There’s something magical about a bowl of creamy pasta that warms both the heart and the belly—and Tuscan Chicken Pasta does exactly that. With tender seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich garlic cream sauce clinging to every bite of al dente pasta, this dish delivers Italian-inspired comfort in the most satisfying way.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, prepping for a romantic dinner at home, or just craving something creamy and soul-soothing, this Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
It’s hearty, easy to make, and bursting with flavor from pantry staples and a few elegant touches.
This dish is a little piece of Italy in your kitchen—and it comes together in under an hour.
I first stumbled across the concept of Tuscan chicken during a trip to Florence in college.
We were exhausted from walking cobblestone alleys when we ducked into a small trattoria near the Arno River.
There, I had the most indulgent pasta dish—simple yet so flavorful, it made everything else on the trip blur in memory.
Creamy, garlicky, and laced with sun-dried tomatoes, it felt like eating sunshine in a bowl.
When I came home, I couldn’t stop thinking about it—and eventually recreated it with some tweaks.
This is my take on that unforgettable dish, bringing a bit of Tuscany into your kitchen no matter where you are.
Why You’ll Love This
1. Rich and Creamy Flavor with a Fresh Twist
The luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce coats the pasta perfectly, while the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach add a vibrant contrast. The balance between creamy and tangy is just right—not too heavy, but undeniably indulgent. It feels like a restaurant-quality dish made right in your own kitchen.
2. One-Pan Wonder with Minimal Cleanup
Tuscan Chicken Pasta is mostly a one-skillet meal, especially if you cook the pasta in advance. It’s perfect for weeknights when you want to make something special but without a mountain of dishes waiting afterward. You’ll spend more time enjoying the meal than cleaning up.
3. Family-Friendly and Crowd-Pleaser
This dish checks all the boxes: it’s comforting, cheesy, filling, and colorful. Kids love it for the creamy texture and cheesy pasta, while adults appreciate the depth added by garlic, herbs, and sun-dried tomatoes. Serve it at gatherings, and watch the compliments roll in.
4. Easy to Customize for Different Diets or Preferences
Whether you’re looking to make it gluten-free, swap the chicken for shrimp, or add more veggies like mushrooms or broccoli, this dish adapts beautifully. You can even make it low-carb by skipping the pasta and serving the creamy chicken over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Cuisine Type: Italian-American
- Servings: 4 generous portions
- Estimated Cost: $15–$18 total
Equipment Needed:
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Tongs or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Colander
- Grater (for Parmesan)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 1½ cups heavy cream (or use half-and-half for a lighter version)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini work great)
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish (optional)
Optional Substitutes:
- Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for dairy-free.
- Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or peas for extra texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta boils, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add to the skillet. Sear for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to release their flavor.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and thickened—about 3–4 minutes.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Return Chicken
Fold the chopped spinach into the sauce and stir until wilted. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 more minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving Approx.)
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 37g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 34g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Vitamin A: 45% DV
- Calcium: 30% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
Tips for Success
1. Don’t Overcook the Chicken
Searing the chicken until just cooked ensures it stays tender and juicy. Overcooking can lead to dryness, so use a meat thermometer if needed—165°F is your magic number.
2. Use High-Quality Parmesan
Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture. Grate fresh Parmesan for the smoothest, richest sauce.
3. Save Pasta Water
This starchy liquid is great for adjusting sauce consistency without thinning out flavor. Always reserve a little before draining your pasta.
4. Add Veggies for Variety
This dish loves add-ins. Broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini all pair beautifully and increase the nutritional value.
Common Questions
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but it won’t be as creamy. If using milk, add 1 tablespoon of flour or cornstarch to help thicken the sauce.
What pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne, rotini, or bowties hold the sauce well. Fettuccine is a classic alternative for a more luxurious texture.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Double-check that your sun-dried tomatoes and chicken broth are certified gluten-free too.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make the sauce and chicken a day ahead and store separately. Reheat gently on the stove and combine with freshly cooked pasta for best results.
Variations & Substitutions
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the pasta and serve over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower mash.
- Protein Swap: Try cooked shrimp, turkey breast, or tofu instead of chicken.
- Spice it Up: Add more chili flakes or a dash of Cajun seasoning for heat lovers.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette.
A side of warm garlic bread or focaccia is perfect for mopping up the sauce.
A glass of dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the richness beautifully.
Serve it as a date night dinner, or as a comforting weekend treat after a long week.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Avoid freezing, as cream-based sauces tend to separate when thawed.
If prepping for the week, keep pasta and sauce separate until serving for best texture.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes drained and sliced
- 2 cups baby spinach roughly chopped
- 1½ cups heavy cream or use half-and-half for a lighter version
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces pasta penne, fettuccine, or rotini work great
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
Optional Substitutes
- Swap heavy cream with coconut cream for dairy-free.
- Use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or peas for extra texture.
Instructions
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
- While the pasta boils, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add to the skillet. Sear for about 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and toss in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1–2 minutes, stirring frequently to release their flavor.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the grated Parmesan until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and thickened—about 3–4 minutes.
- Fold the chopped spinach into the sauce and stir until wilted. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2–3 more minutes so the flavors meld.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving.
Notes
Searing the chicken until just cooked ensures it stays tender and juicy. Overcooking can lead to dryness, so use a meat thermometer if needed—165°F is your magic number. 2. Use High-Quality Parmesan
Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture. Grate fresh Parmesan for the smoothest, richest sauce. 3. Save Pasta Water
This starchy liquid is great for adjusting sauce consistency without thinning out flavor. Always reserve a little before draining your pasta. 4. Add Veggies for Variety
This dish loves add-ins. Broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini all pair beautifully and increase the nutritional value.
Every bite of this Tuscan Chicken Pasta brings you closer to the sun-kissed hills of Italy, even if you’re just in your kitchen after a long workday.
It’s comforting, elegant, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for casual family dinners or special occasions.
Give this recipe a try the next time you need a warm, creamy escape.
Happy cooking, and buon appetito!
