This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a restaurant-quality dish you can whip up at home in just 30 minutes. Packed with juicy seasoned chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and penne pasta, all tossed in a luscious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce — it’s the ultimate comfort dinner that doesn’t require a trip to Italy or even a reservation!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta (or ziti, rotini, ditalini)

• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided as needed

• 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced

• 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)

• 1 tsp salt (or to taste)

• 1 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, blotted and diced)

• 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional but recommended)

• 2 cups fresh baby spinach

• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)

• 1½ cups reduced sodium chicken broth

• ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan (plus more for garnish)

• Optional: Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil. Add chicken, season with oregano, salt, and pepper, and sauté for about 5 minutes. Set aside (it won’t be fully cooked yet).

3. In the same pan (don’t remove the juices), add more olive oil if needed and sauté diced onion for 4–5 minutes until soft.

4. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

5. Slowly pour in chicken broth and cream (careful — it will steam). Add Parmesan and bring to a gentle simmer.

6. Return chicken to the pan. Simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens.

7. Add spinach and cooked pasta. Stir to wilt the spinach and combine. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

8. Taste and adjust seasonings. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately.

Nutrients (per serving, approx.)

• Calories: 584 kcal

• Carbs: 55g

• Protein: 38g

• Fat: 24g

• Saturated Fat: 10g

• Cholesterol: 113mg

• Sodium: 1220mg

• Potassium: 1228mg

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 9g

• Vitamin A: 2130 IU

• Vitamin C: 13mg

• Calcium: 145mg

• Iron: 3mg

Why This Recipe Works So Well

This recipe is a harmony of flavor and texture. The sun-dried tomatoes provide a tangy, sweet depth that cuts through the richness of the cream, while the spinach adds a fresh earthiness that balances everything. Using a classic base of garlic and onion builds flavor from the start, and when combined with tomato paste, the sauce takes on a deeper umami taste that beautifully complements the creamy broth. The chicken is sautéed for a light sear, locking in juices, and the pasta acts as the perfect vehicle for soaking up every bit of that luscious sauce.

The Essence of Tuscan Cuisine

Tuscan cuisine is known for its simplicity, elegance, and reliance on fresh, quality ingredients. Dishes are often rustic and comforting but never short on flavor. This pasta follows the same philosophy — using pantry staples and common kitchen ingredients to create a meal that tastes like it came straight from a trattoria in Florence. It captures the soul of Tuscany in a way that feels familiar yet sophisticated.

Flavor Profile and Texture Experience

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta delivers layers of flavor and a satisfying bite in every forkful. The pasta remains firm yet tender, the chicken is juicy and well-seasoned, and the sauce wraps around each component with a silky texture. You’ll notice the robust savory notes from the Parmesan and garlic, the mellow tang of the sun-dried tomatoes, and a slight peppery kick, all lifted by the vibrant freshness of spinach. The sauce clings to the pasta beautifully, creating a luxurious mouthfeel that’s irresistibly creamy without feeling too heavy.

Perfect for Weeknights or Special Occasions

One of the best aspects of this dish is its versatility. It’s quick and easy enough to prepare on a busy weeknight but also impressive enough to serve for a dinner date or a small gathering. You can scale it up for a dinner party or meal prep it for the week ahead. It reheats well and can be enjoyed the next day without losing its creamy consistency, especially if you save a splash of pasta water to revive the sauce.

Customizations and Adaptability

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is easy to customize based on your dietary preferences or available ingredients. Swap the penne for rotini, rigatoni, or fettuccine. Use kale instead of spinach or add mushrooms for an extra savory note. You can substitute the chicken with shrimp for a pescatarian version or even use tofu for a vegetarian twist. If you prefer a lighter option, opt for half-and-half instead of cream and go easy on the Parmesan. Gluten-free pasta works wonderfully here as well, making the dish more inclusive without sacrificing taste or texture.

The Sauce: The Heart of the Dish

What truly sets this pasta apart is the sauce. The balance between the creamy base and bold, punchy ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes and garlic creates something magical. Parmesan cheese adds nutty depth, while the tomato paste intensifies the color and enhances the umami. The chicken broth loosens the cream, keeping the sauce smooth rather than cloying. This sauce doesn’t just coat the pasta — it seeps into every fold and crevice, turning each bite into a flavorful explosion.

Nutrition and Balanced Indulgence

Despite its rich flavor, this recipe offers a balanced nutritional profile. With about 584 calories per serving, it includes a good amount of protein from the chicken and cheese, fiber from the vegetables and pasta, and healthy fats from olive oil. The spinach adds vitamins A and C, while the sun-dried tomatoes contribute antioxidants and potassium. While indulgent, it remains a well-rounded dish that satisfies without guilt, especially when paired with a simple salad or roasted vegetables.

Pairing Ideas to Elevate the Meal

Serve this pasta alongside a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or a warm slice of garlic bread for the ultimate comfort combo. A glass of chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, enhancing the subtle herbs and richness. For a complete dinner experience, end the meal with a light Italian dessert like panna cotta or lemon sorbet.

Tips for Success in the Kitchen

Always cook your pasta just shy of al dente since it will continue to cook when added to the hot sauce. Don’t forget to reserve pasta water — it’s liquid gold when it comes to adjusting the consistency of your sauce. When using sun-dried tomatoes, blotting off excess oil ensures the dish doesn’t become greasy. If you’re cooking the chicken first, don’t wipe out the pan; those browned bits at the bottom are flavor bombs that enrich the sauce as you build it. Grate your own Parmesan cheese if possible — pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

A Dish That Brings People Together

Food is often a centerpiece for connection, and Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is exactly the kind of dish you serve when you want to bring joy to the table. It’s cozy, satisfying, and undeniably delicious. Whether it’s a family dinner, a romantic night in, or a casual gathering with friends, this pasta encourages people to slow down, savor the flavors, and enjoy the moment. It doesn’t try too hard — it just works.

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta captures the heart of Italian comfort food with an American twist — easy to make, quick to serve, and impossible to forget. Its harmonious blend of rich cream, savory chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh greens makes it a go-to dish for both casual nights and special occasions. More than just a recipe, it’s an invitation to indulge in something flavorful, comforting, and universally loved. Once you make it, it’s guaranteed to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation — and possibly even your heart.