Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

A Rich & Delicious 30-Minute Meal

There’s something magical about twirling your fork through a plate of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta that just feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. This dreamy Italian-inspired dish combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a decadent garlic cream sauce that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. The best part? It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen.

I first created this recipe after a trip to Florence where I fell in love with the simple yet bold flavors of Tuscan cuisine. The combination of creamy sauce with the slight tanginess of sun-dried tomatoes creates a perfect harmony that’s hard to resist. Unlike my popular One-Pot Chicken Alfredo that features a classic cheese sauce, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta brings in those Mediterranean flavors that transport you straight to the Italian countryside.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week ahead, or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this pasta dish is guaranteed to impress. It’s one of those rare recipes that feels special enough for company but easy enough for a Monday night. So grab your favorite pasta pot and let’s create a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen!

What is Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta?

Ever wondered what makes a pasta dish “Tuscan”? Is it a secret ingredient straight from the rolling hills of Italy? Or perhaps it’s blessed by Italian grandmothers before serving? While I can’t claim any nonna’s blessing on this recipe, Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta gets its name from the classic flavor combination that originates from the Tuscany region of Italy. The sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and creamy sauce create that distinctive taste that’s become synonymous with Tuscan-inspired dishes across America.

They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, but honestly, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta has been known to win over everyone’s heart regardless of gender! It’s the kind of meal that makes you look like you’ve spent all day cooking, when really, you’ve barely broken a sweat. Ready to bring a little taste of Tuscany to your dinner table tonight?

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta:

If you’re still on the fence about making this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, let me share why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your meal rotation. First and foremost, the luxurious cream sauce is absolute perfection – silky smooth with just the right balance of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasonings that coat every bite of pasta and chicken. It’s indulgent without being heavy, allowing the flavors of each ingredient to shine through.

Making this restaurant-quality dish at home will save you significant money compared to ordering it at your favorite Italian eatery. With simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry or easy to find at any grocery store, you can create a gourmet meal for a fraction of the restaurant price. Plus, you’ll get generous portions that might even provide leftovers for lunch the next day!

The combination of sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach not only adds beautiful color to the dish but also brings nutritional value and complex flavors. The tomatoes add a sweet-tart punch that cuts through the richness of the cream, while the spinach wilts perfectly into the sauce, adding a subtle earthiness. Unlike my Simple Chicken Spaghetti recipe that uses a tomato-based sauce, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta offers a richer, more indulgent experience that I guarantee will have you licking your plate clean!

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta:

Quick Overview

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The creamy garlic-parmesan sauce is the star of this dish – it’s velvety smooth and coats every strand of pasta perfectly. With juicy chicken pieces, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach folded in, you get a complete meal that’s both satisfying and impressive.

Key Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta:

• 1 pound fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
2. Season and cook the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of the Italian seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Start the sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to release their flavors.
4. Create the creamy base: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Add the remaining Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Add cheese and spinach: Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
6. Combine everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
7. Finish and serve: Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

What to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta With:

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is quite hearty on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your meal to a complete dining experience. A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh, peppery contrast to the rich, creamy pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty Italian loaf is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce – trust me, you won’t want to waste a drop!

For a more substantial meal, roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers add color and nutrition. If you’re entertaining, start with an antipasto platter featuring olives, marinated artichokes, and prosciutto. As for beverages, a crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy sauce beautifully, while a sparkling water with lemon works wonderfully for a non-alcoholic option.

Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta:

• Use room temperature cream: Take your heavy cream out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking. Room temperature cream incorporates more smoothly into the sauce and reduces the risk of curdling.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Aim for al dente pasta as it will continue cooking slightly when added to the hot sauce. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and won’t hold up well in the creamy sauce.
• Freshly grate your Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully and creates that silky texture we’re looking for.
• Ingredient substitutions: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half mixed with 1 tablespoon of cornstarch. For a lighter version, substitute half the cream with additional chicken broth. Baby kale works well in place of spinach, and if you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers can provide a similar sweet-tangy flavor.
• Control the thickness: If your sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out. Conversely, if it’s too thin, simmer it a bit longer or add a little more cheese.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or planned leftovers. To store properly, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken considerably when chilled, which is completely normal.

When reheating, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to revive the creamy texture. For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from separating. If using a microwave, cover the pasta and heat at 50% power, stirring halfway through.

While this dish can technically be frozen for up to 1 month, cream-based sauces tend to separate when thawed, affecting the texture. If you do freeze it, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight before reheating slowly with additional liquid to bring the sauce back together.

Recipe Schema Markup:

Preparation Time: PT10M (ISO 8601 duration format)
Cooking Time: PT20M (ISO 8601 duration format)
Total Time: PT30M (ISO 8601 duration format)
Type of recipe: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Tuscan chicken pasta, creamy pasta recipe, Italian chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, sun-dried tomato pasta, spinach chicken pasta
Recipe Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 580 per serving

Recipe Ingredients:

• 1 pound fettuccine or penne pasta
• 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh basil for garnish

Pros:

• Ready in just 30 minutes
• Uses simple ingredients found in most kitchens
• Perfect balance of creamy sauce and flavorful add-ins
• Makes excellent leftovers
• Impressive enough for guests but easy enough for weeknights
• Customizable with different pasta shapes or protein options

Cons:

• Higher in calories due to cream and cheese
• Not suitable for those with dairy allergies
• Sauce can separate if reheated improperly
• Best served immediately for optimal texture

Recipe Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package directions in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Sauté in olive oil until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan.
3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minute.
4. Add heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing to a gentle simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Stir in remaining Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Reduce heat and gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese until melted.
7. Add spinach and stir until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
8. Return chicken to skillet and add drained pasta, tossing to coat with sauce.
9. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
10. Season to taste and garnish with fresh basil before serving.