If you love creamy pasta dishes, this Tuscan-inspired spaghetti is about to become a new favorite. Juicy chicken cutlets seasoned with Tuscan heat spice, crispy bacon and al dente spaghetti are all brought together in a luscious, cheesy sauce made with cream cheese and Parmesan. Oven-roasted tomatoes and garlic add a sweet, savory depth that elevates every bite.
This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special. The combination of smoky bacon, tender chicken and rich, creamy sauce is sure to satisfy any pasta craving. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread for a complete meal.
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Recipe details
Nutrition per serving
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Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in the middle. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry produce. Cut each tomato into 6 wedges. Place the whole garlic clove on a small piece of aluminum foil, drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper, then fold into a packet.
- Line a baking sheet with foil and drizzle with oil. Place tomato wedges skin side down on the sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon Tuscan Heat Spice (2 teaspoons for 4 servings), salt and pepper. Place the garlic packet on the sheet. Roast until tomatoes are just wilted, 20-25 minutes.
- While tomatoes roast, heat a large dry pan over medium-high heat. Add bacon and cook, turning occasionally, until crispy, 6-10 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate. Once cool, roughly chop. Wipe out the pan.
- Once water is boiling, add spaghetti and cook until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Reserve ¾ cup pasta water (1½ cups for 4 servings), then drain. Keep the empty pot handy.
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1 teaspoon Tuscan Heat Spice (2 teaspoons for 4 servings), salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, 5-7 minutes per side. Turn off heat and cover to keep warm.
- When garlic is done roasting, carefully remove from foil. In the pasta pot, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat. Add 1 teaspoon Tuscan Heat Spice and the roasted garlic; mash with a spoon. Stir in ⅔ cup reserved pasta water, cream cheese, half the Parmesan and 2 tablespoons butter (for 4 servings: 1 cup water, 3 tablespoons butter). Cook until smooth. Turn off heat and season with salt and pepper.
- Add spaghetti to the sauce and toss to coat. If needed, add more pasta water a splash at a time until creamy. Season with salt and pepper. Slice chicken. Serve spaghetti topped with chicken, roasted tomatoes, bacon and remaining Parmesan.
Recipe Tips
For extra flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
You can substitute chicken thighs for cutlets; adjust cooking time as needed.
FAQ
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, any long pasta like fettuccine or linguine works well. Adjust cooking time according to package directions.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the chicken and bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for a hearty vegetarian version.


























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