Oh, Tuscan chicken pasta—such a heart-stealer in our household! The first time I made this dish, I was searching for a meal that could ease the chaos of a weeknight while still feeling special. I stumbled on a creamy Tuscan chicken pasta recipe easy enough to pull together after a long day, and honestly, it felt like a win for my whole family. The rich Tuscan chicken pasta sauce, bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach, created this cozy hug of flavor that even my picky eaters couldn’t resist. I remember my youngest declaring, “Mom, you should make this every week!”—and that’s how it cemented itself as a family favorite.
This Tuscan chicken pasta brings comfort in the busiest moments, wrapping up my cooking journey with satisfying, simple flavors that calm the dinner frenzy. I’ve learned that balance matters: creamy yet fresh, flavorful yet not fussy. If you’re a fellow busy mom navigating the daily sun and storms of family feeding, this recipe is made for you. Whether you’re craving garlic spinach chicken pasta variations or the classic chicken sun-dried tomato pasta, it’s all about comfort without overwhelm. And trust me, you’ll want to peek at this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta video inspiration from Simply Home Cooked—it’s like having a cooking buddy on hand!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Here’s what makes this Tuscan chicken pasta so tasty but simple:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced (feel free to swap with thighs for extra juiciness)
- 8 oz. penne pasta (or your family favorite noodle)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (my family gets extra comfort when I add an extra clove or two)
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil for flavor; if you don’t have these, roasted red peppers work beautifully)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (the green goodness balances the creamy sauce)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that dreamy creamy Tuscan chicken pasta sauce)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
You can find these at most grocery stores; no need for fancy shops here! I usually buy extra garlic and sun-dried tomatoes because they’re staples that make my kitchen feel ready for those cozy meals.
For budget-friendly swaps, canned spinach or frozen chopped spinach works fine in a pinch, and using half-and-half instead of heavy cream lightens the dish up without losing comfort.
Pro tip: prepping garlic and chopping spinach ahead saves precious minutes during the hustle. My Tuscan chicken pasta ingredient list is straightforward because busy moms like us need comfort without complexity. A little planning here goes a long way!
If you want to see this creamy Tuscan chicken pasta come alive, Salt & Lavender has a gorgeous recipe with a similar feel.
Let’s Make it Happen!
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water for your pasta. While waiting, slice your chicken breasts thinly—it helps them cook quickly and soak up the flavors.
- Cook your penne pasta according to package instructions. In my busy kitchen, this usually takes 10 minutes. Use this time wisely! I often prep tomorrow’s school lunch or tidy up the kitchen; multitasking mama mode activated.
- Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced chicken, seasoning with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Your kitchen begins to smell like a Tuscan trattoria!
- Remove chicken to a plate. In the same skillet, toss in minced garlic, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This step makes Tuscan chicken pasta sauce so aromatic—it’s a small moment of culinary joy.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts down nicely, about 3 minutes.
- Pour in heavy cream and Parmesan, stirring gently to build that creamy Tuscan chicken pasta sauce. Bring it to a simmer, then return the chicken to the pan. Let it warm through for 2-3 minutes.
- Drain your pasta and add it right into the skillet, mixing everything together so the sauce clings to every noodle and tender chicken piece. Don’t worry if your Tuscan chicken pasta looks thick—it will loosen just right once plated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. At this point, your Tuscan chicken pasta should smell amazing and look like the kind of dinner that says, “You’re going to be okay tonight.”
I used to overcook my chicken, making the whole dish dry. Learn from my experience: thin slices and medium heat are your friends for tender bites in this comforting Tuscan chicken pasta.
If you want to watch a step-by-step creamy Tuscan chicken pasta video, Simply Home Cooked has a great tutorial that’ll walk you through the whole process.
How We Love to Eat This!
This Tuscan chicken pasta has become a go-to when my family craves a warm hug on a plate. The kids devour it when I serve it alongside a crunchy garden salad and some garlic bread—easy sides that balance the creamy garlic spinach chicken pasta beautifully.
It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when time is short but cravings for comfort are high. Sometimes, we even turn it into a delightful lunch the next day. Leftovers reheat well, keeping that Tuscan chicken pasta sauce creamy and satisfying.
One of my favorite presentation hacks is sprinkling a little fresh parsley or extra Parmesan on top to brighten the dish visually. It makes everyone feel like dinner got a bit of extra love.
If you’re hosting friends, this Tuscan chicken pasta always sparks compliments—like how home-cooked comfort food can win hearts every time.
Seasonal twist? Adding roasted red peppers in place of sun-dried tomatoes gives it a fresh summer touch my family loves.
By the way, if your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for my creamy chicken pasta or chicken piccata pasta—both house favorites on indistinguishable busy nights. Find those comforting recipes here at MommiesMore!
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q: Is this Tuscan chicken pasta filling enough for growing kids?
A: Absolutely! The chicken protein plus the carb-packed penne pasta keep my family satisfied through after-school activities. The creamy sauce feels indulgent but carries enough nutrients to fuel their busy days.
Q: What if my picky eater won’t try this Tuscan chicken pasta?
A: Try serving the ingredients separately at first—maybe just plain chicken and pasta—then slowly introduce the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta sauce and spinach. My kids needed this gradual approach, and now they can’t get enough.
Q: Can I meal prep this Tuscan chicken pasta for busy weeks ahead?
A: Yes! It reheats well in the microwave or a skillet. I pack it in portioned containers for lunches or quick dinners, saving time during the chaotic school week.
Q: Can I swap the sun-dried tomatoes for something else?
A: For sure, roasted red peppers or even fresh chopped tomatoes work well. They change the flavor a bit but keep the dish comforting and loved by my family.
Q: How do I make it more kid-friendly?
A: Use less garlic and Italian seasoning, and skip spinach if it’s a no-go for your kids. Sometimes, smaller flavor steps make Tuscan chicken pasta accessible to little palates.
Q: Is there a vegetarian version of Tuscan chicken pasta?
A: Yep! Swap the chicken for mushrooms or tofu and keep the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta sauce rich with Parmesan and garlic. It’s still a crowd-pleaser at my table.
Q: Where can I find more creamy Tuscan chicken pasta inspiration?
A: I love sharing kitchen wins and lessons here, but you can also find great ideas on Momsdish or Salt & Lavender’s creamy sun-dried tomato basil chicken pasta recipes online. They add lovely little twists to the classic.
Remember, every family’s taste is unique, so trust your instincts with this comforting Tuscan chicken pasta. It’s designed to make life simpler, taste delicious, and bring your table joy.
Final Thoughts:
This Tuscan chicken pasta supports my family’s comfort food goals because it’s simple, hearty, and endlessly adaptable. My Tuscan chicken pasta Comfort Hacks are:
- Pre-slicing chicken thinly to quicken cooking
- Using sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for extra flavor punch
- Adding spinach for a healthy green boost without sacrificing creaminess
Our family has tried several versions: my husband loves the classic creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, the kids are all about the garlic spinach chicken pasta spin, and I adore the chicken sun-dried tomato pasta vibe. Each variation brings its own cozy moment to our table.
I encourage you to make this Tuscan chicken pasta your own. Swap ingredients to fit your pantry and preferences. The goal is simple comfort that works for you, no pressure, only love—and a little magic in the kitchen.
If you want more ways to mix up your chicken pasta dinners without extra stress, these MommiesMore favorites will help you keep that cozy chaos manageable: creamy chicken pasta, chicken piccata pasta, and cajun chicken pasta all bring different flavors with the same comforting heart.
I hope your family finds as much happiness in this Tuscan chicken pasta as mine does. Here’s to more peaceful meals and satisfied smiles around your table. You’ve got this, fellow comfort seekers!
For more quick inspiration, check out this delicious creamy Tuscan chicken pasta video from Simply Home Cooked or this amazing creamy Tuscan chicken pasta recipe from Salt & Lavender. And if you’re looking for more family-tested favorites, Momsdish has a savory take you’ll love.
Happy cooking!
Tuscan chicken pasta
A creamy and flavorful Tuscan chicken pasta featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes; cook for 2 minutes while stirring.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Add fresh spinach and cooked chicken back into the skillet; stir until spinach wilts.
- Mix in the cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve warm.
Notes
For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before adding the cream, or serve with a side of crusty garlic bread.