Rich, comforting, and irresistibly creamy, this One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something special. The tender seared chicken is perfectly seasoned and simmered in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce alongside penne pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, and wilted spinach. The one-pot magic makes cleanup effortless, making it a go-to weeknight favorite with gourmet flavor.

What makes this dish shine is the harmony of textures and tastes—golden pan-seared chicken, creamy sauce, tangy tomatoes, and vibrant greens. The pasta soaks up every drop of the sauce, delivering indulgent bites that keep you coming back for more. Whether it’s a cozy dinner at home or you’re serving guests, this dish is elegant without being fussy.

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes, faster cleanup.
Bold, Balanced Flavor: Creamy, garlicky, savory, and bright from sun-dried tomatoes.
Weeknight Easy, Dinner Party Worthy: Done in under 40 minutes, but feels like fine dining.
Protein-Packed: Juicy chicken breast adds a satisfying and nutritious element.
Comfort Food Elevated: Perfect for cooler nights or anytime comfort is needed.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use (Essential Tools and Equipment, and the Importance of Each)

Making One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is straightforward, but having the right tools at your fingertips makes all the difference in speed and flavor.

Deep Skillet or Sauté Pan with Lid

The hero of this recipe. A wide, deep skillet (preferably nonstick or stainless steel) gives enough surface area to sear the chicken properly and cook the pasta evenly in the sauce. The lid helps trap heat and moisture when simmering.

Sharp Chef’s Knife

A good knife is essential for efficiently slicing chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopping spinach if needed. Clean cuts ensure even cooking and a better presentation.

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula

These tools are gentle on nonstick surfaces and great for stirring without scratching. They also help scrape up all the flavorful browned bits after searing the chicken—an important step for building flavor.

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Accuracy is important for the sauce, especially when balancing cream, broth, and cheese. These help maintain consistency every time.

Tongs

Perfect for flipping the chicken and later mixing everything together without breaking the pasta.

Preparation Tips

Pat Chicken Dry Before Searing: This helps develop a beautiful golden crust and locks in moisture.
Pre-Chop Ingredients: Slice sun-dried tomatoes, mince garlic, and measure out your broth and cream before starting to make things seamless.
Use Room-Temperature Cream: Adding cold cream directly to a hot pan can cause separation. Let it warm slightly before adding.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Sear the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure it browns properly instead of steaming.
Add Spinach Last: Wilt it right at the end to preserve its vibrant color and nutrients.

Ingredients for This One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Here’s everything you’ll need to recreate this flavorful and creamy Tuscan-inspired pasta dish. Each ingredient plays a key role in achieving the rich, comforting profile.

For the Chicken:

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts – sliced into strips or chunks
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika – adds warmth and color
1 tablespoon olive oil – for searing the chicken

For the Pasta and Sauce:

3–4 garlic cloves, minced – provides the aromatic base
1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), sliced – tangy and slightly sweet contrast
2 cups chicken broth – helps cook the pasta and enhances the flavor
1 ½ cups heavy cream – for that luscious, velvety texture
8 oz penne pasta – holds the sauce beautifully
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – blends herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional) – for a hint of heat
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – melted into the sauce for richness
2 cups baby spinach – stirred in at the end for color and nutrients

Optional Garnishes:

Extra parmesan for topping
Fresh basil or parsley for a pop of green
Cracked black pepper for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Follow these clear steps to create this decadent dish with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed).
Sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and cook another minute, allowing the flavors to bloom in the remaining oil and browned bits.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using).
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Stir in the dry penne pasta.
Reduce heat to a simmer, cover with a lid, and cook for about 10–12 minutes.
Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until pasta is tender and liquid has reduced to a creamy consistency.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese and Add Spinach

Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.
Add spinach and stir gently until wilted—about 1–2 minutes.

Step 6: Return Chicken to the Skillet

Add the cooked chicken back to the pan.
Stir to coat in the creamy sauce and let everything heat through for another 2–3 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Plate hot, garnished with extra parmesan, freshly cracked pepper, and chopped fresh herbs if desired.
Serve immediately while creamy and luscious!

Notes

One-Pot Efficiency: This recipe truly shines in its simplicity. Cooking everything in one skillet not only deepens the flavor but minimizes mess and cleanup—ideal for busy weeknights.
Protein Versatility: Chicken breast works beautifully, but feel free to use boneless thighs for extra richness or substitute with shrimp for a twist.
Adjusting Sauce Thickness: If your sauce thickens too much while the pasta cooks, you can add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to loosen it up.
Cheese Matters: Always use freshly grated Parmesan. Pre-shredded versions often contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
Flavor Boost Tip: Deglaze the pan after searing the chicken by scraping up the browned bits while adding the broth—those bits carry tons of savory flavor.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Overcooking the Chicken

Sear until golden but don’t dry it out. Remove it promptly once it’s cooked through.

Using Low-Fat Cream

Low-fat options can curdle or yield a watery sauce. Stick with heavy cream for a smooth, indulgent finish.

Not Stirring the Pasta

Since it’s cooked directly in the sauce, occasional stirring prevents it from clumping or sticking to the pan.

Skipping the Lid

Covering the skillet while the pasta simmers traps heat and moisture, helping the pasta cook evenly and the sauce reduce.

Adding Spinach Too Early

Spinach should be added at the end to preserve its bright color and nutrients. Overcooking leads to a dull, mushy texture.

Overseasoning

Sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan bring natural saltiness. Taste before adding more salt to avoid an overly salty dish.

What to Serve With One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta?

This creamy pasta dish is rich and indulgent, so pairing it with sides that offer contrast—like something crisp, bright, or refreshing—will balance your meal beautifully.

8 Recommendations

1. Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cream sauce and refreshes the palate.

2. Warm Garlic Bread or Breadsticks

Perfect for mopping up every last bit of the luscious sauce. You can’t go wrong with something buttery and toasty on the side.

3. Steamed or Roasted Broccoli

Broccoli adds texture and nutrition. A light squeeze of lemon over it will brighten your plate.

4. Roasted Asparagus

Crisp-tender asparagus roasted with olive oil and a dash of sea salt brings a slight bitterness that balances the creaminess of the pasta.

5. Caesar Salad

The bold flavors of Caesar—parmesan, anchovy, and croutons—pair well with this pasta while offering a crisp contrast.

6. A Glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

If you’re enjoying wine, these white varietals have the right acidity and body to complement creamy dishes like this one.

7. Caprese Skewers or Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a cooling contrast and a splash of color.

8. Cucumber and Red Onion Salad

For something ultra-refreshing, try a quick cucumber salad with vinegar and a pinch of sugar—it’s crisp, light, and sharp.

Storage Instructions

Proper storage ensures your One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta stays just as satisfying for leftovers as it was fresh.

Refrigeration:

How to Store: Transfer the cooled pasta into an airtight container.
Shelf Life: Keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Tip: If the sauce thickens too much in the fridge, stir in a splash of chicken broth, milk, or cream while reheating to loosen it up.

Reheating:

Stovetop: Reheat gently over medium heat, adding a little liquid to rehydrate the sauce.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing:

Not Recommended: Due to the heavy cream content, the sauce may separate when thawed and reheated, affecting texture.
If you do freeze, wrap tightly and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating slowly.

Estimated Nutrition

Per Serving (based on 4 servings):

Calories: ~720 kcal
Protein: ~38g
Carbohydrates: ~45g
Fat: ~42g
Saturated Fat: ~22g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~5g
Sodium: ~890mg
Cholesterol: ~160mg

Note: These values are estimates and can vary depending on specific brands and quantities used.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne works well because it holds sauce, but you can also use rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to match the pasta shape.

2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream with full-fat coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese alternative, though the flavor will shift. Make sure to taste and season as needed.

3. What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?

Roasted red peppers or cherry tomatoes can work as a substitute, though you’ll lose the tangy, concentrated flavor sun-dried tomatoes offer.

4. Is it okay to use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, just thaw it and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the pasta to prevent a watery sauce.

5. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Definitely. Add cooked shredded or rotisserie chicken during the final few minutes to warm through. It’s a great shortcut.

6. How do I make the dish spicier?

Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce to bring some heat.

7. Can I add mushrooms or other veggies?

Absolutely. Sauté mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers with the garlic to boost the veggie content and add depth.

8. How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Use heavy cream, not milk, and make sure it’s at room temperature before adding. Avoid boiling the sauce—simmer gently instead.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the perfect balance of simplicity and indulgence. With bold flavors, comforting textures, and an easy cleanup, it’s a dish that fits just as well into busy weeknights as it does for impressing dinner guests. The sun-dried tomatoes and parmesan bring a gourmet touch, while the one-skillet method keeps the process practical. It’s a warm, cozy hug in a bowl—and one you’ll be reaching for again and again.