Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich, creamy, and flavor-packed dish that brings the warmth of rustic Italian cooking to your dinner table. Tender chicken is combined with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s easy enough for weeknights and elegant enough for entertaining.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

boneless skinless chicken breast or thighsolive oilgarliconionspinachsun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)heavy creamchicken brothsaltblack pepperItalian seasoningparmesan cheese (grated)penne or fettuccine pasta (cooked al dente)crushed red pepper flakes (optional)fresh basil or parsley (optional, for garnish)

directions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and slice.

In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and tender.

Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1-2 minutes.

Add chicken broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Stir in parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

Add spinach and let it wilt into the sauce.

Return sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss until everything is well coated in the sauce.

Top with red pepper flakes and garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 20 minutesTotal time: 30 minutes

Variations

Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.

Add mushrooms or artichoke hearts for more texture.

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter option.

Try gluten-free pasta if needed.

Top with mozzarella or goat cheese for extra creaminess.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.Not recommended for freezing due to the cream sauce.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, just add it after the sauce is ready to heat through.

What pasta works best?

Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni all hold the sauce well.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, store the sauce and pasta separately, then combine when ready to serve.

Is it very spicy?

Not unless you add red pepper flakes—adjust to taste.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Cream gives the best texture, but you can use milk with a bit of flour to thicken.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, skip the chicken and use extra veggies or plant-based meat.

Conclusion

Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting, and flavorful dish that’s sure to please everyone at the table. With sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and tender chicken in a velvety sauce, it’s a restaurant-quality meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Perfect for any occasion, it’s an easy favorite you’ll want to make again and again.