Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 ounces of fettuccine or penne pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped; 2 cups fresh spinach; Salt and pepper to taste; Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Highlighted under: Modern Comfort Food Inspiration

I absolutely adore this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta for its rich flavors and comforting texture. Whenever I crave something indulgent yet simple to prepare, this recipe comes to mind. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fresh spinach is simply irresistible. What I love most is how quickly it comes together, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests. Trust me; once you try this, it will become a staple in your meal rotation!

Created by

Bryony Wells

Last updated on 2026-02-24T01:02:37.229Z

Creating this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta became one of my favorite kitchen experiments. The method works wonders, as cooking the chicken first lets the flavors develop beautifully. I like to use sun-dried tomatoes to add depth, and the heavy cream transforms the sauce into a luscious blanket over the pasta. This dish is a marvel in both taste and texture!

Each time I make it, I experiment with different herbs, and lately, I’ve been playing with fresh basil and oregano, which elevate the flavor to a new level. I never hesitate to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat. It’s a flavor explosion on a plate!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Creamy, rich sauce that clings perfectly to each pasta piece
Tender chicken infused with flavorful Tuscan herbs
Quick and easy to make, perfect for any night of the week

Pasta Perfection

Choosing the right pasta for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is crucial. Fettuccine or penne are excellent choices because their shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is as flavorful as the last. When cooking the pasta, aim for al dente texture, usually achieved by cooking it one minute less than the package instructions recommend. This slight undercooking allows the pasta to absorb some of the sauce flavors as it continues to cook when combined.

Be sure to reserve some pasta water before draining the pasta. The starchy water can be added to the sauce later to help it emulsify and cling to the pasta better. Just a splash can enhance the creaminess and ensure your dish doesn’t feel too dry.

Chicken and Flavor Development

The diced chicken is the star protein in this dish, and properly seasoning it before cooking is vital for maximum flavor. As it sizzles in the olive oil, the chicken should develop a golden-brown crust in about 6-8 minutes over medium heat. This browning not only adds a deep flavor but also creates a nice texture against the creaminess of the sauce. If the chicken starts to stick or brown too fast, lower the heat slightly to ensure even cooking.

Opt for high-quality sun-dried tomatoes, as they add a rich and tangy flavor that complements the cream perfectly. If you're looking for a twist, consider rehydrating dried tomatoes in hot water or broth before chopping them, enhancing their flavor while keeping the dish deliciously creamy.

Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions

Once you’ve stirred in the fresh spinach, allow it to wilt naturally into the sauce. Not only does this enhance the color profile of your dish, but it also infuses the sauce with beneficial nutrients and flavor. Avoid overcooking the spinach; it should retain its vibrant green color and slight crunch for the best texture contrast with the creamy sauce.

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side salad or garlic bread for a full meal experience. Additionally, if you want to elevate the presentation, consider garnishing with fresh basil or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving. For leftovers, store the pasta in an airtight container; it keeps well in the fridge for up to three days, but reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to revive the texture.

Ingredients

Gather the ingredients below to create this delicious dish.

For the Pasta

8 ounces of fettuccine or penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

Make sure all your ingredients are prepped and ready for a smooth cooking experience!

Instructions

Let's get started on this delicious meal!

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Add Garlic and Cream

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the heavy cream and add the sun-dried tomatoes. Stir to combine and let simmer for 3-5 minutes.

Incorporate Spinach

Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and gently fold it into the sauce until wilted.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together to ensure the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve

Plate the creamy pasta and top with freshly grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is ready to be enjoyed!

Pro Tips

Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for extras in flavor and nutrition!

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to lighten up the dish, consider substituting the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a non-dairy option like coconut cream. This exchange will still yield a creamy texture without the full richness. Another fantastic swap would be to use grilled shrimp or mushrooms instead of chicken for a different spin on the recipe while retaining similar flavors.

For a gluten-free version, simply replace the pasta with gluten-free penne or zoodles (zucchini noodles). If you're using zoodles, make them just before serving to avoid excess moisture in the dish.

Make-Ahead Tips

To save time on busy weeknights, you can prepare components in advance. Cook and store the chicken in the fridge for up to two days; just make sure to heat it through when combining with the sauce. Additionally, sauté and store the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes in olive oil in advance—this will infuse even more flavor into your dish when ready to cook.

If you've made extra servings, this pasta reheats beautifully. Simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to maintain creaminess. Stir regularly to ensure an even heat distribution and to prevent sticking.

Flavor Variations

Experiment with adding different vegetables to the mix, such as roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts, to deepen the flavor complexity. You can also toss in some fresh herbs like basil or thyme at the end for a burst of freshness.

If you enjoy a hint of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes to the sauce while it simmers. This will give your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta a delightful kick without overpowering the rich, creamy flavors. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can also enhance the brightness of the dish, balancing the creaminess exquisitely.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Any pasta shape you prefer can work well with this sauce.

→ Is there a substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or dairy-free cream alternatives, but it may alter the final texture.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish friendly for gluten-sensitive diets.