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 freshly ground pepper; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic (minced); 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained, roughly chopped); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups milk; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 8 ounces penne (or macaroni, uncooked); 3 cups baby spinach

There's something utterly comforting about this dish: tender chicken mingled with creamy sauce and hearty pasta, all bursting with rich Italian flavors. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is one pot magic that comes together faster than you'd expect, perfect for those busy nights when you want something satisfying without fuss.

A white bowl filled with creamy pasta made of three main layers: the bottom layer is yellow penne pasta mixed with wilted green spinach leaves, the middle layer shows golden pieces of cooked chicken scattered evenly, and the top layer features sun-dried tomato strips with bits of fresh green herbs sprinkled on top; a silver fork is placed inside the bowl on the left side; the bowl sits on a table covered with a white-blue floral patterned cloth, with fresh green parsley bunch and a small white bowl of chopped herbs placed behind it on a white marbled surface 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

I absolutely adore how this recipe blends simplicity and indulgence in one dish—I always get rave reviews when I serve it. It’s comfort on a plate, bold flavors mixed with silky textures that feel like a hug after a long day.

One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks together, cutting down on cleanup and making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Big Italian Flavors: Garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Parmesan give this recipe that authentic Tuscan vibe without complicated prep.
Protein-Packed & Creamy: Juicy chicken breasts meet a rich, cheesy sauce that coats every bite.
Customizable & Crowd-Pleasing: It’s an easy base to tweak if you want to swap veggies or spice it up for guests.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe come together like old friends—incredible flavors that balance richness and freshness. Grab quality Parmesan and sun-dried tomatoes for the best taste; they really elevate the dish.

Flat lay of two boneless skinless chicken breasts, a small pile of coarse salt crystals, a small pile of freshly ground black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of pale unsalted butter cubes, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of roughly chopped deep red sun-dried tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl of mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of thick heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of freshly grated pale yellow Parmesan cheese, uncooked golden penne pasta, and a handful of vibrant green baby spinach leaves, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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 here for quick cooking and easy slicing.
Salt and pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors of the chicken.
Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness for browning the chicken perfectly.
Butter: Melts down to create the base of that luscious sauce.
Garlic: Fresh and minced, it wakes up the sauce with bold aroma.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These give an intense, tangy sweetness and a lovely chewy texture.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant herb blend that ties everything together beautifully.
Heavy cream: Delivers the silky, indulgent consistency that coats the pasta.
Milk: Lightens the cream just enough for a smooth sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for the best melt and depth of flavor.
Penne pasta: Holds the sauce well with its tubular shape—macaroni works too.
Baby spinach: Added last for a quick wilt and vibrant color contrast.

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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 of the reasons I keep coming back to this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. I like swapping spinach for kale sometimes, or adding a pinch of chili flakes for a subtle heat kick if I’m feeling bold.

Variation: I once stirred in some artichoke hearts and sun-dried tomato pesto, which took the flavor up a notch—totally delicious and something you might want to try for a weekend dinner.

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

This image shows a close-up of creamy pasta cooked in a black skillet. The dish has three main layers: the first layer is the pale yellow penne pasta with a smooth, creamy sauce covering it; the second layer includes chunks of light brown cooked chicken scattered throughout; the third layer has bright green spinach leaves and pieces of deep red sun-dried tomatoes mixed evenly among the pasta and chicken. The creamy sauce gives a glossy texture that coats each piece nicely. The skillet is placed on a white marbled texture photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Brown the chicken just right

First, you want to pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and freshly ground pepper. Heat your olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken. Aim for a nice golden brown crust, about 3 to 4 minutes per side—don’t rush this step! It locks in juices and helps flavor the whole dish. Once cooked through, remove the chicken and slice it into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Build that irresistible sauce

In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes along with the Italian seasoning. Stir these until aromatic—this is where the base flavor really forms. Take a deep breath; the kitchen starts smelling amazing right here.

Step 3: Bring on the creamy pasta

Pour in the heavy cream and milk, giving everything a good stir. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and add your dry penne pasta straight into the sauce. Stir well so the pasta doesn't stick together. Now, let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce thickens up beautifully.

Step 4: Finish with chicken and spinach

Pop the chicken pieces back into the pot along with the baby spinach. Cook another 1 to 2 minutes just until the chicken is warmed through and the spinach has wilted. And voilà—you've got a creamy, dreamy pasta ready to enjoy.

Top Tip

Having made this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe countless times, I’ve learned a few little tricks that make all the difference in the final dish. These tips help ensure your pasta perfectly soaks up that silky sauce instead of turning mushy.

Sear Before Simmering: Don’t skip browning the chicken well—it adds flavor and texture that’s missed if you just boil everything.
Mind the Stirring: Stir the pasta often during cooking to prevent clumping and make sure it cooks evenly.
Cheese Timing: Add freshly grated Parmesan near the end to keep it creamy and slightly melty rather than grainy.
Spinach at the Last Minute: Add spinach just before serving to keep it bright green and tender, not wilted into mush.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love finishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness. A crack of black pepper on top adds a nice zing, and if I’m feeling indulgent, a little extra Parmesan is always welcome.

Side Dishes

To balance the richness, I usually serve this creamy pasta alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a basket of crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli also pair beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I tried layering the pasta in individual ceramic ramekins, topped with fresh basil and a drizzle of high-quality extra virgin olive oil. It feels fancy but is completely doable—guests loved it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I let everything cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta absorbs the sauce, so it thickens up—perfect for a next-day reheated lunch.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe a couple of times and found it's best to freeze before adding the spinach, which doesn’t always hold texture well after thawing. Reheat gently and add fresh greens when warming.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce back up—stir often to keep it smooth. Microwaving works too, but the stovetop gives better texture.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs will add a richer flavor and stay tender, but they might take a minute or two longer to cook through. Just make sure they’re boneless and skinless for even cooking.

What’s the best pasta to use for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe?

I recommend penne or macaroni because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well. However, feel free to use any short pasta you like, such as rigatoni or fusilli—just adjust cooking time accordingly.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap the heavy cream and milk for full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and use a plant-based Parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy umami flavor.

Can I prep this recipe ahead of time?

While the dish is best served fresh, you can prep the chicken and sauce base ahead, then combine and cook the pasta just before serving. This saves time and keeps pasta perfectly tender.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe has won a permanent spot in my dinner rotation—and I genuinely hope it will in yours too. It’s a warm hug on a plate that feels special yet is simple enough for any night. Give it a go, and I promise you’ll love the layers of flavor and creamy satisfaction it brings to your table.