We’ve incorporated Tuscan flavors into countless of our
weeknight dinners, including one of our most popular recipes of all time: creamy Tuscan chicken. We turn to this recipe so often, we decided to transform it into a pasta dinner to shake up your dinner rotation. We tossed crispy bacon, spinach, chicken breasts and spaghetti in our classic creamy Tuscan sauce for a hearty chicken pasta dinner that’s just as perfect for date night as it is for a simple and quick weeknight dinner.
Tuscan chicken pasta variations:
We think this pasta is perfect as is, but there are plenty of ways to shake it up based on what you have on hand. This pasta is all about simplicity—make it easy on yourself. We prefer spaghetti for this dish, but you can also use angel hair instead if you prefer. You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts if you prefer, or if you’re not feeling chicken, feel free to omit it! You can leave out the bacon if you want a fully vegetarian dish, but you’ll miss out on a lot of the key flavors. Not a spinach fan? Leave it out, or replace it with another favorite veggie.
Serving ideas:
We love to serve this dinner alongside all of our favorite side dishes for pasta, but some of our favorites include: homemade focaccia, Parmesan roasted green beans, and sheet-pan panzanella.
Storage:
If you have any pasta leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
We’ve incorporated Tuscan flavors into countless of our
weeknight dinners, including one of our most popular recipes of all time: creamy Tuscan chicken. We turn to this recipe so often, we decided to transform it into a pasta dinner to shake up your dinner rotation. We tossed crispy bacon, spinach, chicken breasts and spaghetti in our classic creamy Tuscan sauce for a hearty chicken pasta dinner that’s just as perfect for date night as it is for a simple and quick weeknight dinner.
Tuscan chicken pasta variations:
We think this pasta is perfect as is, but there are plenty of ways to shake it up based on what you have on hand. This pasta is all about simplicity—make it easy on yourself. We prefer spaghetti for this dish, but you can also use angel hair instead if you prefer. You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts if you prefer, or if you’re not feeling chicken, feel free to omit it! You can leave out the bacon if you want a fully vegetarian dish, but you’ll miss out on a lot of the key flavors. Not a spinach fan? Leave it out, or replace it with another favorite veggie.
Serving ideas:
We love to serve this dinner alongside all of our favorite side dishes for pasta, but some of our favorites include: homemade focaccia, Parmesan roasted green beans, and sheet-pan panzanella.
Storage:
If you have any pasta leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Made this recipe? Let us know how it went in the comments below!
- Yields:
-
4
serving(s)
- Prep Time:
- 20 mins
- Total Time:
- 45 mins
- Cal/Serv:
- 875
Directions
-
- Step 1
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
- Step 2Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Season chicken with salt and pepper and cook until golden and no longer pink inside, about 8 minutes per side. Let rest 10 minutes, then thinly slice.
- Step 3Meanwhile, in same skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crispy, 8 minutes. Drain on a paper towel–lined plate, then chop. Pour off half of fat from skillet.
- Step 4Add garlic, tomatoes, and spinach to skillet and cook over medium heat until fragrant and slightly wilted, 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then add heavy cream, Parmesan, and 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Step 5Add cooked pasta and toss until fully coated, then add chicken and bacon and toss until combined. (For a looser sauce, stir in more reserved pasta water.)
- Step 6Garnish with basil before serving.
- Step 1
Related Video: Creamy Tuscan Chicken
