Tuscan Grilled Chicken Pasta

Tuscan Grilled Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal—creamy, savory, and packed with bold flavors from fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich Parmesan sauce. This dish is quick to prepare, making it the perfect option for a flavorful dinner that doesn’t take hours to cook. With tender grilled chicken and a luscious sauce, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tuscan Grilled Chicken Pasta is everything you want in a meal: rich, creamy, and full of texture and flavor. The combination of grilled chicken, sautéed spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes adds layers of savory goodness, while the Parmesan sauce ties it all together in a rich, velvety finish. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Plus, the creamy sauce perfectly coats the penne pasta, making each bite satisfying and delicious.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces dried Penne pasta (2 1/2 cups)

For the Grilled Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 6 tenders

• 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

• 3 cups fresh spinach

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 1/2 cup diced onion

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 cups half and half

• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning

• 1 1/2 cups Parmesan cheese, shredded

• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (see notes)

• Italian Parsley or Basil for garnish

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:

Cook the penne pasta to al dente according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Grill the Chicken:

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Rub 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the chicken breasts (or tenders) and season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side for chicken breasts or 3-5 minutes per side for tenders. Let the chicken rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

3. Wilt the Spinach:

In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook for 3-4 minutes, until wilted. Remove the spinach from the skillet and set aside.

4. Make the Sauce:

In the same skillet, add butter and diced onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Pour in the half and half and bring to a simmer. Do not boil.

5. Add Seasonings and Cheese:

Reduce the heat to low and add Italian seasoning and Parmesan cheese. Whisk the sauce until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

6. Combine:

Add the cooked pasta, grilled chicken (sliced), sun-dried tomatoes, and wilted spinach to the skillet. Stir everything together until well combined and heated through.

7. Serve:

Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with Italian parsley or fresh basil before serving.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a vegetarian version of this dish.

• Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little extra heat.

• Pasta Alternatives: If you prefer a different pasta shape, you can use fettuccine, spaghetti, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

• Creamy Pesto: Add a spoonful of pesto to the sauce for a different twist and extra flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a little splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy texture. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring to prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately. When ready to serve, heat everything together and toss with the pasta.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use other cheeses like Romano, Asiago, or Pecorino for a slightly different flavor profile. However, Parmesan provides the best flavor for this dish.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta instead of regular penne. Make sure to check that the seasonings and sauces are also gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or even artichokes, for additional texture and flavor.

Can I use heavy cream instead of half-and-half?

Yes, you can use heavy cream for a richer sauce, but the half-and-half provides a slightly lighter texture while still being creamy.

Conclusion

Tuscan Grilled Chicken Pasta is the perfect meal when you want something flavorful, filling, and quick to prepare. With juicy grilled chicken, fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, it’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta is sure to impress and satisfy every time!

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