Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 pounds chicken breasts (boneless and skinless); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper (freshly ground); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted); 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained, roughly chopped); 3 cups baby spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups milk; 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 8 ounces penne (or macaroni, uncooked)

Imagine cozying up with tender chicken, rich creamy sauce, and comforting pasta all in one bowl — that’s exactly what this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is about. It’s a simple yet impressive meal that feels like a warm hug on a busy day.

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy penne pasta mixed with several chunks of cooked chicken on top and around the pasta. Sun-dried tomatoes add a deep red color scattered through the pasta, while green spinach leaves are mixed in for a fresh touch. The sauce is light and creamy, coating the pasta evenly with a smooth texture. A silver fork is resting inside the bowl on the left side. Behind the bowl, there is a small white ramekin with chopped herbs and a bunch of fresh parsley with green leaves on a white marbled surface covered partly by a blue and white patterned cloth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This recipe hits all the right notes with its creamy texture, bold flavors, and quick prep time. I’ve made this dish countless times, and it never fails to impress family and friends with its comforting, restaurant-quality taste done right at home.

One-Pot Wonder: You only need one pan, which means less cleanup and more time to relax.
Rich, Flavor-Packed Sauce: Sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan add a deep Italian flair you’ll crave again and again.
Protein + Greens Combo: Tender chicken and fresh spinach make this dish balanced and satisfying.
Family Friendly & Versatile: Perfect for weeknights but fancy enough for company.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe has a role to play — from the juicy chicken providing hearty protein to the creamy sauce that ties everything together. Picking good quality ingredients will really elevate the end result.

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a few sprigs of fresh green baby spinach, a small pile of uncooked penne pasta, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl of creamy heavy cream, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a small white bowl of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, three whole garlic cloves, a small white bowl of unsalted butter, a small white bowl of mixed Italian seasoning, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl of coarse salt placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless work best for quick cooking and easy slicing.
Salt & Pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out the natural flavors of the chicken.
Olive Oil: Adds healthy fats and helps in browning the chicken beautifully.
Butter: Gives the sauce richness and silky texture.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with irresistible aroma and flavor.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These punch up the sauce with tangy sweetness and deep color.
Italian Seasoning: Classic herbs that add authenticity and warmth.
Heavy Cream & Milk: Combining both makes the sauce creamy yet not too heavy.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for that nutty, salty finish that makes pasta irresistible.
Penne Pasta: Holds the sauce perfectly — but macaroni works great too if you prefer.
Baby Spinach: Adds freshness and a pop of color, plus healthy greens sneakily included.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to tweak. I often switch proteins or sneak in extra veggies depending on what’s in my fridge, and it still comes out fantastic.

Variation: Sometimes I swap chicken for shrimp. It cooks faster and adds a lovely seafood twist that my family adores.
Dietary Mod: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, or substitute gluten-free pasta to keep it friendly for gluten sensitivities.
Seasonal Change: Try adding roasted red peppers or mushrooms in the fall for an earthy boost.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

The image shows a close-up of penne pasta dish in a black skillet, filled with a creamy light beige sauce. There are three main layers visible: the pasta pieces which are yellow, the creamy sauce coating them, and chunks of golden-brown cooked chicken scattered throughout. Bright green spinach leaves add contrast, while sun-dried tomato pieces offer dark red spots mixed in. The textures range from smooth sauce to firm pasta and tender chicken. The skillet rests on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the Chicken to Lock in Juices

Season your chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides — this simple seasoning goes a long way. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Give it about 3 to 4 minutes per side without moving it too much so it gets that beautiful golden crust. When done, remove and set aside to rest; slicing it too soon will cause juices to run out and the meat to dry.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the same pot — this leftover chicken fond on the bottom isn't going to waste! Toss in your minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, stirring often for about 2 minutes until fragrant. The sun-dried tomatoes add wonderful richness, so don’t skip them.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce and Cook Pasta Together

Pour in the heavy cream and milk, then stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until smooth. Add the uncooked penne pasta right to the sauce, stirring well to coat each piece. Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite.

Step 4: Finish with Chicken and Spinach

Slice your rested chicken into bite-size pieces, then stir them back into your creamy pasta pot along with fresh baby spinach. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the chicken is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed — sometimes a little extra pepper or Parmesan makes all the difference.

Top Tip

Over the years of making this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe, I learned a few tricks that really make the dish shine and save you some stress in the kitchen.

Don’t Skip Resting the Chicken: Letting the chicken rest after browning keeps it juicy when you slice it for the pasta.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Grated fresh cheese melts better and adds more flavor than pre-grated.
Stir Often While Cooking Pasta: Since it’s cooked in the sauce, it can stick easily—keep it moving to prevent burning.
Check Pasta Early: Start tasting the pasta a couple of minutes before the suggested time; you want al dente, not mushy.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing with a sprinkle of freshly chopped basil or parsley for a fresh herbal brightness. A little extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts either—and a crack of black pepper adds a subtle bite that pairs perfectly.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad and some garlic bread are my go-to sides. They add a nice textural contrast and soak up any leftover creamy sauce in the bowl — trust me, that’s one of my favorite parts!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate it in shallow pasta bowls topped with a drizzle of good quality olive oil and a few sun-dried tomatoes placed as garnish. It instantly feels more elegant and restaurant-worthy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy them within 3 days. The sauce thickens up a bit when chilled, so you might want to loosen it with a splash of milk when reheating.

Freezing

Freezing is possible but the texture may change slightly due to the cream — if you plan to freeze, cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and stirring frequently to prevent burning. This method preserves creaminess better than microwaving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add more fat and flavor and tend to stay juicier. Adjust the cooking time as thighs may take slightly longer to cook through.

What pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne is ideal because its tube shape holds onto the sauce well, but elbow macaroni or rigatoni are great substitutes. Avoid very thin pasta like angel hair as it might get lost in the sauce.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free cream substitutes and vegan Parmesan cheese. Coconut cream works well but will add a different flavor, so consider how that pairs with the sun-dried tomatoes.

How can I prevent the pasta from sticking when cooking in the sauce?

Regularly stirring the pasta while it cooks is key. Adding a little extra liquid if the sauce gets too thick also helps. Cooking at a gentle simmer rather than a boil prevents the pasta from getting mushy or sticking.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen rotation because of its balance of ease, flavor, and satisfaction. It’s a meal that feels homemade but impressive enough to share with guests. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to comfort dinner to impress and enjoy any day of the week.