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Copycat Carrabba’s Tuscan Sun Chicken

You may also like this Olive Garden Pasta dish!

Copycat Carrabba’s Tuscan Sun Chicken

The flavors were rich, comforting, bright, and absolutely unforgettable.

As soon as I got back home to Canada, I started testing recipes until I finally created this homemade copycat version — and honestly, it tastes just as good as the restaurant version, maybe even better.

This Copycat Carrabba’s Tuscan Sun Chicken is creamy, savory, slightly tangy, and packed with restaurant-quality flavor while being easy enough to make at home on a busy weeknight.

If you love creamy pasta dishes with grilled chicken and Tuscan-inspired flavors, this recipe is going to become one of your new favorites.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Restaurant-quality at home
  • Creamy lemon garlic sauce
  • Juicy seasoned chicken
  • Easy family dinner recipe
  • Perfect for date nights
  • Better than takeout
  • Ready in about 35 minutes

Tips for the Best Tuscan Sun Chicken

  • Fresh parmesan melts best into the sauce.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken breasts or they’ll dry out.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
  • Use oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.
  • Fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish beautifully.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently with a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.

How To Make Copycat Carrabba’s Tuscan Sun Chicken

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.

Drain and set aside.


Step 2: Season the Chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.


Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the chicken breasts for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.

Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.


Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds.

Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning.

Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach and simmer until the spinach wilts.


Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss until fully coated.

Top with sliced chicken breasts and extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Copycat Carrabba’s Tuscan Sun Chicken

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Copycat Carrabba’s Tuscan Sun Chicken

Copycat Carrabba’s Tuscan Sun Chicken

Yield: 3
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

  • For the Chicken
  • 2 large chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • For the Tuscan Cream Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Instructions

Instructions

    Step 1: Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.

    Drain and set aside.

    Step 2: Season the Chicken

    Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

    Step 3: Cook the Chicken

    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

    Cook the chicken breasts for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.

    Remove from the skillet and let rest before slicing.

    Step 4: Make the Sauce

    In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the garlic for about 30 seconds.

    Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning.

    Whisk until smooth and creamy.

    Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach and simmer until the spinach wilts.

    Step 5: Combine Everything

    Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss until fully coated.

    Top with sliced chicken breasts and extra parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 3 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1140Total Fat: 72gSaturated Fat: 39gUnsaturated Fat: 33gCholesterol: 254mgSodium: 1956mgCarbohydrates: 61gFiber: 8gSugar: 5gProtein: 64g

These calculations are based off Nutritionix

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