Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A Comforting Dinner Favorite

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a dinner that wraps you in a warm, creamy hug after a long day? Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is that dependable friend who always shows up with wine and good vibes. It’s rich, savory, a little fancy without trying too hard, and most importantly—it’s weeknight doable. Whether you’re feeding your picky-eater crew or trying to impress the in-laws, this dish hits the sweet spot between easy and elegant.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta brings together the best of cozy and classy. Think tender chicken, tangy sun-dried tomatoes, and velvety Parmesan sauce clinging to perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but really, it just takes about 30 minutes (shh… our secret).

Plus, it’s super customizable. Swap in whole wheat pasta or gluten-free, add extra veggies, or tone down the cream—it’ll still shine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

8 oz penne pasta (or ziti, rotini, ditalini)
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
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

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Cook the pasta according to package directions. Don’t forget to save 1 cup of pasta water before draining!
Sauté the chicken. Heat 1–2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Add the chicken, season with oregano, salt, and pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet—just golden on the outside. Remove and set aside.
Make that flavorful base. In the same pan (don’t clean it—we want all those tasty bits), sauté the onion for 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste. Stir and cook until everything smells amazing, about 1 minute.
Create the sauce. Slowly pour in the chicken broth and cream (watch for steam!). Stir in the Parmesan and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Finish cooking the chicken. Return the chicken to the pan and let everything simmer uncovered for 8–10 minutes. Stir occasionally. The sauce will thicken, and the chicken will finish cooking.
Bring it all together. Add the spinach and cooked pasta. Stir until the spinach wilts. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water.
Taste and tweak. Adjust seasonings as needed. Top with more Parmesan and fresh herbs if you’re feeling fancy.

Pro Tips for Pasta Perfection

Don’t skip the pasta water. It helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
Use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-grated just doesn’t melt as well and can make your sauce gritty.
No sun-dried tomatoes? Roasted red peppers make a great swap!
Make it your own. Want it spicier? Add red pepper flakes. Going low-carb? Sub with zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi.

A Little Kitchen Magic

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta became a staple in my kitchen after a chaotic Tuesday night dinner meltdown. My son declared it his “new favorite pasta,” and let me tell you—he is not one to throw praise around lightly. It’s now our go-to comfort food, whether it’s a cozy family night or I’m just craving something rich and satisfying.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with juicy chicken, penne, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a creamy sauce — Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta loaded with tender chicken, penne, and vibrant sun-dried tomatoes in a silky garlic-Parmesan sauce.

FAQs About Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Absolutely! Half-and-half works well, or even whole milk if that’s what you have on hand.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! This recipe is super flexible. Use what you have—fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Not the best candidate. The cream sauce can separate after freezing and reheating.

Creamy, Cozy, and Crave-Worthy

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal that feels like a warm blanket and a good book after a long day. It checks all the boxes: easy, flavorful, comforting, and totally company-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for two or feeding a full house, this dish will earn you major dinner points—and maybe even a “Can we have this again tomorrow?”

More Creamy Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re a fan of Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, here are a few more irresistible recipes to try next:

Dive into the rich and satisfying flavors of this Creamy Chicken Pot Pie Orzo—it’s like a cozy blanket in a bowl!
Craving a bit of garlic kick? Don’t miss this ultra-cheesy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini—it’s creamy pasta perfection.
For a slow-cooked love story, let your crockpot do the work with Crockpot Marry Me Chicken—a favorite for date nights at home.
Or explore another Tuscan-inspired beauty: this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Orzo is a dreamy, one-pan wonder.

These recipes bring the same comforting charm and creamy goodness your taste buds deserve—perfect for cozy dinners, meal prep, or treating your loved ones.