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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet

By: Author Jenna Margot

Posted on

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet

Hey y'all! If you love hearty, comforting dinners that come together in one pan, you’re in for a real treat with this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet. It’s rich, loaded with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, and features melt-in-your-mouth chicken in a velvety, garlicky cream sauce. Whether you’re hosting friends or just need a quick weeknight meal, this recipe brings restaurant-worthy Italian flavor to your kitchen. Let's get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet

  • One-pan simplicity saves time on prep and cleanup without sacrificing flavor.
  • The creamy, garlicky sauce is irresistibly rich and comforting.
  • Loaded with veggies like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and vibrant color.
  • Ready in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
  • Easily customizable to suit gluten-free or low-carb diets.

Ingredients for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and sliced
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz uncooked penne or fettuccine pasta
  • 3 cups baby spinach, loosely packed
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

  1. Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Add chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
  2. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute.
  3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

  1. Stir in uncooked pasta. Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer uncovered for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and sauce has thickened.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

  1. Stir in spinach and Parmesan cheese, letting the spinach wilt for 2 minutes.
  2. Return chicken to the skillet. Toss to combine and heat through, 2-3 minutes.
  3. Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan before serving. Enjoy hot!

Notes for the Best Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet

  • Use quality chicken breasts for best flavor and tenderness.
  • For extra creaminess, add a tablespoon of cream cheese to the sauce.
  • If sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet

Variations for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet

  • Low-Carb: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles for a lower-carb option.
  • Vegetarian: Swap chicken for cannellini beans or sautéed mushrooms.
  • Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes, or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste.

Equipment Needed for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet

  • Large, deep skillet (12-inch preferred)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Sharp chef’s knife & cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
  • Freezing not recommended due to the creamy sauce’s texture.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

  • Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette.
  • Enjoy with warm, crusty sourdough bread or garlic bread for dunking.
  • A glass of chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy richness beautifully.

Pro Tips for Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet

  • Sear chicken in batches if needed for better browning and flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta—taste at 12 minutes and adjust as needed for perfect al dente texture.
  • For more nutrition details, check the Nutrition Facts website for info on spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.

FAQ: Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well—just adjust the cooking time as needed.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives for a similar creamy texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes

★★★★★ 4.70 from 79 ratings

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet

yield: 4 servings
prep: 15 mins
cook: 25 mins
total: 40 mins
A rich and flavorful one-skillet meal featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and pasta in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a comforting Italian-inspired dinner.
Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Skillet

Ingredients

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. 1
    Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. 3
    In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. 4
    Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy.
  5. 5
    Add cooked pasta, chicken, and baby spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together until the spinach wilts and the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
  6. 6
    Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 670cal
Protein: 38 gg
Fat: 32 gg
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 0mg
Total Carbs: 58 gg
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Net Carbs: 0g
Vitamin A: 0
Vitamin C: 0mg
Calcium: 0mg
Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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