Hi home cooks,
If you need a quick dinner win, this Creamy chicken Tuscan pasta recipe is exactly what your busy night needs. It is rich, comforting, and comes together fast with simple ingredients.
This dish brings everyone to the table with tender chicken, a creamy garlic parmesan sauce, and pops of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Think Tuscan chicken fettuccine meets garlic parmesan chicken pasta, all in one easy meal.
The Ingredients
For a full list of ingredients and their exact measurements, please scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Chicken breast
Lean, quick-cooking, and perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce. - Pasta (penne or fettuccine)
Short pasta holds sauce well, while fettuccine gives that classic Tuscan chicken fettuccine feel. - Garlic
Fresh garlic builds the base flavor and gives that signature Italian aroma. - Sun-dried tomatoes
Adds a slightly sweet, tangy depth that balances the creaminess. - Heavy cream + milk
This combo creates a rich but balanced sauce that is not too heavy. - Parmesan cheese
Salty, nutty, and melts beautifully into the sauce. - Spinach
Adds color, nutrients, and a fresh contrast. - Italian seasoning
Brings everything together with minimal effort.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Sear in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
In the same pot, melt butter and sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes until fragrant.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
Add cream, milk, parmesan, and pasta. Stir and let it cook until the pasta is tender.
Step 4: Bring It Together
Add the chicken back in with spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts and everything is coated in that creamy sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Serve warm with extra parmesan on top. Yum!
Emily’s Kitchen Shortcuts (Expert Tips)
- Short on time? Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Want it lighter? Swap half the cream for more milk.
- Extra flavor boost: Use the oil from sun-dried tomatoes to cook the chicken.
- Pasta tip: If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of milk or broth.
The Science of Simple Cooking
Creamy pasta works because of emulsification.
When fat from cream and butter combines with cheese and pasta starch, it creates a smooth, clingy sauce.
Cooking pasta directly in the sauce also releases starch, which naturally thickens everything without extra flour.
That is why simple ingredients can still create a rich, restaurant-quality dish.
Common Kitchen Questions (FAQ)
Yes. They are juicier and add more flavor.
Penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti all work well.
You can use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese, but flavor will slightly change.
Do not overcook. Add a splash of milk when reheating.
How to Store and Reheat
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months
To reheat:
Warm on the stove with a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to life.
Creamy Chicken Tuscan Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- salt and pepper
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta
- 3 cups spinach
Instructions
- Season and cook chicken until golden. Remove and slice.
- In the same pot, melt butter and cook garlic and tomatoes.
- Add cream, milk, cheese, and pasta. Stir and cook until tender.
- Add chicken and spinach. Cook until combined.
- Serve warm.
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