Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and comforting meal that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, and Parmesan in a luscious creamy sauce. Served over pasta, this restaurant-style dish is surprisingly easy to make at home and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Tuscan chicken pasta recipe delivers big flavors with minimal effort. The creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and wilted spinach bring a perfect balance of richness and freshness. It’s a one-pan meal that’s both comforting and elegant, ideal for families or date night dinners.

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil), chopped
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 10 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite shape)
  • Optional: crushed red pepper flakes, for heat

Instructions

Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear chicken for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits. Reduce heat to medium, add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce thickens slightly. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

Return the cooked chicken to the pan, along with the drained pasta. Toss to coat everything in the sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.

Recipe Tips

  • For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly thinner.
  • You can use boneless thighs instead of breasts for more flavor.
  • Add mushrooms, peas, or roasted red peppers for extra vegetables.
  • Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with a crisp green salad and garlic bread. A glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio also complements the dish beautifully.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Can I use jarred Alfredo sauce instead of making the cream sauce from scratch?

Yes, for a shortcut, you can use Alfredo sauce. However, the homemade cream sauce with garlic and Parmesan adds much more flavor.

What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?

Fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or bowtie pasta work great. You want a shape that holds onto the sauce well.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead. Reheat and add cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Is this recipe freezer friendly?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, as creamy sauces can separate when frozen. You can freeze it, but expect some texture changes.

How do I make it spicier?

Add red pepper flakes to the sauce, or sauté a minced chili pepper with the garlic

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

  • Author: emma
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich, comforting dinner made with garlic, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. A quick and easy recipe perfect for any night of the week.


Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

3 cloves garlic, minced

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, chopped

2 cups baby spinach

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup chicken broth

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

10 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)

Optional: red pepper flakes


Instructions

1. Cook the pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sear for 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Pour in chicken broth and deglaze the pan. Add cream and simmer.

5. Stir in Parmesan until melted and sauce thickens. Add spinach and cook until wilted.

6. Return chicken and add cooked pasta. Toss until evenly coated. Serve hot.

Notes

Use half-and-half or milk to lighten the sauce if preferred.

Add mushrooms or peas for extra vegetables.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 620
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 115mg

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star