Imagine cozying up with a big bowl of creamy, flavor-packed Tuscan Chicken Pasta — where every bite is layered with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, spinach, and a rich, cheesy sauce that hugs each rigatoni noodle perfectly. It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in just one skillet, making it an easy favorite for busy weeknights and lazy weekends alike.

This pasta dish brings the comfort of an Italian countryside meal straight to your table. Whether you’re serving a family dinner, impressing guests, or meal prepping for the week, Tuscan Chicken Pasta delivers bold flavor and creamy texture with little fuss and big reward. If you’re a fan of hearty, creamy pastas with just a touch of sun-dried sweetness and vibrant greens, this recipe is bound to become a staple.

What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work beautifully in this recipe because they cook quickly and soak up all the creamy, garlicky goodness. If you prefer richer flavor, you can substitute with boneless chicken thighs. Just make sure to cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for faster, even cooking.

Ingredients for the Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Chicken breast or thighs: The star protein, juicy and flavorful, providing hearty bite in every forkful.
Rigatoni pasta: Thick, tube-shaped pasta that holds onto the sauce beautifully.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a burst of sweet, tangy depth that elevates the cream sauce.
Fresh spinach: Brings color and a healthy boost, balancing the richness of the dish.
Garlic: Fragrant and essential for that warm, Tuscan-style base flavor.
Heavy cream: The base for that velvety, luscious sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and depth, melting beautifully into the cream.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties all the flavors together.
Salt & black pepper: Essential for seasoning at each stage.
Olive oil: Used for browning the chicken and sautéing the aromatics.
Chicken broth: Helps thin the sauce slightly while infusing savory flavor.

How To Make the Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add them to the skillet. Cook until golden brown on all sides and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor into the oil.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook the rigatoni pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and add the cooked pasta directly into the sauce, stirring gently to coat every piece.

Step 5: Finish with Greens and Chicken

Add the spinach to the skillet, folding it into the pasta and sauce until wilted. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan if desired. This dish is perfect right off the stove or as a make-ahead meal for the week.

Serving and Storing Tuscan Chicken Pasta

This Tuscan Chicken Pasta is best served warm and creamy right off the stove, paired with crusty bread or a crisp green salad. It’s a comforting main dish that shines on its own but can easily be elevated for entertaining with a drizzle of truffle oil or a sprinkle of fresh basil.

For leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back the silky texture. While it’s not ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce, it can work in a pinch if you don’t mind slight texture changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish lighter?

Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or use evaporated milk. You can also reduce the cheese slightly and add more spinach for a lighter but still satisfying version.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine work well. Just go with something that holds sauce nicely.

Is this dish spicy?

Not by default. But if you enjoy a little heat, add red pepper flakes with the garlic.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes! Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth. Add mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty, plant-based twist.

What kind of Parmesan is best?

Freshly grated Parmesan off the block melts smoother and tastes richer than pre-shredded versions. Worth the extra minute!

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the full dish ahead and store it in the fridge. It reheats well with a little broth or cream to refresh the sauce.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta hit the spot, you’ll definitely want to explore these other comfort-filled pasta creations from my kitchen:

Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for an ultra-rich twist.
Sweet Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken Pasta if you like a little zing in your sauce.
One Skillet Spicy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Pasta when you’re craving bold, spicy flavor.
Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a red meat option with creamy comfort.
One Pot Creamy Chicken Cheddar Ranch Pasta for a cheesy, herby delight.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so it’s ready when the next pasta craving strikes: Life with Nina Recipes on Pinterest.

Let me know in the comments how you made it your own! Did you swap in kale? Go extra on the sun-dried tomatoes? I love hearing your spins on the recipe. Don’t be shy—questions welcome too. Let’s make dinner more delicious, together.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Pasta
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: Italian-American

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta features tender bites of seared chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and rigatoni, all tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce. It’s cozy, comforting, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant meal with friends.

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove and set aside.

2. In the same skillet, add a touch more oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.

3. Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan and cook until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Meanwhile, cook rigatoni according to package directions. Drain and add to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the pasta in the sauce.

5. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Return chicken to the pan and stir everything together until heated through.

6. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.