Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a comforting, flavorful one-pot meal featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a rich cream and Parmesan sauce, brightened by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish balances savory, tangy, and fresh flavors with a satisfying creamy texture.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free Option Available
Protein
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
Vegetables & Flavorings
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (preferably oil-packed), chopped
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Sauces
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Carbohydrates
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
Spices & Oils
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
- Add the Vegetables: Add the fresh spinach to the cream sauce, stirring gently and cooking until wilted to incorporate its fresh and earthy flavor.
- Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water.
- Combine and Serve: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to combine and coat everything evenly. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed. Serve hot with optional garnishes like chopped parsley or extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Use quality oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for deeper flavor and added moisture in the sauce.
- Do not overcook the chicken; sear just until cooked through to keep it juicy and tender.
- Stir the sauce constantly when adding Parmesan to prevent clumping and ensure a silky texture.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin out the sauce and help it cling perfectly to the pasta.
- Fresh garlic, spinach, and herbs maximize flavor compared to dried or frozen alternatives.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Cream Sauce, Italian Pasta, Easy Weeknight Dinner, One Pot Meal