Dinner

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta – Easy One Pan Dinner Recipe

Bylina moretti March 30, 2026March 30, 2026

Introduction

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting one-pan dinner featuring tender chicken, pasta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a velvety cream sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and brings delicious restaurant-quality flavor to your table.

A close-up view of a plate filled with creamy pasta made of rigatoni mixed with chunks of cooked chicken and small pieces of tomato. The rigatoni pasta is coated in a thick, creamy sauce speckled with green herbs. The chicken pieces are light brown and tender looking, sitting on top and around the pasta. The small red tomato pieces add a pop of color across the dish. The white plate is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts (about 450 g), sliced
250 g (8 oz) penne pasta
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
240 ml (1 cup) heavy cream
120 ml (½ cup) chicken broth
50 g (½ cup) grated parmesan cheese
100 g (1 cup) fresh spinach
80 g (½ cup) sun-dried tomatoes
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tsp Italian seasoning

Instructions

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add sliced chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
Step 3: Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine and create the sauce.
Step 4: Add the penne pasta directly to the pan. Cook in the sauce, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 5: Stir in fresh spinach and grated parmesan cheese until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.
Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the pan and mix everything together evenly.
Step 7: Serve warm, garnished with extra parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated parmesan for better flavor and smooth texture.
Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
Stir frequently while cooking pasta to prevent sticking.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth to adjust consistency.
Optional add-ins include mushrooms, red pepper flakes for heat, or extra cheese on top.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to prevent the cream sauce from separating. Avoid freezing as the texture of the cream sauce may change.

How to Serve

The dish shows creamy pasta mixed with pieces of chicken and chunks of red bell pepper on a white plate, all sitting on a white marbled surface. There are many pasta pieces, mostly yellow and ridged, coated in a thick cream sauce that has visible green herbs spread evenly throughout. The chicken pieces are golden brown and mixed into the pasta on all layers. The red bell pepper pieces add bright color contrast, scattered evenly in the sauce. The sauce has a smooth creamy texture, covering all the ingredients, and the whole dish looks rich and hearty. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the pasta cooks through in the sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well in the fridge for a few days, making it a convenient option for meal prep. Just reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.