Basic Tuscan Chicken Penne Pasta

(Creamy, Comfort-Food Done Right)

Some of the best meals come together without a plan—just good ingredients, one pan, and trusting your instincts in the kitchen. This creamy Chicken Tuscan Penne is exactly that kind of dish. It’s rich, comforting, and comes together fast, making it perfect for a busy weeknight when you still want something that feels special.

No complicated steps. No long ingredient list. Just bold flavor and cozy vibes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One pan for the sauce (minimal cleanup)

• Simple seasoning, big flavor

• Creamy without being heavy

• Feels elevated but takes under 30 minutes

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 chicken breast cutlet, sliced in half and lightly pounded

• Paprika

• Cumin

• Salt & black pepper

• Olive oil

For the Sauce & Pasta

• Penne pasta, cooked al dente

• ½ small onion, finely diced

• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

• Fresh parsley, chopped

• Green onion, sliced

• ½ stick butter

• About 1 cup heavy cream (adjust to preference)

• Optional: grated Parmesan for finishing

How to Make Chicken Tuscan Penne

1. Season and Sear the Chicken

Season the chicken generously with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for about 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.Remove from the pan and set aside.

This step is key—the browned bits left in the pan are what give the sauce its depth.

2. Build the Sauce

Using the same pan (don’t clean it), add diced onion, garlic, parsley, and green onion.Add the butter and sauté until everything softens and becomes fragrant, scraping up the flavorful bits from the chicken.

3. Make It Creamy

Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for a few minutes until slightly thickened.Season again lightly with paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to balance the cream.

4. Add the Pasta

Toss the al dente penne directly into the sauce, stirring until every piece is coated.Let it cook together for 1–2 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavor.

5. Finish & Serve

Top the pasta with the seared chicken (sliced or whole).Finish with extra parsley and grated Parmesan if desired.

Serve warm and enjoy immediately.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Tuscan Penne is one of those recipes that feels indulgent but effortless—perfect for nights when you want comfort food without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s creamy, savory, and satisfying in the best way.

Save this one. You’ll be making it again.