Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Save this recipe on:

There’s something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of pasta, especially when it’s coated in a velvety cream sauce and loaded with bold, sun-dried tomato flavor. That’s exactly what drew me to this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. It’s a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to whip up on a weeknight. From the very first bite, the combination of tender chicken, garlic-infused cream, and perfectly cooked rigatoni hooked me—and now it’s a regular part of my dinner rotation.

I love this recipe not just for its flavor, but for how it brings a restaurant-quality experience straight to your kitchen. The rich sauce clings beautifully to every ridge of pasta, and the vibrant greens and sun-dried tomatoes add depth, color, and just the right touch of tang. Whether I’m serving it for a cozy night in or impressing friends at a casual dinner party, it always hits the spot.

---

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• It’s quick enough for a weeknight, but fancy enough for a date night.
• Packed with flavor from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan.
• The creamy sauce is luscious without being too heavy.
• A great way to use up leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken.
• Easy to customize with your favorite greens or pasta shapes.

---

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Rigatoni is my go-to for this recipe because its ridges hold onto the creamy sauce like a dream. But you’re not locked into it—penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti can work in a pinch. Just aim for a pasta with some texture or surface area to really soak up all the goodness from the sauce.

---

Options for Substitutions

• Chicken: Swap with turkey or even shrimp if you want to change things up.
• Cream: Half-and-half works for a lighter option, or use coconut cream for a dairy-free twist.
• Pasta: Any short pasta like penne or farfalle works great. For a gluten-free option, use chickpea or lentil pasta.
• Spinach: Kale or arugula can be delicious substitutes, though kale needs a little more cook time.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: If you’re not a fan, try roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes instead.

---

Ingredients for this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Rigatoni Pasta: Holds the sauce well thanks to its ridges and hearty texture.
• Cooked Chicken: Use grilled, rotisserie, or leftover chicken for ease and flavor.
• Heavy Cream: The base of the sauce, giving it that luxurious, rich texture.
• Garlic: Essential for building flavor from the start.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Tangy, sweet, and chewy, they cut through the richness.
• Baby Spinach: For freshness and color, and it wilts quickly into the sauce.
• Butter: Used to sauté garlic and bring richness.
• Olive Oil: Helps carry the garlic flavor and adds a slight fruitiness.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs to round out the Tuscan flavor.
• Salt & Black Pepper: For essential seasoning.
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a little heat to balance the creaminess.

---

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the rigatoni until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

---

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Tomatoes

In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Toss in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1–2 minutes to soften and infuse the oil with their flavor.

---

Step 3: Add Chicken and Seasoning

Add your cooked chicken to the skillet and sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to combine and let everything warm through for about 2–3 minutes.

---

Step 4: Pour in the Cream

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Simmer the sauce for 4–5 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.

---

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Spinach

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the baby spinach and cook until just wilted, about 1–2 minutes.

---

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

---

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.

---

How Long to Prepare the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

This recipe is ideal when you need something impressive but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

Prep Time: It takes about 10-15 minutes to prep all the ingredients. This includes boiling the pasta, chopping the sun-dried tomatoes, mincing garlic, and prepping your cooked chicken.

Cooking Time: Once everything is prepped, the sauce and final assembly come together in just 15-20 minutes. So, in total, you’re looking at around 30-35 minutes from start to plate.

---

Tips for Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Don’t overcook the pasta – You want it al dente so it holds up in the creamy sauce.
• Reserve pasta water – A splash of it can help loosen the sauce without watering it down.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Let the cream simmer, not boil – This prevents curdling and gives you a velvety texture.
• Add greens last – Spinach wilts fast, so stir it in at the end for best color and texture.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Adding cream on high heat – This can cause separation and a greasy sauce.
• Using low-quality sun-dried tomatoes – Go for oil-packed, tender ones for best flavor.
• Skipping seasoning – Even with flavorful ingredients, salt and pepper matter.
• Using cold chicken – Warm it slightly before adding to the pan to keep the sauce temperature consistent.
• Overloading the pan – Work in a roomy skillet to stir everything comfortably.

---

What to Serve With Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta?

1. Garlic Bread

Crispy, buttery, and ideal for mopping up the extra creamy sauce.

2. Simple Arugula Salad

The peppery greens cut through the richness of the pasta perfectly.

3. Roasted Broccoli

Adds crunch and a bit of bitterness to contrast the creamy texture.

4. White Wine

A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creaminess well.

5. Grilled Zucchini

Light and slightly charred, it’s a fresh side that balances the meal.

---

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, so add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to loosen it up.

Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir frequently and add a little water or cream to bring back the sauce’s smooth texture. Avoid the microwave if possible—it can make the chicken rubbery and separate the sauce.

Freezing: This dish isn’t ideal for freezing due to the cream-based sauce, which can separate once thawed. If you must freeze it, make sure it’s completely cooled and stored in a freezer-safe container. Use within a month for best results.

---

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

• Calories: 620 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Cholesterol: 110mg

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dairy-free?

Swap the heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk and use a vegan Parmesan alternative. Make sure your sun-dried tomatoes are oil-packed and dairy-free.

Can I use raw chicken instead of cooked?

Yes, but you’ll need to sauté it first until fully cooked, then remove it before making the sauce and add it back in later.

What can I do if my sauce is too thick?

Add a little reserved pasta water or a splash of milk to thin it out while stirring gently.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently, but you can control the heat by adjusting or omitting the red pepper flakes.

Can I make it ahead?

You can prepare the sauce a day ahead, but cook the pasta fresh when you’re ready to serve to keep the texture just right.

---

Conclusion

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes—comforting, flavorful, and fast. It’s a weeknight dinner winner and dinner party showstopper rolled into one, and the balance of creamy, savory, and tangy flavors makes it something you’ll crave often. With easy prep, flexible ingredients, and a luxurious finish, this pasta is destined to become a go-to favorite.

---

Print

Save this recipe on: