Tuscan Chicken Pasta: 25-Minute Elegant, Creamy & Sun-Dried Tomato Perfection

Tuscan chicken pasta is the ultimate elegant comfort dinner that tastes like an Italian dream all ready in just 25 minutes. Tender chicken, creamy sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and aromatic basil create restaurant-quality elegance. Whether you’re cooking for special occasions or impressive weeknight dinners, this pasta delivers sophisticated results with minimal effort.

I’m Matt, a home cook and dad of two, and I’ve perfected the art of Tuscan chicken pasta. The secret? Quality sun-dried tomatoes, balanced cream sauce, and one critical technique that creates authentic Italian restaurant authenticity at home. Let me show you how to cook Tuscan pasta that impresses everyone at your table.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe: Elegant & Delicious

Master Tuscan chicken pasta with this foolproof recipe. Just cook, combine, and serve you’ll have restaurant-quality perfection in 25 minutes.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta (10 minutes)
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add penne and cook until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining. This starchy water is essential for Tuscan chicken pasta sauce.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken (6 minutes)
Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear chicken until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Tuscan Sauce (4 minutes)
In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add heavy cream and sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer for 2 minutes until slightly thickened and flavors meld.

Step 4: Add Spinach & Combine (2 minutes)
Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted. Return chicken to skillet. Add cooked pasta and stir gently. Add parmesan cheese and toss everything together, adding pasta water as needed to achieve silky consistency for Tuscan chicken pasta.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Basil (1 minute)
Remove from heat and stir in fresh basil just before serving. The residual heat releases basil’s fragrance. Fresh basil is essential for authentic Tuscan flavor and aroma.

Why Tuscan Chicken Pasta Is Perfect for Elegant Entertaining

Tuscan chicken pasta offers 3 major advantages. First, sun-dried tomatoes create intense, sophisticated flavor. Second, the combination of cream, spinach, and tomatoes is elegantly balanced. Third, it looks restaurant-quality while remaining simple to execute.

Sun-Dried Tomato Excellence

Sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated umami and sweetness that fresh tomatoes can’t match. These create the signature Tuscan flavor that defines Tuscan chicken pasta. Quality sun-dried tomatoes make the difference between good and exceptional.

Elegant Spinach & Cream Balance

Fresh spinach adds nutrition and color. Cream creates richness. Together they balance perfectly. For lighter options, check our Lemon Basil Chicken Pasta guide.

Restaurant-Quality Presentation

This dish impresses guests with sophisticated flavors and elegant presentation. Serve for special occasions or everyday entertaining. Explore our complete Easy Chicken Recipes guide for 30+ pasta dinner ideas.

Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Temperature & Timing Guide

Getting perfect results depends on proper pasta cooking and gentle sauce heat. Timing is critical to prevent cream from breaking and preserve sun-dried tomato flavor.

Temperature & Time Chart

Pro Tip: Keep all heat moderate throughout Tuscan chicken pasta cooking. High heat breaks cream and cooks off sun-dried tomato’s subtle sweetness. Gentle, patient cooking preserves the elegant, balanced essence that defines this dish. Fresh basil added off-heat maintains maximum flavor.

The Pro Secrets for Perfect Tuscan Chicken Pasta

I’ve made hundreds of batches. Here are the game-changing techniques that guarantee elegance and balanced flavor every single time:

Secret #1 – Use Quality Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes taste infinitely better than dry varieties. They’re already tender and flavorful. This is the foundation of authentic Tuscan chicken pasta flavor. Don’t skimp on quality here.

Secret #2 – Don’t Overcook the Garlic

Garlic cooked too long tastes harsh and bitter. Cook for exactly 1 minute until fragrant, then immediately add cream. This preserves bright, Tuscan flavors that define this dish.

Secret #3 – Wilt Spinach Gently

Add spinach near the end and cook just until wilted. Overcooked spinach tastes bitter and loses color. Proper timing maintains vibrant green color and fresh taste.

Secret #4 – Keep Cream Heat Moderate

High heat breaks cream sauce, making it grainy. Medium heat throughout maintains silky, luxurious texture essential for Tuscan chicken pasta elegance.

Secret #5 – Cook Pasta Al Dente

Slightly undercooked pasta finishes cooking in the sauce. Overcooked pasta becomes mushy. Al dente texture completes Tuscan chicken pasta perfection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the most common questions about Tuscan chicken pasta plus answers to save you time in the kitchen:

The Bottom Line

Tuscan chicken pasta is the ultimate elegant comfort dinner that captures Italian sophistication all ready in just 25 minutes. Sun-dried tomatoes, creamy sauce, fresh spinach, and fragrant basil create restaurant-quality elegance that impresses everyone.

Master this recipe and you’ll make it for special occasions and everyday entertaining alike. It’s foolproof, elegant, and always impressive. Serve for date nights or family celebrations.

Ready to explore more chicken recipes? Check our complete Easy Chicken Recipes Guide for 30+ dinner ideas. Or try our Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta for another indulgent variation.

Recipe Card (PRINT)

Tuscan Chicken Pasta (25 Minutes)

Author	Matt – My Dinner Ideas
Servings	4 servings
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Cuisine	Italian-American
Course	Dinner
Difficulty	Easy

🖨️ Print Recipe

Equipment

• 🍝Large pot (for pasta)
• 🍳Large skillet or sauté pan
• 🔪Cutting board and chef’s knife
• 🥄Wooden spoon or spatula
• 🧪Measuring cups and spoons
• 🌡️Instant-read thermometer (recommended)
• 🧂Colander + mug (to reserve pasta water)

Ingredients

• 🍝1 lb penne pasta
• 🍗1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 🥛1 cup heavy cream
• 🍅¾ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 🥬3 cups fresh spinach
• 🧈3 tbsp butter
• 🧄4 cloves garlic, minced
• 🌿¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
• 🧀¾ cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 🫒2 tbsp olive oil
• 🧂¾ tsp sea salt
• ⚫½ tsp black pepper
• 💧Reserved pasta water (up to 1 cup, as needed)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente (per package directions). Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Season the cubed chicken with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through (165°F / 74°C), about 6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant (do not brown). Pour in the heavy cream and add the sun-dried tomatoes. Simmer gently for 2 minutes.
4. Add the spinach and stir just until wilted. Return the chicken to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta and parmesan. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce turns silky and coats the pasta.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh basil just before serving. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Notes

• Keep heat moderate: High heat can break the cream sauce—gentle simmer is best.
• Pasta water trick: Add 1–2 tbsp at a time to loosen and emulsify the sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Oil-packed has the best flavor and texture (drain and chop).
• Spinach timing: Add near the end so it stays bright and tender.
• Make-ahead tip: Best served fresh; reheat gently over low heat with a splash of cream or milk.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	≈ 720 kcal
Protein	≈ 48 g
Carbohydrates	≈ 64 g
Total Fat	≈ 30 g
Saturated Fat	≈ 14 g
Cholesterol	≈ 150 mg
Sodium	≈ 720 mg
Fiber	≈ 4 g
Sugars	≈ 6 g

*Nutrition values are approximate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.