Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A 30-Minute Delight

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary evening into something extraordinary. Rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, it’s no wonder this recipe is going viral across food blogs and home kitchens in America. Whether you’re cooking for your family or trying to impress guests, this pasta delivers restaurant-level satisfaction with minimal effort.

Inspired by Simply Home Cooked’s version of creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, this one-pot wonder is packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and penne pasta—all coated in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

  • Quick Weeknight Favorite: Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Flavor Bomb: Garlic, Parmesan, and Italian seasoning explode with every bite.
  • Creamy Comfort: That velvety sauce hugs every noodle perfectly.
  • Customizable: Toss in veggies or change up the protein.
Fresh ingredients for creamy Tuscan chicken pasta including raw chicken, penne, spinach, cream, butter, cheese, and spices.
A vibrant display of ingredients needed to make creamy Tuscan chicken pasta from scratch.

Ingredients

You don’t need a gourmet pantry—just simple ingredients to make this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta at home:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ⅛ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups baby spinach
  • 8 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
  • 3 cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ lb penne pasta

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Sear the Chicken to Perfection

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet and sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, transfer to a plate and cube the chicken.

Step-by-step process of cooking chicken for creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, from raw to seared and cubed.
A visual guide showing how to season, sear, and cube chicken for creamy Tuscan chicken pasta.

Boil the Pasta

While the chicken rests, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and let them cook for 2 minutes. This infuses the oil with robust flavor—essential for the perfect creamy Tuscan chicken pasta.

Make the Cream Sauce

Add the heavy cream and bring it to a light simmer. Slowly incorporate the Parmesan cheese, whisking until the sauce thickens into a luxurious coating.

Combine Everything

Add spinach to the sauce and let it wilt. Toss in the cooked pasta and chicken, stirring until everything is evenly coated with the sauce.

Serving Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Pair with garlic bread or a crisp Caesar salad for a complete, satisfying meal.

Tips for the Best Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

  • Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Sear until just cooked through to keep it juicy.
  • Use Fresh Parmesan: It melts better and tastes fresher.
  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Oil Work Best: Adds flavor and richness.
  • Want Extra Creaminess? Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese.
Step-by-step visual guide of cooking creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, showing spinach, bacon, cream sauce, pasta, and cooked chicken being combined.
Six-pan image showing each step of preparing creamy Tuscan chicken pasta—from sautéing spinach and bacon to mixing pasta and cream sauce with chicken.

Flavor Variations

Looking to mix things up? Here are some easy tweaks:

  • Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
  • Veggie Boost: Throw in mushrooms, broccoli, or zucchini.
  • Low-Carb Option: Serve over zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower rice.
  • Different Pasta Shapes: Fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti work great.

Storing & Reheating Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in single portions for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Gently warm on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well in this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta recipe.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work just as well in this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta recipe.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default, but you can add heat with crushed red pepper or cayenne.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the chicken and sauce in advance and combine everything before serving for best texture.

What kind of cream should I use?

Heavy cream gives the richest result, but half-and-half works for a lighter version.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use certified gluten-free pasta and double-check your Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes.

Does this recipe taste like Olive Garden’s Tuscan pasta?

Even better! It’s fresher, creamier, and made with love at home.

Conclusion

When it comes to comfort food, creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is king. It’s easy to make, deeply satisfying, and totally crave-worthy. With rich, cheesy cream sauce and bold Mediterranean flavors, this dish belongs in your weekly dinner rotation.

So go ahead—bookmark this, share it, or better yet, cook it tonight. Your family will thank you.

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: A 30-Minute Delight


  • Author: lina
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A rich and creamy pasta dish loaded with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic Parmesan sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
  • 300g pasta (fettuccine or penne)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  3. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
  5. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes.
  6. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
  7. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
  8. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
  9. Return chicken to the skillet and mix well.
  10. Add cooked pasta and toss everything together.
  11. Serve warm, topped with more Parmesan if desired.

Notes

For extra creaminess, add a splash of reserved pasta water when combining everything.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 670
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fat: 36g
  • Saturated Fat: 17g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 46g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 39g
  • Cholesterol: 125mg

Keywords: creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, chicken, pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach

Leave a Comment