Creamy Tuscan Chicken Bowtie Pasta Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To enhance the flavor profile, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes when simmering the sauce if you enjoy a subtle hint of heat.

Another great addition is freshly grated parmesan cheese stirred in at the very end, which adds a salty, nutty depth that complements the cream and spinach perfectly. Always taste your sauce before adding salt, as sun-dried tomatoes can already be quite salty.

If you find yourself with extra sauce, it is perfect for tossing with roasted vegetables or even using as a base for a quick chicken soup. When reheating, the sauce may thicken up significantly due to the starch in the pasta.

Simply add a tablespoon or two of water or milk while reheating over low heat to bring the sauce back to its original, velvety consistency without compromising the overall quality.

Variations

• Spicy Tuscan Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes during the sauce phase to give the dish a pleasant spicy kick that cuts through the richness of the cream.
• Mushroom Tuscan Pasta: Sauté 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms along with the chicken to add an earthy flavor and extra texture to the finished dish.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool to room temperature within 2 hours before refrigerating.

Freezer

Not recommended, as the cream-based sauce may separate and the pasta texture will degrade upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or milk to loosen the sauce until heated through.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the pasta has cooled to room temperature for no more than 2 hours before placing it in the fridge to maintain safety and quality. When storing, try to keep the pasta and chicken submerged in the sauce as much as possible to prevent them from drying out during the storage period.

You can prepare the chicken and the sauce base a day in advance and store them separately. When you are ready to serve, simply boil fresh pasta, reheat the sauce and chicken together in a skillet, and combine. This method ensures that the pasta stays fresh and does not become mushy, which can happen if it is cooked too far in advance or stored in the sauce for too long.

Serving ideas

Serve this dish in shallow, wide pasta bowls to showcase the beautiful colors of the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad of arugula or mixed greens tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy sauce.

For an extra touch, garnish each plate with a few extra pieces of sun-dried tomato or a light sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Because this is a hearty and filling main course, keep the side dishes simple. A piece of crusty bread is excellent for mopping up any remaining sauce left on the plate.

If you are hosting, you can serve the pasta directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation that keeps the food warm longer, allowing everyone to help themselves to as much or as little as they like.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Prep 10 minCook 20 minRest 5 minTotal 35 minServes 4

Ingredients

• 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz bowtie pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest for at least 5 minutes.
2. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and stir to combine. Continue to cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly. Fold in the fresh spinach, stirring constantly until it begins to wilt into the sauce.
3. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and the seared chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the creamy Tuscan sauce. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each portion gets a generous amount of sauce, chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Contains: gluten, milk

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

650

Protein

35 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

32 g

Fiber

3 g

Sugar

5 g

Sodium

450 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.