Creamy Tuscan Chicken Spaghetti with Roasted Tomatoes and Bacon

If you love creamy pasta dishes, this Tuscan-inspired spaghetti is about to become your new favorite. Tender chicken cutlets are seasoned with a warm spice blend and pan-seared until golden, then served over al dente spaghetti coated in a luscious cream cheese and Parmesan sauce. Oven-roasted tomatoes and garlic add a sweet, tangy depth that balances the richness beautifully.

Crispy bacon crumbles and a final shower of Parmesan bring everything together for a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish that feels special enough for company but simple enough for a weeknight. Serve it with a side salad or crusty bread to round out the feast.

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Ingredients

4 tablespoon Cream CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 clove GarlicView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon Parmesan CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 unit TomatoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

12 ounce Chicken CutletsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Tuscan Heat SpiceView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce SpaghettiView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce BaconView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 teaspoon (tsp) Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) Cooking OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

3 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and 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.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil and drizzle with oil. Arrange tomato wedges skin-side down on the sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, 1 teaspoon Tuscan Heat Spice (2 teaspoons for 4 servings), salt and pepper. Place the garlic packet on the sheet. Roast on the middle rack until tomatoes are just wilted, 20-25 minutes.
3. 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.
4. When water is boiling, add spaghetti and cook until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Reserve ¾ cup pasta cooking water (1½ cups for 4 servings), then drain. Keep the empty pot handy.
5. 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 used for bacon over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, 5-7 minutes per side. Cover to keep warm.
6. Once garlic is roasted, carefully remove from the 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) until smooth. Turn off heat; season with salt and pepper.
7. Add spaghetti to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. If needed, add more pasta water a splash at a time to reach desired creaminess. Season with salt and pepper. Slice chicken and serve over spaghetti alongside roasted tomatoes. Garnish with bacon and remaining Parmesan.

Recipe Tips

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 with a splash of water or milk to restore creaminess.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit the chicken and bacon and add roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. Use vegetable broth instead of pasta water for extra flavor.