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OLIVE GARDEN TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA centered hero view, clean and uncluttered
Thomas Baker

Olive Garden Tuscan Chicken Pasta Easy Weeknight Dinner

Enjoy a delicious and comforting Olive Garden Tuscan Chicken Pasta that's perfect for an easy dinner or a family weeknight meal. This creamy pasta dinner features tender chicken breasts, fresh spinach, roasted red peppers, and a rich garlic-parmesan sauce, making it a flavorful Tuscan chicken recipe the whole family will love.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 1087

Ingredients
  

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 2 Tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic minced
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 Tablespoons flour
  • 1 ½ cups chicken stock
  • ¼ cup white wine
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half and half
  • ⅛ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 Tablespoon dried parsley
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 pound fettuccine
  • ½ cup roasted red peppers strips or chopped or 1 fresh red bell pepper
  • 2 cups fresh spinach or 1 cup frozen
  • 2 heads roasted garlic

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until just before al dente, then drain and keep aside with some pasta water reserved in case the sauce needs thinning.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and season the flour with salt and pepper in a shallow dish.
  3. Coat each chicken breast lightly with the seasoned flour, shaking off the excess, then brown the chicken for about 5 minutes on each side until fully cooked, then set aside.
  4. In the same pot used for the pasta, melt the butter over medium heat and stir in the minced garlic and garlic powder, cooking until aromatic for around 30 seconds.
  5. Whisk in the flour until it forms a smooth paste and then gradually add chicken stock, white wine, and heavy cream while stirring to blend.
  6. Season the sauce with red pepper flakes, dried parsley, and salt, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and then fold in the spinach, red peppers, and peeled roasted garlic cloves, allowing the spinach to wilt over about 2 minutes.
  8. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, tossing well to coat, and adjust the consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  9. Serve the creamy pasta immediately topped with the cooked chicken breasts for a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Malfadine pasta with wavy edges can be used for a more authentic texture, but fettuccine works great as a substitute. If using fresh red bell pepper, add it to the sauce after simmering the liquids to retain a bit more crunch. Roasted garlic adds a lovely sweetness; consider making extra to keep in your fridge for quick flavor boosts in other dishes.