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

This creamy, dreamy dish is one of those meals that hugs you from the inside out. The Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe combines rich flavors, tender chicken, and a luscious sauce that you’ll want to dive into again and again.

A white bowl filled with three layers: the bottom layer is creamy sauce with a light beige color and smooth texture, the middle layer is yellow penne pasta mixed with pieces of cooked chicken chunks that are light brown on the outside, and the top layer includes sun-dried tomatoes with a deep red and wrinkled texture, fresh spinach leaves with a dark green color, and sprinkled chopped parsley on top. A silver fork is resting inside the bowl on the left side. The bowl is placed on a blue and white patterned cloth over a white marbled surface, with a bunch of fresh parsley in the background and a small white container with chopped herbs to the upper left. 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 can’t tell you how often I make this recipe for friends and family—it’s just that good and so comforting. The sauce is rich but never heavy, the chicken stays juicy, and the pasta soaks up all those Tuscan-inspired flavors perfectly. It’s one of those crowd-pleasers that feels fancy but comes together with ease.

One-pot convenience: Everything cooks in a single pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.
Bold Tuscan flavors: Sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Italian seasoning give this dish a vibrant, authentic taste.
Juicy tender chicken: Cooking the chicken first to get a nice sear locks in flavor and keeps it moist.
Versatile and customizable: You can easily swap pasta shapes or add veggies, making it perfect for whatever you’re in the mood for.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This combination of ingredients creates a harmony that’s simple yet satisfying. The cream and Parmesan form a rich sauce, while sun-dried tomatoes bring that tangy sweetness that makes this pasta pop. And don’t underestimate fresh spinach—it adds color and a fresh balance to all the creaminess.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts with smooth pale pink skin, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a few fresh bright green baby spinach leaves, a small pile of uncooked pale yellow penne pasta, three peeled garlic cloves, a small heap of chopped dark red sun-dried tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy white heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh grated Parmesan cheese with fine texture, a small white ceramic bowl of pure white milk, a small white ceramic bowl containing a pale yellow pat of unsalted butter, a few sprigs of dried mixed Italian seasoning herbs, a small white ceramic bowl of coarse freshly ground black peppercorns, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white salt crystals — all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, fresh and natural, placed 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 for quick cooking and ease of slicing; seasoning them well upfront is key to deep flavor.
Salt and freshly ground pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and bringing out all the flavors.
Olive oil: A staple for browning chicken and building a flavorful base.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and beautifully melds with the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.
Garlic: Minced for an aromatic punch; don't be shy with it!
Sun-dried tomatoes: Their concentrated sweetness brightens the creamy sauce wonderfully.
Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that brings those classic Tuscan flavors alive.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously thick and silky.
Milk: Lightens the heaviness just enough while keeping creaminess.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for maximum flavor and helps thicken the sauce beautifully.
Penne pasta: Holds onto the sauce well; you can also use macaroni or your favorite shape.
Baby spinach: Added at the end to wilt just right and add a fresh, nutrient-packed touch.

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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 love tweaking this dish depending on what’s in the fridge or what mood I’m in. You can make it fully vegetarian, swap in different greens, or turn up the heat with a pinch of red pepper flakes. Trust me, it’s your canvas!

Variation: Sometimes I swap the chicken breasts for tender shrimp for a quicker cooking time and a seafood twist that changes everything.
Vegetarian version: Leave out the chicken and toss in mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a luscious, meat-free meal.
Spicy upgrade: Add crushed red pepper flakes with the garlic if you’re craving a little heat - it burns beautifully against the cream.

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

This dish shows a close-up of creamy pasta in a black skillet, with three main layers visible: golden-yellow penne pasta tubes coated in a thick, light beige creamy sauce; chunks of light brown cooked chicken scattered throughout; and bright green spinach leaves mixed with pieces of dark red sun-dried tomatoes adding color contrast. The creamy sauce appears smooth and rich, covering the pasta and other ingredients evenly, while the skillet’s black edge frames the mixture. The photo is taken on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Pat your chicken breasts dry, then sprinkle them evenly with salt and freshly ground pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken and let it cook undisturbed for about 3 to 4 minutes per side—this browning is what locks in juicy flavor, so don’t rush it! Once golden and cooked through, transfer the chicken to a plate and slice into 1-inch pieces. Set aside for later.

Step 2: Build the Flavorful Sauce

In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat. Toss in your minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and Italian seasoning. Stir and sauté for about 2 minutes until everything smells heavenly—this step wakes up those Tuscan flavors and is totally worth savoring.

Step 3: Creamy Pasta Perfection

Pour in the heavy cream and milk, then add the freshly grated Parmesan. Stir to combine, and toss in the uncooked penne pasta. This is the magic moment: cook everything together, gently stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened. The pasta absorbs all the creamy, cheesy goodness right here, so patience will pay off.

Step 4: Finish with Chicken and Spinach

Return the sliced chicken back to the pot along with the baby spinach. Cook for an extra 1 to 2 minutes, just until the chicken is warmed through and the spinach has wilted. At this stage, everything comes together in that dreamy, creamy Tuscan embrace.

Top Tip

From making this recipe dozens of times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference between a good pasta dinner and a truly spectacular one.

Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give your chicken enough space when searing so you get that perfect golden crust instead of steaming it.
Use freshly grated Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese won’t melt as smoothly and can cause the sauce to clump.
Stir gently but often: Especially while the pasta is cooking in the sauce to prevent sticking and evenly coat every bite.
Don’t overcook the spinach: Adding it last ensures it’s bright green and fresh-tasting, not mushy.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a handful of chopped fresh basil or parsley. It adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal brightness that really lifts all that creamy richness.

Side Dishes

Simple sides work best here — a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted garlic broccoli complements the pasta without competing with it. Crusty bread is perfect, too, for sopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe in pretty individual ramekins and garnished each with a basil leaf and a drizzle of pesto. It adds a touch of elegance but keeps things fun and approachable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will absorb more sauce over time, so it thickens up—just stir in a splash of milk or cream when reheating to bring back some creaminess.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze this one because the cream sauce can separate, but if you want to, freeze before adding the spinach and chicken. Then thaw and add those fresh at reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk, stirring frequently. Microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and stir in between to avoid overheating or curdling the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! Penne or macaroni work best because they hold the sauce well, but you can use fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle depending on what you prefer or have on hand.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the sauce?

Heavy cream gives the sauce that rich, silky texture, but if you want a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream. Just keep in mind the sauce won't be quite as thick or decadent.

How can I prevent the sauce from breaking or curdling?

The key is to cook on medium to low heat once the cream is added and avoid boiling. Stir gently and don’t overheat. Using freshly grated Parmesan also helps the cheese melt smoothly without clumping.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

It’s a bit tricky because the creamy texture depends on dairy, but you can try swapping the cream for coconut milk and using a dairy-free cheese alternative. The flavor will be different, but it can still turn out delicious with some tweaks!

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s straightforward enough for busy weeknights but special enough to impress a dinner guest. I honestly can’t get enough of its balanced flavors and comforting textures, and I know you’ll enjoy making it just as much as I do. So go on — gather your ingredients, take your time with those simple steps, and savor every creamy, cheesy bite!