Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well); 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 cups fresh spinach; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup chicken broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and delivers restaurant-quality taste at home.

A black skillet filled with creamy penne pasta layered with sautéed bright green spinach and roasted cherry tomatoes that are deep red and slightly wrinkled, topped with grilled chicken pieces showing golden brown char marks and slight herbs scattered on top; the creamy white sauce coats the pasta and spinach, giving a smooth texture throughout, all set on a white marbled surface with warm, natural light highlighting the glossy sauce and tender chicken, photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine work well)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Salt and black pepper to taste
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
Step 6: Add the fresh spinach to the sauce and cook until wilted. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat with the sauce.
Step 7: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in Italian seasoning and garlic for 30 minutes before cooking.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Add mushrooms or bell peppers for more texture and color.
Use fresh sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for a richer taste.
Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.

Storage

Store leftover creamy Tuscan chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

How to Serve

This image shows a black pan filled with a creamy pasta dish layered with pale yellow penne pasta mixed with dark green spinach leaves and roasted bright red cherry tomatoes. On top of this base, there are several pieces of grilled chicken with clear brown grill marks and a golden crust. The creamy white sauce coats the pasta and spinach, giving a smooth texture, while scattered herbs and black pepper flakes add small green and black specks. The pan sits on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape you prefer can be used. Penne, fettuccine, or even rigatoni are great choices that hold the creamy sauce well.

Is this recipe freezer friendly?

While it can be frozen, the texture of the cream sauce and spinach may change upon thawing. For best texture, store leftovers in the fridge and consume within a few days.