This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe that instantly makes you feel like you’ve got your life together even if there are toys on the floor and you forgot about spirit week again. It’s indulgent but not over-the-top, easy but still fancy feeling. Think tender seared chicken, a velvety garlic parmesan sauce, and bursts of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and spinach… all twirled into dreamy pasta perfection.
And here’s the kicker it all comes together in one pot, in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your partner, your kiddos, or just need a solo pick-me-up that tastes like it came from a trattoria in Tuscany, this one’s a keeper.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Everything cooks in one pot less mess, more magic
- Rich and creamy without feeling too heavy
- Features those bold flavors you love: garlic, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken
- You can easily adapt it into a creamy Tuscan chicken pasta soup with a splash more broth
- It’s hands down one of the best creamy Tuscan chicken pasta recipes you’ll try
This is the weeknight dinner upgrade your kitchen (and your taste buds) deserve.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Picture this: sautéed garlic, golden chicken, sweet sun-dried tomatoes, and wilted spinach all swimming in a silky, parmesan cream sauce. Sound like a dream? That’s what this pasta is.
You’ll use boneless chicken breast or thighs, garlic, onion, heavy cream, sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and your favorite pasta fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work beautifully. Don’t forget the freshly grated parmesan cheese… it’s non-negotiable.
You’ll find the full ingredient list and measurements in the recipe card directly below this article.
How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. Sear it in a hot skillet until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside you’ll slice it and return it to the pot later.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed and sauté your onions and garlic until fragrant. This step builds the flavorful base for your creamy sauce.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then stir in your chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Bring it to a gentle simmer and watch the sauce start to thicken slightly. It already smells amazing.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add uncooked pasta straight into the creamy mixture. Let it cook right in the sauce, absorbing all those flavors. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Finish with Flavor
Once the pasta is nearly done, stir in the spinach until it wilts, then add grated parmesan. Return the sliced chicken to the pot and give it a few stirs until everything is beautifully coated.
Want a Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Soup Version?
You totally can. Just increase the broth by 1–2 cups, add the pasta already cooked, and ladle into bowls for a creamy Tuscan chicken pasta soup that’s cozy enough to chase away any chill.
Nutrition Facts (Estimated)
- Calories per serving: 540
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Calcium: High from all that creamy parmesan goodness
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Kitchen Tips for the Best Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Freshly grated parmesan melts better and gives that silky texture skips the green can
- Want a little heat? A pinch of red pepper flakes goes a long way
- Don’t overcook the spinach just wilt it right at the end
- You can use rotisserie chicken to speed things up
- Gluten-free? Swap in your favorite GF pasta
How to Serve This Creamy Dream
This pasta shines all on its own, but if you’re feeling extra, pair it with a crisp Caesar salad or garlic bread that’s got a serious crunch. Pour a glass of white wine (or iced tea, no judgment), and you’re officially dining Tuscan-style even if the dishwasher’s still full.
Storage and Leftovers That Actually Taste Good
Leftovers? You’re in luck. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess.
Freezing is possible, though the sauce might separate a bit still tasty, just stir well when reheating.
Want to prep ahead? Cook the chicken and store it separately. When you’re ready, just make the sauce and toss everything together.
A Little Story from My Kitchen
This Tuscan chicken pasta recipe became my “I need to impress someone with minimal effort” go-to. The first time I made it, my husband said, “This tastes like it came from a restaurant.” My picky daughter? She asked for seconds… of spinach. So yeah, miracles happen.
FAQs About Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce won’t be as rich. For a lighter version, try half-and-half or add a bit of cream cheese for body.
What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Fettuccine, penne, or bowtie pasta all work great. The sauce clings nicely to shapes with ridges or folds.
Can I make this dairy-free?
You could try using coconut cream and a dairy-free parmesan, though it’ll shift the flavor slightly.
How do I make it more like creamy Tuscan chicken pasta soup?
Add 1–2 cups of extra chicken broth and cook the pasta separately. This gives you a more broth-forward, slurpable version.
Is this the same as the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Delish version?
This one’s similar in flavor but cooked all in one pot for easier cleanup and richer texture. Some say it’s better just saying.
Can I use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil?
Yes! Just drain them well (but save a spoon of that oil for sautéing it adds serious flavor).
Does this freeze well?
The sauce might separate a bit when reheated from frozen, but it’s still tasty. Stir well and add a splash of cream to smooth it out.
How can I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or stir in a little Calabrian chili paste for bold Tuscan heat.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re looking for a romantic dinner, a comforting bowl on a cold night, or the best creamy Tuscan chicken pasta to win over even the pickiest eaters, this one’s a no-brainer. Rich, flavorful, and filled with crowd-pleasing ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta with sun-dried tomatoes will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Scroll down to grab the full recipe card, complete with step-by-step instructions and all the ingredients you’ll need to bring a little bit of Tuscany into your home.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken breasts sliced thin
- 1 small onion diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1.5 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz pasta penne or fettuccine
- 1 cup parmesan cheese grated
- 3 cups baby spinach loosely packed
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, add onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Add uncooked pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10–12 minutes or until pasta is tender.
- Stir in parmesan and spinach. Add cooked chicken back to the skillet. Simmer for 2–3 more minutes until creamy and well combined.