Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 3 boneless skinless chicken thighs; 3/4 tbsp smoked sweet paprika; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 3/4 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil (from the jar of sun-dried tomatoes); 12 oz farfalle pasta; 2 tbsp butter; 2 tbsp dried shallots; 2 tbsp minced garlic; 1 tbsp minced onion; 3 tbsp Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten-free flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded parmesan; 1/4 cup diced sun-dried tomatoes; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 cup diced spinach; 1 tbsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp smoked sweet paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; Chopped fresh basil

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This creamy gluten-free chicken farfalle is pure comfort in a bowl—tender chicken thighs, ribbons of farfalle pasta, and a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce with sun dried tomatoes and spinach. Each cozy forkful combines savory flavors and a deeply satisfying sauce, thanks to distinctive Ingredients like smoked paprika and sun dried tomato oil. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you’re craving a restaurant-worthy meal at home!

Creamy Tuscan Chicken with Pasta - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s make magic with a handful of vibrant, everyday Ingredients that each play a starring role in this dish. Every scoop and sprinkle unlocks more flavor, color, or texture—so don’t skip a single one!

Boneless skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and flavorful, these are the protein backbone of your pasta.
Smoked sweet paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smokiness that brings depth to the entire sauce.
Italian seasoning: A punchy, aromatic blend for both chicken and sauce layers.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that let every ingredient shine.
Sun dried tomato oil: Use this instead of regular oil for fantastic tomato intensity right from the start.
Farfalle pasta (12 oz): The classic bow tie shape catches all that luscious sauce! Use a gluten-free version for celiacs or anyone avoiding wheat.
Butter: Coats aromatics, giving richness and a glossy base to the sauce.
Dried shallots, minced garlic, and minced onion: These three lay the bold, savory foundation under the creamy sauce.
Bob’s Red Mill 1:1 gluten free flour: Thickens the sauce without any grit—just silky smoothness.
Chicken broth: Adds depth and body to the sauce while blending all other flavors beautifully.
Heavy cream: Delivers that dreamy, creamy texture which makes this meal so craveable.
Shredded parmesan: Salty and nutty, it melts perfectly into the sauce for irresistible cheesiness.
Sun dried tomatoes: Chewy, punchy bites that stud the dish with sweetness and tang.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the sauce’s tomato flavor with every spoonful.
Spinach: A pop of green, a little nutrition, and lovely contrast to the creamy cheese.
Chopped fresh basil (for garnish): Bright, herbal, and absolutely refreshing at the finish!

How to Make Ingredients

Step 1: Season and Prep the Chicken

Start by giving your chicken thighs a quick rinse and then patting them dry with paper towels. This simple step ensures the seasonings will stick and gives you better browning. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken with smoked sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. The mixture instantly wakes up the chicken and ensures every bite is flavorful.

Step 2: Sear and Cook the Chicken

Heat your beloved sun dried tomato oil in a large skillet over medium. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken and let each side sear for 3 minutes. This locks in moisture and forms a golden crust. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and cook for another 6 to 10 minutes until the chicken reaches 165°F internally. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it cool as you get into pasta mode!

Step 3: Boil the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, set a big pot of salted water to boil. Drop in the farfalle and cook based on your package’s “al dente” directions—it should be tender but still slightly firm. Once it’s ready, drain and set aside so it’s all set to be folded into the sauce later.

Step 4: Sauté Aromatics and Start the Sauce

Place your trusty skillet (no need to wash it—those browned bits are pure flavor!) back on medium-low. Melt the butter, then add dried shallots, minced garlic and onion, sun dried tomatoes, tomato paste, plus that harmonious duo of Italian seasoning and paprika. Sprinkle in a bit of salt to help everything sweat and sizzle until fragrant—about 2 minutes. Next, stir in the gluten free flour and let it coat the veggies, setting the stage for the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Build and Finish the Sauce

Slowly pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to dissolve any lumps. Add the diced spinach straight into the skillet. Let the sauce bubble and thicken (you’ll know it’s ready when it starts clinging to the spoon and the spinach is wilted). At this moment, dump in the parmesan and stir until the sauce turns silky and glossy—utterly irresistible!

Step 6: Add Chicken and Pasta

Dice the chicken thighs into bite-sized pieces. Gently add both the chicken and drained pasta into your skillet of sauce. Toss or stir carefully so every bow tie is coated. The result: a glossy, beautifully colored pasta bowl that’s packed with flavor. Top everything with chopped fresh basil and get ready to swoon.

How to Serve Ingredients

Garnishes

The simplest, most magical garnish here is a generous handful of chopped fresh basil. Sprinkle it right before serving for a fresh, aromatic spark. You can even add extra parmesan on top, or a little lemon zest for added brightness—both Ingredients truly enhance each mouthful.

Side Dishes

This creamy chicken farfalle is a meal in itself, but a simple side salad with peppery arugula, cucumbers, and a lemony vinaigrette makes it sing. Garlic bread or gluten-free crostini are also wonderful for scooping up any luscious sauce left behind. Just keep the sides light to let the main dish’s Ingredients stand out.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your pasta in warm, shallow bowls for that trattoria feel, letting the sauce pool around. For a dinner party, try piling the creamy chicken farfalle into a large white platter and finishing with an extra flourish of basil and tomatoes. Or, spoon into smaller ramekins for individual portions—great for a fun family-style table where the Ingredients are guaranteed to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have any leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container as soon as possible. The creamy sauce and vibrant Ingredients will keep best for up to 3 days in the fridge. Pasta and chicken mingle even more overnight, so the flavors deepen and meld beautifully.

Freezing

This is one of those dishes with dairy and delicate veggies, so freezing can change the texture. If you want to try, freeze portions in airtight bags for up to 1 month. It’s best to undercook the pasta slightly before freezing, as it softens during reheating. Remember to label the bag with the date and main Ingredients so you’ll know exactly what’s waiting for you.

Reheating

To keep that sauce creamy, reheat gently over medium-low heat in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to avoid drying out the Ingredients. Stir frequently, and if using the microwave, do so in 30-second bursts with a cover to trap in moisture. Top with a bit more basil or parmesan to freshen up leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works just fine if that’s what you have. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may dry out faster than thighs, so pull it from the pan as soon as it’s cooked through to keep it juicy.

What can I use if I don’t have sun dried tomato oil?

If you’re out of sun dried tomato oil, a good olive oil will do the trick. You can even add a tablespoon of chopped sun dried tomatoes to the oil as it heats for a similar flavor burst. This helps keep the recipe’s signature richness in every bite.

Is there a dairy-free swap for the heavy cream and parmesan?

Yes! Use full-fat coconut milk or a creamy almond-based substitute for the heavy cream, and a vegan parmesan or nutritional yeast for the cheesy finish. The rest of the Ingredients remain unchanged, making this dish easily adaptable for dairy-free preferences.

What’s the best gluten free pasta to use?

Choose your favorite! Most major brands now offer gluten free farfalle that holds its shape well. Just make sure to cook it slightly under al dente since it continues to soften in the sauce. That way, your Ingredients will be perfectly textured every time.

Can I make this ahead for meal prep?

Definitely. You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead, and store in separate containers. On the day of serving, boil fresh pasta and combine everything for a just-made taste. The Ingredients are just as delicious when prepped in advance—making dinner a breeze!

Final Thoughts

This creamy gluten-free chicken farfalle is a celebration of simple, memorable Ingredients. Each bite brings the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and fresh. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how effortless yet restaurant-worthy it feels right from your own kitchen!