Creamy Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta – Tuscan-Inspired Dinner Idea

There’s a special kind of comfort that comes from Tuscan-inspired cooking. It’s warm, rustic, and deeply satisfying without ever feeling complicated. This Creamy Chicken Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta captures that spirit beautifully. Imagine tender bites of chicken nestled into perfectly cooked pasta, all wrapped in a creamy sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and the rich, slightly tangy sweetness of sun-dried tomatoes. It’s the kind of dish that feels like it belongs in a countryside Italian kitchen, yet it’s simple enough to prepare on a busy weeknight.

Tuscan-style recipes are known for their balance — creamy elements paired with bold Mediterranean flavors, simple ingredients treated with care, and meals meant to be shared slowly. This pasta brings those traditions right into your home. The sun-dried tomatoes add depth and color, the cream softens and binds the flavors together, and the chicken makes the dish hearty and satisfying. Every forkful feels indulgent but familiar, rich but not heavy.

What makes this recipe especially lovely is its versatility. It’s perfect for a family dinner, impressive enough for guests, and comforting enough to enjoy as leftovers the next day. You can serve it with a simple green salad, some crusty bread, or enjoy it all on its own. This is the kind of meal that invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy the simple joy of home-cooked food. Let’s step into the kitchen and cook something truly comforting together. 😊🍽️

🧺 Ingredients

For the Pasta & Chicken

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced (oil-packed preferred)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 tsp chili flakes (optional, for warmth)

Optional Add-Ins & Garnish

• Fresh baby spinach 🌿
• Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan for serving 🧀

🍳 Step-by-Step Directions

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken strips with salt and black pepper on both sides.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
5. Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning, letting them warm and release their aroma into the pan.
6. Pour in the heavy cream and gently stir, allowing the sauce to simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
7. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and chili flakes, stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
8. If using spinach, add it now and cook just until wilted.
9. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the sauce.
10. Add the cooked pasta and gently toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until silky.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
12. Serve warm, topped with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan if desired.

🥗 Nutritional Information

This Tuscan-inspired pasta offers a satisfying balance of protein, carbohydrates, and fats. The chicken provides nourishment, the pasta delivers comforting energy, and the creamy sauce makes every bite rich and fulfilling — perfect for a cozy dinner enjoyed mindfully.

⏰ Prep Time: 10 minutes
🔥 Baking Time: 15 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 25 minutes

⚡ Calories per serving: ~540
🍽️ Servings: 4

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Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩‍🍳🍽️