Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a cozy, restaurant-style dinner you can make at home in under an hour. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and Parmesan come together in a luxuriously creamy sauce tossed with pasta. It’s a one-pan, family-friendly dish perfect for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for an easy, crowd-pleasing dinner idea you’ll want to make again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy, comforting pasta that feels like an Italian restaurant dish.
- Simple ingredients but big on flavor.
- Ready in 35–40 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Pairs beautifully with salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies.
- Easily adaptable—use your favorite pasta shape or adjust the spice level.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work well)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate.
- Make the sauce – In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
- Add cream base – Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Melt the cheese – Stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Combine everything – Add spinach and let it wilt. Return chicken to the skillet, then toss in pasta until well coated.
- Serve – Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.
Tips & Variations
- Substitute half-and-half for cream for a lighter sauce.
- Add mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Swap chicken with shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze without pasta (just the chicken and sauce) for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Garlic bread or focaccia makes the perfect side.
- Pair with roasted asparagus or sautéed zucchini.
- A sparkling water with lemon or a light iced tea complements the meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is creamy Tuscan chicken pasta?
It’s a pasta dish featuring seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan in a creamy garlic sauce, inspired by rustic Tuscan flavors.
What are some common mistakes when making Tuscan chicken?
Overcooking the chicken, adding cheese too quickly (causing clumps), and using too much cream without balancing with broth are common mistakes.
What pasta is best for Tuscan chicken?
Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, while fettuccine or linguine makes it extra luxurious.
What is the best cheese for Tuscan pasta?
Freshly grated Parmesan is traditional, but Pecorino Romano or Asiago can also add a delicious salty depth.
Ready to Make It?
This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is comfort food at its best—rich, flavorful, and simple to prepare. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a cozy dinner, this recipe will quickly become a family favorite. Don’t forget to save it to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it anytime!
You Might Also Like
- Autumn Spice Cake – Cozy spiced fall dessert.
- Caramel Apple Crisp – Warm apples with crisp topping.
- Popcorn Balls – Sweet, crunchy party treat.
- Cinnamon Sugar Sweet Focaccia – Fluffy bread with cinnamon sugar.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and creamy Tuscan chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan in a garlic cream sauce.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
2 chicken breasts, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook chicken until golden.
3. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, sauté briefly.
4. Pour in chicken broth and cream, simmer until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in parmesan and spinach until wilted.
6. Add cooked pasta, toss to coat, and serve hot.
Notes
Best served immediately. Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 880 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg