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 pasta (uncooked); 3 cups baby spinach

There’s something incredibly comforting about a rich pasta that’s packed with flavor and comes together in one pot. This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe hits that sweet spot between indulgence and simplicity — creamy, savory, with tender chicken and vibrant spinach and sun-dried tomatoes that make every bite a little celebration.

The dish features a white bowl filled with creamy pasta made of yellow penne, mixed with chunks of light brown cooked chicken, deep reddish-brown sun-dried tomatoes, and dark green spinach leaves. The pasta is covered in a smooth, light cream sauce that coats the ingredients evenly, with small bits of chopped green herbs sprinkled on top. A silver fork rests inside the bowl on the left side. In the background, there is a bunch of fresh green parsley and a small white bowl with chopped herbs, all placed on a white marbled surface covered partially with a blue and white floral 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

I love how this dish combines bold Italian flavors with a creamy sauce that you can whip up without fuss. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll want to make this your go-to comfort food on busy weeknights or cozy weekends.

One-Pot Convenience: Less mess equals more time enjoying your meal, and it all cooks in the same pot for easy cleanup.
Rich Creamy Texture: The blend of heavy cream, milk, and Parmesan creates a silky sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of pasta.
Tender Chicken Meets Fresh Veggies: Adding spinach and sun-dried tomatoes enhances the taste and gives you a delicious, balanced dinner.
Impress Without Stress: Fancy enough for guests but simple enough for weeknight dinners — a win-win in my kitchen!

Ingredients & Why They Work

These ingredients play off each other beautifully — creamy, savory, and fresh. Whenever I shop, I always grab fresh Parmesan and good-quality sun-dried tomatoes because they really elevate the flavor here.

Flat lay of fresh boneless skinless chicken breasts, two whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of coarse salt, a small white bowl of freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white bowl with creamy unsalted butter cubes, three peeled garlic cloves, a small white bowl containing roughly chopped sun-dried tomatoes, a small white bowl of mixed Italian dried herbs, a small white bowl of thick heavy cream, a small white bowl of fresh whole milk, a small white bowl heaped with finely grated Parmesan cheese, uncooked uncooked penne pasta piled neatly, 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: Boneless and skinless work best for quick cooking and slicing into perfect bite-sized pieces.
Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential — seasoning the chicken upfront locks in flavor.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps to sear the chicken nicely without sticking.
Butter (unsalted): Gives the sauce a silky creaminess and subtle depth.
Garlic: Minced fresh is a must for that fragrant Italian aroma.
Sun-dried tomatoes: These bring a concentrated tomato sweetness and a little tang that brightens the creamy sauce.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that pulls everything into a cohesive Tuscan flavor.
Heavy cream & milk: The creamy base — heavy cream makes it rich; milk lightens it so it’s not too heavy.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, not the pre-shredded stuff — it melts beautifully and adds nuttiness.
Penne (or macaroni): Sturdy pasta shapes that hold up well and catch the sauce.
Baby spinach: Added at the end, it wilts gently for freshness and a pop of color.

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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

I like to customize this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta in little ways depending on the mood or what’s around. Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shapes or tweak the herbs to make it your own.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the baby spinach for kale for a heartier bite, or add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of flavor — it’s delicious!

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

A close-up of a creamy pasta dish in a black skillet with three main layers: light yellow penne pasta coated in a thick white cream sauce, pieces of grilled light brown chicken scattered throughout, and vibrant green spinach leaves mixed with deep red sun-dried tomato chunks, all evenly spread to show texture and color contrast. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Perfectly Sear Your Chicken

First, season both sides of your chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground pepper — don’t skimp on this. Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 4 minutes until it’s beautifully browned before flipping to the other side. Cook until just done, then remove and slice into inch pieces. This step locks in juiciness and flavor.

Step 2: Build Your Flavor Base

Drop in the butter and let it melt. Then toss in minced garlic, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until everything is fragrant—this creates the flavorful backbone of your sauce, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Creamy Sauce & Pasta Cook Together

Add the heavy cream, milk, and freshly grated Parmesan, stirring to combine. Then pour in your uncooked pasta and stir. Simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring every now and then to prevent sticking. The pasta cooks right in the sauce — absorbing all that creamy flavor and thickening the mixture beautifully.

Step 4: Finish with Chicken & Spinach

Toss your sliced chicken and fresh baby spinach back into the pot. Cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the spinach has just wilted. Now your meal is ready to serve warm — creamy, hearty, and irresistibly good.

Top Tip

Having made this recipe a bunch of times, I learned the small details can really elevate your dish. My best tips come from those little moments when something could have gone wrong but didn’t—because of one simple trick.

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing chicken, give it space to brown properly for that gorgeous crust — crowded chicken steams instead.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Store-bought pre-grated cheese often contains additives that prevent melting smoothly. Freshly grated Parmesan blends seamlessly and adds that perfect nutty finish.
Stir the Pasta Occasionally: Because the pasta cooks right in the sauce, occasional stirring prevents sticking and helps the sauce thicken evenly.
Don’t Skip the Spinach: It adds freshness and lightness that balances the creamy sauce perfectly — plus it’s sneaky nutrition!

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top, maybe a pinch of freshly cracked black pepper and a few torn basil leaves when I have them. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice brightens all the flavors just before serving — it never fails.

Side Dishes

This pasta is pretty filling on its own, but I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread to sop up that luscious sauce. Roasted vegetables also work great if you want to add more texture and color to your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special dinner, I’ve served this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta in individual ramekins, topped with a little fresh herb sprig and a thin Parmesan crisp on the side. It makes a stunning presentation that’s sure to impress guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for 2 to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it again, just add a splash of milk while reheating to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple times with decent results — just freeze in portion-sized airtight containers. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently on the stove with a little extra milk or cream to bring back that silky texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat is on low heat in a skillet on the stove. Add a splash of milk or cream and stir frequently, so the sauce loosens up and the pasta doesn’t dry out. Microwave works too but stirring midway really helps.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of pasta in this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne or macaroni are recommended because they hold the sauce well, you can use fusilli, rotini, or even fettuccine depending on your preference. Just keep in mind that cooking times might vary slightly.

How do I make the sauce less rich or heavy?

If you want a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream and increase milk or use half-and-half. Also, reducing the amount of butter slightly can help. Adding more spinach or other veggies can balance richness too.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this recipe works well for meal prep. Store portions in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little milk to refresh the sauce. It’s a convenient and delicious option for packed lunches or quick dinners.

Can I substitute the chicken with other proteins?

Definitely! This dish is versatile. You can substitute chicken with turkey breast, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, especially for seafood or plant-based proteins.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe really holds a special place in my meal rotation because it feels like a warm hug on a plate — rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do. Give it a try, and soon it might become your favorite weeknight dinner too!