Name: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Spinach
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into 2 thinner cutlets each; 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing chicken); ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning; 12 oz dried pasta (penne, fettuccine, or farfalle); 1 tbsp salt (for pasta water); 1 tbsp olive oil (for sauce); 2 tbsp unsalted butter; ½ cup chopped yellow onion; 4 cloves minced garlic; ½ cup low sodium chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup milk (whole or 2%); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving; ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained & chopped; 3-4 cups fresh baby spinach; Salt and black pepper to taste (for sauce); ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta has rapidly ascended to culinary stardom, and I’m absolutely delighted to share why this dish is a consistent showstopper in my kitchen! Imagine a meal that effortlessly marries comfort with gourmet flair, where every forkful transports you to a sun-drenched Italian countryside, even on the busiest weeknight. This isn’t just another recipe; it’s an invitation to experience a symphony of rich flavors and satisfying textures that will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Why This Dish is a Modern Classic

While its exact origins may be a modern interpretation rather than a centuries-old tradition, this beloved meal beautifully captures the essence of Tuscan-inspired ingredients. It artfully blends the rustic charm of sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and tender chicken with an undeniably luxurious, velvety cream sauce. People adore this dish not only for its incredible taste – a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy notes – but also for its delightful texture: succulent chicken, perfectly al dente pasta, and a sauce so rich it feels like pure indulgence.

It’s the kind of sophisticated yet approachable meal that consistently earns rave reviews, making it a staple for family dinners and a fantastic option when entertaining guests. Preparing our Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a surprisingly straightforward process that yields profoundly delicious results, proving that exceptional dining doesn’t always require endless hours in the kitchen. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite pasta dish!

Welcome to my kitchen! Today, I’m absolutely thrilled to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes, a dish that truly brings comfort and incredible flavor to any table: my go-to Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a vibrant, rich, and utterly satisfying meal packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious cream sauce, all perfectly tossed with al dente pasta. It’s a complete meal that feels gourmet but is surprisingly straightforward to make. Trust me, once you try this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, it’s going to become a regular request in your home!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:
- 3 (about 1.5 lbs) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, preferably organic and free-range, sliced horizontally into two thinner cutlets each. This helps them cook faster and more evenly, ensuring every bite of your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is tender.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, or a good quality avocado oil, for searing.
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste, such as fine sea salt.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground is always best.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder, for that extra aromatic kick.
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning blend, or a mix of dried oregano and basil.
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces dried pasta of your choice. I love using penne, fettuccine, or farfalle for this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, as their shapes do a wonderful job of holding onto the rich sauce.
- Salt for pasta water, about 1 tablespoon.
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, reserved for the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, adding richness to our sauce base.
- ½ cup finely chopped yellow onion, about half a small onion.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced, because you can never have too much garlic in a creamy sauce!
- ½ cup chicken broth, low sodium is preferred.
- ½ cup heavy cream, essential for that luxurious creamy texture in our Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta sauce.
- ½ cup milk, whole milk works best for richness, but 2% is also fine.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving. Freshly grated makes a significant difference!
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil, drained and roughly chopped. These add a wonderful chewy texture and concentrated sweet-tart flavor.
- 3-4 cups fresh baby spinach, or one 5-ounce bag. It wilts down surprisingly fast!
- Salt and black pepper to taste, for seasoning the sauce.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional), for a subtle kick if you like a little heat in your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped, for garnish and a burst of fresh flavor.

Equipment You’ll Need:

To make this delightful Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta a breeze, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference. You won’t need anything too fancy, just some standard kitchen essentials:

A large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a Dutch oven (at least 12-inch diameter) for cooking the chicken and building the sauce. A good non-stick or cast-iron skillet will ensure a beautiful sear on your chicken and prevent sticking.
A large pot for boiling pasta. Make sure it’s big enough to allow the pasta to swim freely.
Tongs for flipping chicken and tossing pasta.
A whisk for stirring the sauce and ensuring it’s beautifully smooth.
Measuring cups and spoons for accurate ingredient portions.
A cutting board and a sharp knife for prepping your chicken, onions, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes.
A cheese grater, if you’re grating your own Parmesan (highly recommended!).

Preparation is Key:

A little prep work goes a long way in making the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Before you even think about turning on the stove, let’s get everything ready for our delicious Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.

Prep the Chicken: Take your boneless, skinless chicken breasts and, using a sharp knife, carefully slice each one horizontally to create two thinner cutlets. This technique ensures they cook quickly and remain incredibly tender. Pat them very dry with paper towels; this is a crucial step for achieving a beautiful golden-brown sear.
Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, combine your ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning. Sprinkle this mixture generously over both sides of your chicken cutlets, making sure they are evenly coated.
Chop Your Aromatics: Finely chop the yellow onion. Mince your garlic cloves. Having these ready will allow for a seamless transition when building the sauce.
Drain and Chop Sun-Dried Tomatoes: If your sun-dried tomatoes are packed in oil, drain them well and give them a rough chop. If they are dry-packed, rehydrate them according to package instructions first. These little flavor bombs are a signature of our Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta!
Measure Out Liquids and Cheese: Measure your chicken broth, heavy cream, milk, and grate your Parmesan cheese. Having all your liquids and cheese ready to go will make adding them to the sauce a quick and easy process.

Searing the Chicken for Perfection:

The chicken is the star of our Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, and getting a beautiful, caramelized sear on it is fundamental for flavor and texture. Don’t rush this step!

Heat the Skillet: Place your large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and let it get nice and shimmering, almost to the point of just barely smoking. A hot pan is essential for a good sear.
Sear the Chicken: Carefully place the seasoned chicken cutlets in the hot skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan! If you have too many pieces, the temperature of the pan will drop, and the chicken will steam instead of sear, resulting in a less desirable texture. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary.
Cook Until Golden: Let the chicken cook undisturbed for about 3-5 minutes per side, or until it develops a beautiful golden-brown crust and is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The exact timing will depend on the thickness of your cutlets.
Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for the juices to redistribute, ensuring your chicken stays incredibly moist and tender. This step is key for a truly amazing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta experience.
Slice the Chicken: After resting, slice the chicken into ½-inch thick strips or dice it into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.

Crafting the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:

Now for the heart of our dish – the rich, flavorful, and incredibly creamy Tuscan sauce! This is where all the magical flavors come together to create the signature taste of our Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.

Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter to the same skillet where you cooked the chicken (don’t clean it! Those browned bits, or “fond,” add immense flavor). Add the finely chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 3-5 minutes.
Add Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the minced garlic and, if using, the red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Burnt garlic can turn bitter quickly, and we want sweet, aromatic garlic for our Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta sauce.
Deglaze with Broth: Pour in the ½ cup of chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This deglazing step adds incredible depth of flavor to your sauce. Let it simmer gently for about 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
Introduce Dairy: Whisk in the ½ cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Watch as the sauce begins to thicken slightly and become beautifully luscious.
Stir in Parmesan and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and incorporated into the sauce. Then, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir them in, allowing their vibrant flavor to meld with the creamy base.
Season the Sauce: Taste the sauce and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Remember that Parmesan cheese is salty, so add salt cautiously. You want a perfectly balanced sauce for your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
Wilt the Spinach: Add the fresh baby spinach to the sauce, a handful at a time if your pan is very full. Stir gently until the spinach wilts down completely, which usually takes just a couple of minutes. The vibrant green adds a beautiful color and freshness to the dish.
Keep Warm: Turn off the heat or keep the sauce on very low while you prepare the pasta. We want the sauce to be warm and ready to embrace the freshly cooked pasta.

Cooking the Pasta to Perfection:

While your sauce is simmering away, it’s time to cook the pasta. Perfectly cooked pasta is crucial for the overall success of our Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.

Boil Water: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a rolling boil. It should taste like the sea! This is where the pasta gets its initial seasoning.
Cook Pasta: Add your 12 ounces of dried pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. This means it should be firm to the bite but not hard in the center. Don’t overcook it, as it will continue to absorb some sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining, scoop out about ½ to 1 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water. This liquid is gold! It can be used to thin out your sauce if it becomes too thick, helping it cling beautifully to every strand of pasta.
Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta thoroughly and immediately transfer it to the skillet with your creamy Tuscan sauce.

Bringing It All Together:

This is where the magic happens and our Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta truly comes to life!

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained, hot pasta directly into the skillet with the creamy Tuscan sauce. Add the sliced, cooked chicken pieces back into the skillet as well.
Toss Gently: Using tongs, gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated in the luxurious sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Final Touches: Give it one last taste test and adjust seasoning if needed. You want a harmonious balance of flavors in every bite of your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.

Serving Suggestions & Variations:

Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is now ready to be enjoyed! Here are some ideas to make it even more special:

Garnish Generously: Serve immediately, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or parsley. A little fresh green herb brightens everything up!
Pair with Sides: This dish is quite hearty on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or some crusty garlic bread to sop up every last bit of that amazing sauce.
Protein Swaps: Not a fan of chicken? You could easily substitute shrimp, sausage, or even white beans for a vegetarian twist. Adjust cooking times accordingly.
Vegetable Boost: Feel free to add other vegetables! Sautéed mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or even blanched asparagus spears would be wonderful additions to this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
Different Cheeses: While Parmesan is traditional, a blend of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano, or even a touch of cream cheese melted into the sauce, can add different layers of flavor and creaminess.

Tips for Success with Your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta:

To ensure your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every single time, here are some of my best tips:

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This is arguably the most important tip for searing chicken. Give your chicken pieces space in the skillet to ensure they sear beautifully rather than steam. Cook in batches if necessary.
Salt Your Pasta Water Generously: Pasta absorbs salt during cooking, and this is your only real chance to season the pasta itself. Don’t be shy!
Reserve Pasta Water: Always, always save some pasta water. It’s an emulsifier and a thickening agent that can rescue a too-thick sauce or help it better cling to the pasta.
Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-grated Parmesan often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce gritty. Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoothly and imparts a superior flavor to your Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
Taste and Adjust: Seasoning is a journey, not a destination. Taste your sauce at different stages – after adding broth, after adding cream, and before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed.
Handle Spinach Gently: Spinach wilts quickly. Add it at the very end and just stir until it’s just wilted to maintain its vibrant green color and delicate texture.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Remember, pasta continues to cook a little bit after it’s drained, especially when tossed in a hot sauce. Aim for al dente.

Storing & Reheating Your Delicious Leftovers:

While I doubt you’ll have much left of this amazing Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, sometimes there are glorious leftovers. Here’s how to handle them:

Refrigeration: Allow any leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce will thicken quite a bit when cold.
Reheating on the Stovetop: This is my preferred method for reheating. Place the leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash or two of chicken broth or milk (about 1-2 tablespoons per serving) to help loosen the sauce and bring back its creamy consistency. Stir gently and heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes.
Reheating in the Microwave: If you’re short on time, you can microwave individual portions. Place the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a small splash of broth or milk. Cover loosely and heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot. Be careful not to overheat, as this can cause the sauce to separate.
Freezing: While technically possible, creamy pasta dishes don’t always freeze and thaw perfectly. The sauce can sometimes separate or become a bit grainy upon reheating. If you choose to freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with extra liquid as described above.

Conclusion:

Well, there you have it, my friends! We’ve journeyed through the creation of what I truly believe is one of the most comforting, flavorful, and utterly satisfying meals you can whip up in your own kitchen. This isn’t just another dinner recipe; it’s an experience, a symphony of savory chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich, velvety sauce that truly sings on your palate. I’ve made this dish countless times, for weeknight family dinners, for special occasions with friends, and even just for myself when I’m craving something truly indulgent yet remarkably simple to prepare. Every single time, it’s met with rave reviews and requests for seconds. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table feel instantly cozy and cared for, and frankly, who doesn’t want that feeling after a long day?

What makes this particular recipe so exceptional, you ask? It’s the perfect balance of textures and tastes. The chicken breasts, seared to golden perfection, remain tender and juicy, absorbing all the fantastic flavors. The sun-dried tomatoes burst with concentrated sweet-tartness, beautifully complementing the fresh earthiness of the spinach, which wilts down just enough to add vibrant color and essential nutrients without overpowering the dish. But the real star, undeniably, is that luscious, garlicky, herby cream sauce. It’s crafted to perfection, coating every strand of pasta and every piece of chicken, ensuring that each bite is an explosion of flavor. It’s hearty without being overly heavy, and sophisticated enough to impress even the most discerning palate, yet surprisingly straightforward to execute even for a novice cook. Trust me when I say, once you taste this, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a staple in so many households. It’s more than just food; it’s a moment of culinary bliss you can easily recreate, proving that extraordinary meals don’t always require extraordinary effort.

Now, let’s talk about enhancing this already incredible dish. While it’s absolutely perfect on its own, I love serving this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with a few simple accompaniments. A crisp green salad, perhaps with a light vinaigrette or a lemon-herb dressing, provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta, balancing the meal beautifully. And, of course, no pasta dish is truly complete without some crusty artisan bread or garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce – it’s a non-negotiable step in my book! For a lighter touch, you could even serve it alongside some steamed asparagus or green beans, lightly seasoned, which would add another layer of freshness.

But the beauty of a great recipe lies in its adaptability, and this one is wonderfully versatile. If you’re not a fan of chicken, feel free to substitute it with succulent shrimp, sliced Italian sausage, or even plant-based chicken alternatives for a delightful vegetarian twist. For those who love a bit of heat, a generous pinch of red pepper flakes added to the sauce can elevate the experience and add a welcome kick. Don’t have fresh spinach on hand? Frozen works just as well, just be sure to thaw it thoroughly and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the pan. You can experiment with different types of pasta too; while I prefer penne or fettuccine for their ability to hold the sauce so beautifully, larger shapes like rigatoni, or even delicate farfalle or cheese-filled tortellini could be fantastic options, each offering a slightly different textural experience. Want to make it extra cheesy? Stir in some shredded mozzarella or provolone at the end until melted and gooey for an even richer finish. The possibilities are truly endless, allowing you to tailor this dish perfectly to your preferences and what you have readily available in your pantry.

So, what are you waiting for? I wholeheartedly encourage you to carve out some time in your busy schedule, gather your ingredients, and give this spectacular Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta a try. I promise you won’t regret it. It’s a dish that warms the soul, satisfies the appetite, and brings smiles to faces, creating lasting food memories. Once you’ve experienced the magic for yourself, I would absolutely love to hear about it! Please, come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any fun variations? What did your family think of it? Your insights and feedback are invaluable, and I truly enjoy connecting with all of you through our shared love of delicious food. Happy cooking, and prepare to fall head over heels for this incredible meal!