Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

Hey, flavor seekers! It’s Cori Spicer from Flavormixture, and I’ve got a dinner dish that’s about to steal your heart (and your fork). This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomatoes is a one-pan wonder—juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a velvety sauce loaded with tangy sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s like a little Italian getaway on your plate, and it comes together fast enough for a weeknight win. Ready to twirl some pasta and dive in?

Why This Dish Is a Game-Changer

This pasta is comfort food with a twist: creamy, garlicky goodness meets the punch of sun-dried tomatoes and a pop of green from spinach. It’s hearty enough to satisfy but feels fancy without the fuss. Perfect for date night, family dinner, or just treating yourself to something special. Let’s bring Tuscany to your table!

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Pasta:

• 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into thin strips
• 8 oz (225g) penne pasta (or your favorite shape)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil), drained and chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside—don’t rinse, we want that starch!

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Season the chicken strips with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add them to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant—don’t burn it!
2. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for 1 minute to release their flavor.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken.
4. Add Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring until the cheese melts into a creamy dream. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

1. Toss the spinach into the sauce and cook for 1-2 minutes until it wilts.
2. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta’s coated in that luscious sauce and the chicken’s nestled in.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

1. Dish it up hot, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and a handful of fresh basil or parsley, and dig in. Twirl, bite, repeat—pure bliss!

Cori’s Flavor Tips

• Pasta Swap: Try fusilli or rigatoni to catch more sauce in those nooks.
• Lighten It: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream if you’re watching the richness.
• Veggie Boost: Add mushrooms or zucchini for extra texture.
• Make It Ahead: Cook the chicken and sauce early, then toss with fresh pasta when ready to eat.

Why It’s Flavormixture Magic

This dish is a flavor mashup—creamy meets tangy meets earthy—all in one skillet. It’s the kind of recipe that takes simple ingredients and turns them into something unforgettable. That’s what I’m all about here at Flavormixture: mixing it up and making it yours!

Your Tuscan Ticket Awaits

Whip up this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta and let me know how it warms your soul! Drop a comment or share your plate pics—I’d love to see your spin. Craving more flavor adventures? Stick with Flavormixture for recipes that keep your taste buds buzzing. Buon appetito, friends!