You know, the first time I made Tuscan chicken pasta, I was juggling a million things—kids running around, phone buzzing, and a kitchen that felt more like a chaotic symphony than a peaceful cooking space. But that creamy Tuscan chicken pasta saved the night with its rich, comforting flavors and quick prep. The way the Tuscan garlic chicken sauce melded perfectly with sun-dried tomato chicken pasta elements and tender spinach and chicken pasta bites reminded me why this Italian chicken pasta recipe has been a staple in my family for years. There’s something about the blend of creamy goodness and those savory herbs that just hits home after a long day.
I remember struggling a bit at first, especially getting the balance right—too much cream and the sauce felt heavy, too little and it was bland. But once I nailed the Tuscan chicken pasta timing, my kitchen started smelling like a cozy trattoria every time I cooked it. This recipe quickly became a lifesaver on nights when time was tight but everyone still wanted something delicious and satisfying. My philosophy with Tuscan chicken pasta, honestly, is all about keeping it simple but soulful. The way those sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach come together with the chicken in that creamy Tuscan garlic chicken sauce takes me back to lazy weekend meals shared with family.
If you’re curious to see exactly how I pull this off, I’d love for you to stick around and give this Tuscan chicken pasta recipe a whirl. I promise, once you try it, you’ll get why it’s one of our family favorites—and why I often lean into this Italian chicken pasta recipe when I want something cozy, nourishing, and a little bit indulgent. And hey, if you want a fun video to follow along, Simply Home Cooked’s creamy Tuscan chicken pasta tutorial is a great visual guide too!
What You’ll Need for This Tuscan chicken pasta
Let me tell you, the magic of Tuscan chicken pasta starts right here—with the ingredients! I always use boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they cook evenly and stay juicy, but if you prefer dark meat, thighs work beautifully too for a more tender bite. For that signature creamy Tuscan garlic chicken sauce, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese are non-negotiable in my kitchen. Fresh spinach and sun-dried tomatoes give this meal that classic sun-dried tomato chicken pasta flair, adding a pleasant tang and depth.

- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 8 oz pasta (penne or your favorite shape)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed work best)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
When making Tuscan chicken pasta, you can usually find sun-dried tomatoes in the Italian aisle or at specialty stores, but sometimes local farmers’ markets have fresher options which I love using. Pro tip: If you’re short on time, grab pre-minced garlic and pre-washed spinach packets—they save so much prep hassle but still bring the same great flavor.
A little Tuscan chicken pasta trick I learned is that marinating the chicken briefly in olive oil, garlic, and herbs before cooking gives the chicken a flavorful boost you’ll notice in every bite. And speaking of cost-saving tips, buying Parmesan in wedges rather than pre-grated is often cheaper and fresher—plus, it melts like a dream in this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta sauce. Leftover sauce keeps well refrigerated for a couple of days, so I sometimes double the batch and use the rest as a quick pasta topper the next day.
If you want more detailed ingredient tips, Momsdish has a lovely walk-through on creamy Tuscan chicken pasta that really helped me refine my shopping list early on.
Let’s Make This Tuscan chicken pasta Together
Alright, friend, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into making this Tuscan chicken pasta! Don’t worry if your kitchen feels a little busy — this recipe is all about straightforward steps that bring out delicious results.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. I usually use about 8 minutes. Drain, reserve a cup of that starchy pasta water, and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. I learned the hard way with Tuscan chicken pasta that overcooking the chicken makes it dry, so keep a close eye here.
- Make the Tuscan garlic chicken sauce: Lower the heat and add minced garlic to the skillet with chicken, sautéing until fragrant but not burnt (about 1 minute). Pour in the heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese. Your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is starting to smell heavenly now!
- Add veggies: Toss in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach to the sauce. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly. This part usually takes about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta back to the skillet, tossing everything to coat well. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Taste and adjust: Give your Tuscan chicken pasta a final taste, adding salt or pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if you have it.
In my kitchen, Tuscan chicken pasta usually takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, which makes it perfect for family dinners on busy weeknights. While the sauce thickens, I often tidy up or set the table—multitasking at its best! And here’s a family-tested shortcut: if you want to skip chopping sun-dried tomatoes, you can buy pre-sliced varieties which greatly cut prep time.
If you want a step-by-step video to watch as you cook, Salt & Lavender’s creamy sun-dried tomato basil chicken pasta tutorial is a gem that beautifully complements this recipe. Plus, it’s a friendly place to learn techniques like making the Tuscan garlic chicken sauce silky smooth.
How I Love to Serve This Tuscan chicken pasta
This Tuscan chicken pasta recipe is a crowd-pleaser in my home, especially when I pair it with crisp, simple sides. My family loves this Tuscan chicken pasta served alongside a fresh green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette; the acidity cuts through the creamy sauce perfectly. Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread also earns rave reviews for soaking up every last drop of the Tuscan garlic chicken sauce.

I tend to whip up this Tuscan chicken pasta for both casual weeknight dinners and small weekend get-togethers. It feels hearty yet special enough to share with friends. Presentation-wise, a sprinkle of fresh basil or a dusting of Parmesan adds a lovely touch that makes the dish look like something from a little Italian bistro. For seasonal flair, in the fall I sometimes swap out the spinach for kale, and in summer, I might toss in cherry tomatoes for a bright pop.
If you have extra creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, you’re in luck—leftovers taste just as good heated gently on the stove with a splash more cream or tossed into a pasta bake for a comforting casserole. Honestly, friends always ask for this Tuscan chicken pasta recipe after dinner, which feels like a little kitchen win every time.
It’s also fun to mix up the recipe by switching the pasta shape or adding a scoop of pesto; if you love that, check out my pesto chicken pasta recipe for another family favorite with a different twist.
Your Tuscan chicken pasta Questions Answered
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for Tuscan chicken pasta?
Absolutely! Dark meat like thighs stays juicy and tender. Just watch cooking time closely since they can take a bit longer to cook through.
Q: Why is my Tuscan chicken pasta sauce sometimes too thick?
That’s a common one! I often add reserved pasta water a little at a time to thin the sauce if it gets too thick. This keeps it creamy but pourable.
Q: Can I make this Tuscan chicken pasta dairy-free?
You can, by swapping cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative, and using nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. It won’t be exactly the same creamy Tuscan chicken pasta flavor, but still delicious!
Q: Is sun-dried tomato chicken pasta better with oil-packed or dry-packed tomatoes?
Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add extra richness and flavor. Dry-packed are less expensive but you’ll want to rehydrate them well.
Q: How do I reheat leftover Tuscan chicken pasta?
Gently warm leftovers on the stove or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist.
Q: Can I prep Tuscan chicken pasta ahead of time?
Yes! Precook chicken and pasta separately, store in the fridge, then combine with fresh sauce when ready to eat.
Q: Why does my spinach and chicken pasta turn watery?
Make sure to drain fresh spinach well or use baby spinach which wilts quicker and releases less water into the sauce.
You know what I do when my Tuscan chicken pasta doesn’t come out perfect the first time? I just tweak seasoning or timing and try again! Every cook learns from kitchen little mishaps. For more questions answered and helpful tips, Momsdish has an excellent creamy Tuscan chicken pasta FAQ that’s saved me a bunch of times.
My Final Thoughts on This Tuscan chicken pasta
This Tuscan chicken pasta recipe really holds a special place in my heart—it’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, kind of like old friends gathering around the table. The creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is both comforting and full of fresh, vibrant flavors—from the Tuscan garlic chicken sauce to the sun-dried tomato chicken pasta bursts and tender spinach and chicken pasta bites.
Pro Tips for Perfect Tuscan chicken pasta:
- Always slice your chicken thinly for even cooking and better sauce absorption.
- Don’t skimp on the Parmesan—it’s key for that rich, cheesy depth.
- Keep some reserved pasta water handy to adjust sauce consistency just right.
Over the years, my family has enjoyed several versions: a lighter spinach and chicken pasta with less cream, a robust sun-dried tomato chicken pasta that’s extra rich, and a version with a touch of pesto stirred in for that Italian chicken pasta recipe twist. My eldest loves the extra garlicky Tuscan chicken pasta version, while my youngest prefers milder creaminess—there’s something for everyone!
I truly hope you enjoy making this Tuscan chicken pasta as much as I do. It’s such a joy to bring people together with food that’s approachable, nourishing, and downright delicious. If you want to explore more chicken pasta recipes, don’t miss my Cajun chicken pasta or chicken piccata pasta—they’re each unique and family-pleasing in their own way.
Here’s to many cozy meals and happy kitchens ahead, friend. Give this Tuscan chicken pasta a try and let it become one of your go-to family favorites!
Additional Resources for Tuscan chicken pasta
For more on Tuscan chicken pasta and to deepen your pasta adventures, I highly recommend these mom-friendly resources:
And if you want to try some other flavors, my takes on Cajun chicken pasta, chicken piccata pasta, and pesto chicken pasta recipe are lovely complements to your pasta repertoire!
Happy cooking, dear friend!
Tuscan chicken pasta
A creamy and flavorful Tuscan chicken pasta featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting and elegant weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking until spinach wilts.
- Pour in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese; stir and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil before serving. Enjoy warm.
Notes
For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or top with additional Parmesan cheese.

