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Tuscan chicken pasta with penne, chicken, spinach, tomatoes, and parmesan cheese in a bowl.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

A rich and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken breast in a creamy garlic sauce with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Italian herbs. This restaurant-quality meal comes together in just 30 minutes for a perfect weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 685

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken and Pasta
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 12 oz penne pasta or rigatoni
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt for chicken seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper freshly ground
For the Tuscan Sauce
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped, oil-packed
  • 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated
  • 3 cups fresh spinach packed
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Cutting Board
  • Sharp Knife
  • Wooden Spoon

Method
 

Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
Prepare the Chicken
  1. Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken to a plate.
Make the Tuscan Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute. Pour in white wine and simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
  3. Add heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until sauce begins to thicken.
  4. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
Combine and Serve
  1. Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water 1 tablespoon at a time.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated. The dish is best served immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to restore creaminess. You can substitute chicken thighs for more flavor, and baby spinach works perfectly in this recipe.