Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and utterly indulgent dish that brings the essence of Italian comfort food right to your table. Loaded with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a velvety cream sauce, this pasta is the perfect fusion of hearty and gourmet.
Whether you’re planning a cozy weeknight dinner or hosting guests for a special meal, this recipe guarantees satisfaction in every bite. It’s a one-pot wonder that balances savory, creamy, and tangy flavors in a way that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Ready in under an hour, it’s easy enough for a beginner yet impressive enough to feel like a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Ingredients
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped, in oil and drained)
• 3 cups baby spinach (washed)
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken:
Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside. - Sauté the Garlic and Tomatoes:
In the same pan, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, just until the garlic becomes fragrant and the tomatoes start to caramelize slightly. This creates the base of your rich, aromatic sauce. - Deglaze and Start the Sauce:
Pour in the chicken broth and gently scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan—this enhances the flavor. Allow the broth to simmer for 2 minutes. - Add the Cream and Pasta:
Pour in the heavy cream, then add the uncooked pasta directly into the skillet. Stir to combine everything evenly. Reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking. - Incorporate the Spinach and Cheese:
Once the pasta is nearly tender, stir in the baby spinach and let it wilt naturally in the heat. Then add the grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cheese has melted into the sauce, creating a luxuriously creamy texture. - Return the Chicken to the Pan:
Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, mixing well to coat each piece in the sauce. Simmer everything together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. - Garnish and Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot, with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal—it’s an experience that brings rustic Italian charm to your kitchen. The balance of rich cream, savory chicken, earthy spinach, and sweet sun-dried tomatoes makes it a standout dish. It’s the kind of recipe that turns ordinary evenings into memorable dinners and keeps everyone coming back for seconds. Whether enjoyed with a glass of white wine or a simple side salad, this dish is destined to become a favorite in your home.