillet, sautéing for 3-4 minutes to achieve tender-crisp texture while maintaining vibrant green color.
5. Lower heat and create creamy sauce by whisking heavy cream, incorporating Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer 2-3 minutes until sauce slightly thickens.
6. Fold sun-dried tomatoes into the developing sauce, distributing evenly for balanced flavor profile.
7. Reintroduce cooked chicken to the skillet, coating thoroughly with sauce. Gently fold in penne pasta, ensuring complete sauce coverage. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
8. Plate immediately, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and optional additional Parmesan cheese for enhanced presentation and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Perfectly time chicken cooking to prevent dryness by using a meat thermometer to check internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes quantity, allowing spice-sensitive individuals to enjoy the dish comfortably.
• Enhance nutritional value by substituting regular pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Create a lighter version by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing Parmesan cheese quantity for lower-calorie option.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 620 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg