Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This tuscan chicken pasta is creamy, rich, and packed with bold flavors from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish that feels restaurant-quality but is easy to make at home.
Tuscan chicken pasta combines tender chicken with a creamy sauce and pasta for a hearty meal that comes together in about 30 minutes. The signature Tuscan flavor comes from the combination of cream, garlic, herbs, and Sun Bella Luci julienned sun-dried tomatoes (my favorite cut for sauces and you can find this jar at your local grocery store).
If you enjoy creamy dishes like creamy chicken wild rice soup or poppy seed chicken, this is a must-try.
Why You'll Love This Tuscan Chicken Pasta
This tuscan chicken pasta is one of those recipes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make.
- Creamy, rich flavor – The sauce is packed with garlic, Parmesan, and cream for a luxurious texture.
- Restaurant-quality at home – Tuscan chicken pasta delivers bold, layered flavors without complicated steps.
- Quick weeknight dinner – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
- Balanced and satisfying – Protein, carbs, and veggies all in one dish.
- Family-friendly meal – A creamy pasta that both kids and adults will love.
- Perfect for leftovers – Reheats well for next-day meals.
If you love creamy pasta meals, try chicken marbella for another rich dinner option.
Key Ingredients You Need
- Chicken breast – The base of tuscan chicken pasta, providing tender and juicy protein.
- Pasta (penne or rigatoni) – Holds the creamy sauce well and gives the dish structure.
- Sun-dried tomatoes – Add bold, tangy flavor that defines tuscan chicken pasta.
- Spinach – Adds freshness and balances the richness of the sauce.
- Garlic – Essential for building the signature Tuscan flavor.
- Heavy cream & Parmesan cheese – Create the creamy, rich sauce.
How to Make Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Cook pasta according to package instructions
- Season and cook chicken until golden
- Remove chicken and sauté garlic
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and seasoning
- Pour in cream and simmer
- Add Parmesan cheese and spinach
- Return chicken and pasta to the pan
- Toss until fully coated and serve
For another one-pan meal, try chicken taco soup.
How to Make the Best Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Use Fresh Garlic
Fresh garlic gives tuscan chicken pasta a stronger, more authentic flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta
Cook pasta al dente so it holds up in the creamy sauce.
Balance the Sauce
Adjust cream and cheese to get the perfect consistency. For another creamy dish, check poppy seed chicken.
Stacie’s Tricks & Tips
- Use oil from the sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor in tuscan chicken pasta.
- Add a splash of pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Cook chicken separately first for better texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately for the creamiest consistency.
- Add red pepper flakes if you want a slight kick.
Storage & Meal Prep
- Store tuscan chicken pasta in the fridge for up to 3–4 days
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream
- Avoid overheating to prevent sauce separation
- Not ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce
- Use leftovers in wraps or bowls like healthy chicken wrap
Want to see how this comes together step by step? Watch it here >>
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Stock pot for pasta
- Large skillet
Ingredients
- 1-1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast diced
- 2 tbsp reserved oil from jar of sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 8.5 oz jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil with herbs I use the julienne cut, reserve 2 tbsp oil
- 16-oz rigatoni pasta
- 1 small onion or shallot diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2¼ cup whole milk
- 2 handfuls fresh spinach leaves
- 1½ cup parmesan cheese grated
- sea salt to top, optional. I love the extra salt on top.
Instructions
- Cook rigatoni according to package directions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium and add 2 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil. Add diced chicken and cook until done. Remove from pan.
- Lightly wipe the pan. Add onion/shallots, sun-dried tomatoes, and garlic. Sauté 1 minute.
- Stir in tomato paste, oregano, paprika, garlic powder, and pepper.
- Pour in heavy cream and whole milk. Add chicken, spinach, and ¾ cup Parmesan cheese.
- Simmer 8–10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add drained rigatoni and toss to coat.
- Sprinkle remaining Parmesan on top and a generous two or three pinches of sea salt.
- Serve warm with crusty bread.
Notes
🧾 Nutritional Information — Tuscan Chicken Pasta (Per Serving)
Values are estimated and based on 6 servings using the lighter version with whole milk + ¾ cup cream.| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~565 kcal |
| Protein | ~34 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~54 g |
| Fat | ~24 g |
| Saturated Fat | ~12 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sugar | ~7 g |
| Sodium | ~610 mg |
| Cholesterol | ~115 mg |
- Nutrition will vary based on pasta brand, cheese amount, and exact cream/milk ratio
- Using the richer version or extra cheese will also increase totals
- Add-ins like bacon, sea salt or extra cheese will also increase totals
Frequently Asked Questions
What is tuscan chicken pasta made of?
Tuscan chicken pasta is made with chicken, pasta, garlic, cream, Parmesan cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, creating a rich and flavorful dish.
Can I make tuscan chicken pasta without cream?
Yes, tuscan chicken pasta can be made with milk or lighter alternatives, though the sauce will be less rich.
How do I thicken tuscan chicken pasta sauce?
Tuscan chicken pasta sauce thickens naturally with cheese and simmering, but you can add a little pasta water or extra Parmesan to adjust consistency.
Can I use different pasta types?
Yes, tuscan chicken pasta works with penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or any pasta that holds sauce well.
Is tuscan chicken pasta healthy?
Tuscan chicken pasta can be adjusted to be lighter by using less cream or substituting with milk while keeping the same flavors.
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