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); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons butter (unsalted); 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 Parmesan cheese (freshly grated); 8 ounces penne (or macaroni, uncooked); 3 cups baby spinach

There’s something irresistibly cozy and rich about this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect one-pot meal where tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach swim in a silky Parmesan cream sauce alongside perfectly cooked pasta. Trust me, it’s one of those dishes you’ll want to make on repeat.

A white bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is creamy light yellow sauce, the middle layer consists of yellow penne pasta mixed with green spinach leaves and dark red sun-dried tomatoes, and the top layer has light golden cooked chicken pieces sprinkled with small green parsley bits. A silver fork is placed on the left side inside the bowl. The bowl is on a blue and white patterned cloth, and in the background, there is a bunch of fresh green parsley and a small white bowl with chopped green herbs 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 remember making this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe on a busy weeknight and loving how easy and comforting it was. Everything cooks in one pot, which means less cleanup—and that’s always a win in my book. Plus, it’s loaded with big, vibrant flavors that feel both rustic and special.

One-Pot Wonder: You get all the creamy goodness and tender chicken without juggling multiple pans.
Flavor-Packed: Sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning bring a punch that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary.
Comfort Food Classic: It’s rich, creamy, and hearty—just what you want for satisfying weeknight dinners.
Customizable: Whether you add extra veggies or swap out the pasta, you can easily make it your own.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a special role in creating that rich, balanced flavor. When you pick fresh and quality ingredients, it really makes a difference—you’ll taste it in every creamy bite.

Flat lay of two boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a small pile of coarse salt, a few twists of freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl of golden olive oil, a small white bowl with a pat of unsalted butter, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl of roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes, a small heap of dried Italian seasoning herbs, a small white bowl of heavy cream, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl filled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, uncooked golden penne pasta, and a handful of fresh baby spinach leaves, all arranged symmetrically 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: I prefer boneless, skinless breasts for quick cooking and juicy tenderness when cut into bite-sized pieces.
Olive oil & butter: The olive oil helps sear the chicken while butter adds richness to the sauce—this combo builds great depth of flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that warm, aromatic base you just can’t skip in Tuscan dishes.
Sun-dried tomatoes: They pack an intense burst of sweet and tangy flavor that brightens the creamy sauce.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties everything together with classic Tuscan flair.
Heavy cream & milk: I like combining these because cream creates lusciousness while milk keeps the sauce from being overly thick.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is a must—it melts beautifully and adds that salty, nutty finish.
Penne pasta: Its shape traps the sauce perfectly, but feel free to use macaroni or any pasta you prefer.
Baby spinach: Added at the end to wilt gently, it adds freshness and boosts the nutrition without overpowering the dish.

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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

While I adore the classic combination in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe, I often like to tweak it depending on my mood or what’s in the fridge. A few simple swaps or add-ins can make it feel fresh every time you make it.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is adding sautéed mushrooms or artichoke hearts for an earthy touch that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
Diet-friendly option: Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk and use gluten-free pasta to make it dairy-free and allergy-friendly without losing that creamy texture.
Extra veggies: Feel free to toss in zucchini or bell peppers for an extra burst of color and nutrients.

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

This image shows a creamy pasta dish in a black pan filled with three main layers: light yellow penne pasta, chunks of browned chicken pieces, and bits of dark red sun-dried tomatoes. Mixed among the pasta and chicken are several fresh dark green spinach leaves. The creamy sauce that coats all the ingredients is pale beige with a smooth texture, tying the layers together. The black pan has a slightly worn look with some sauce on the edges, placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Sear the chicken to golden perfection

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt and freshly ground pepper on both sides. Heat up olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it’s shimmering—this helps get a nice golden crust. Cook the chicken about 3 to 4 minutes per side; you want a lovely brown color but don’t worry if it’s not fully cooked through yet. Remove the chicken, let it rest for a minute, then cut into bite-sized pieces. This resting step keeps the chicken juicy when you add it back into the sauce later.

Step 2: Build layers of flavor with garlic and sun-dried tomatoes

In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat and toss in minced garlic along with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. The aroma here is a real signal you’re onto something delicious—garlic softens and sun-dried tomatoes release their sweetness to flavor the base of your sauce.

Step 3: Create that creamy sauce and cook pasta together

Add the heavy cream, milk, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese right into the pot. Stir everything together before adding your uncooked penne pasta. This part’s magical—the pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all the flavors while the sauce thickens. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite (al dente). It’s important to keep an eye on it and stir to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Finish with chicken and spinach

Now, add those tender chicken pieces and baby spinach to the pot. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and the spinach just wilts—it should stay bright green and fresh. Taste for seasoning and adjust if you want a bit more salt or pepper.

Step 5: Serve and enjoy

This dish is best served warm right out of the pot, so grab a big spoon and dig in! The sauce is creamy, the chicken flavorful, and the pasta soaked with all those Tuscan tastes.

Top Tip

From countless times making this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe, I’ve learned a few key things that make the final dish shine every time—sharing them here so you can get it just right on your first try.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: When searing chicken, give it space so it browns instead of steaming. This caramelization adds rich flavor.
Stir often during pasta cook: Since the pasta cooks in the sauce, regular stirring prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Use fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese usually contains additives and doesn’t melt as well, so I always grate fresh for that silky, flavorful finish.
Don’t overcook the spinach: Toss it in at the very end and just let it wilt—overcooked spinach can turn mushy and lose that vibrant color.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh basil leaves on top before serving. The basil adds a lovely herby freshness that balances the richness, and the extra cheese is just indulgent enough. If you like a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes works wonders too.

Side Dishes

Since this pasta is so satisfying on its own, my go-to sides are simple and fresh—like a crisp Caesar salad or roasted garlic Parmesan green beans. Sometimes I serve it with garlic bread for a carb-lover’s dream meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with microgreens or a drizzle of good quality olive oil. It makes a casual dish feel a bit more festive and really impresses guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, and they keep well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens quite a bit as it chills, so you might want to add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back that silky texture.

Freezing

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe freezes okay, but the spinach can get a bit limp upon thawing. I recommend freezing without the spinach and adding fresh when you reheat. Portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often. Add a splash of milk or broth if it feels too thick. Microwaving works too, but stir every 30 seconds for even heating and to avoid drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs work great and add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time since thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Do I have to use sun-dried tomatoes?

Sun-dried tomatoes add a unique tangy sweetness that really elevates the dish, but you can substitute with slow-roasted cherry tomatoes or omit if you prefer a milder flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It reheats well, making it great for meal prep. Just store spinach separately if possible to keep it fresh when you reheat.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream and milk with coconut milk or a creamy non-dairy alternative, and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. The sauce won’t be identical but still tasty and creamy.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe holds such a warm spot in my heart because of its ease and bold flavors that feel like a hug in every forkful. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, it always brings smiles around the table. Give it a try—you’re going to love how effortlessly delicious it is!