This creamy, flavor-packed Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again. It’s rich, savory, and full of comforting Italian-inspired goodness. What makes it a weeknight hero? It comes together fast, using simple pantry staples and just one pan. Imagine tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and pasta all simmered in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce—yes, it’s every bit as amazing as it sounds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor? Yes, please. This entire dish comes together in one skillet or pot.
Bold, Creamy Flavors: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce is what dreams are made of.
Perfect for Busy Nights: Quick to prep and cook, it’s ideal for when you’re short on time but still want something satisfying and homemade.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s a family dinner or a casual get-together, this dish wins everyone over—every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this dish so flavorful and cozy, without needing anything fancy:

Pasta: Short pasta like penne or rigatoni works best—they hold the sauce beautifully.
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Slice them thin for faster cooking and better flavor distribution.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Packed in oil, these add tangy sweetness and a chewy texture that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Fresh Spinach: Adds a fresh, slightly earthy note and a nice pop of green. It wilts down quickly, so don’t be shy with it.
Garlic: Essential. It infuses the entire dish with that irresistible Italian aroma.
Heavy Cream: Forms the rich base of the sauce. You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, but full cream gives the silkiest result.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is best—it melts into the sauce and brings that unmistakable salty umami.
Chicken Broth: Helps loosen the sauce and adds depth of flavor. Low sodium is a good choice so you can control the saltiness.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano, thyme, and basil brings everything together.
Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but adds a gentle kick that balances the richness.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic, and for a little extra flavor boost.

Variations

Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.
Go Veggie: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of cream, and reduce the cheese slightly. You can also try whole grain or chickpea pasta.
Add Bacon: A few crispy bacon bits sprinkled on top take it to the next level.
Gluten-Free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and seasonings are GF.

How to Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add more olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for a minute or two until fragrant.

Step 3: Deglaze and Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and stir well to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful brown bits. Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Cook

Stir in the uncooked pasta and let it simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened. Add extra broth if it gets too thick too quickly.

Step 5: Add Spinach and Cheese

Once the pasta is nearly done, add the spinach and stir until wilted. Turn off the heat and stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.

Step 6: Finish with Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir everything together until heated through and well combined.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep a close eye on it while simmering. Al dente is the goal—it continues to soften in the sauce.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese won’t melt as smoothly and might make the sauce grainy.
Sear the Chicken Well: A good golden-brown crust adds flavor and helps it stand out in the creamy sauce.
Taste as You Go: Especially with salt—parmesan and broth add saltiness, so season at the end if needed.

How to Serve

This Tuscan Chicken Pasta is rich and indulgent, so pair it with lighter sides:

Garnishes:

Sprinkle with fresh basil or parsley, a little cracked black pepper, and extra parmesan.

Side Dish:

Serve with a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables.

Bread Option:

A slice of warm, crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let the pasta cool, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, so add a splash of broth or water before reheating.

Freezing

It’s not ideal to freeze cream-based sauces, but if needed, freeze in a tightly sealed container for up to 1 month. Expect some texture change when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring often and adding a bit of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Just add it toward the end when combining everything, so it stays juicy and doesn’t overcook.

What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can substitute with cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers. The flavor won’t be the same, but it’ll still be delicious.

Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try using coconut cream and nutritional yeast, but the flavor and texture will be different. A plant-based parmesan alternative also works well.

How do I make this ahead for meal prep?
Prepare the entire dish and portion it into containers. It reheats well for up to 3 days. Keep a little broth on hand to loosen the sauce before serving.

Final Thoughts

Tuscan Chicken Pasta is one of those recipes that checks all the right boxes: fast, comforting, and bursting with rich, balanced flavors. It’s ideal for busy weeknights when you want something hearty but don’t have the time or energy for a complicated meal. Try it once, and it just might become a regular on your dinner table.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe