If you’re craving a restaurant-worthy dinner that feels utterly cozy and indulgent but is totally doable on a weeknight, look no further than this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe (Easy). Imagine juicy, spice-rubbed chicken nestled on ribbons of rigatoni, all swaddled in a velvety tomato cream sauce laced with garlic, sweet cherry tomatoes, and vibrant spinach. It’s rich, saucy, and soul-soothing—the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table sigh with happiness. Whether you’re whipping it up for a special date night or feeding a hungry family, this pasta is pure magic every time.

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe (Easy) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe (Easy) is how simple yet essential every ingredient is. Each element brings a unique flavor or texture, and together, they create that signature Tuscan-style comfort food you’ll crave again and again.

Chicken cutlets or breasts: Use cutlets for faster cooking and consistent tenderness; halved breasts work perfectly as well!
Garlic powder: Boosts savory depth in both the spice rub and the sauce, making everything taste irresistible.
Smoked paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and gorgeous color to the chicken and the final sauce.
Dried parsley or oregano: Brings herby brightness and Italian flair to every bite.
Salt and black pepper: Simple, crucial seasonings that wake up all the flavors in the dish.
Oil: Ensures the chicken cooks up golden and juicy, not dry or tough.
Butter: Lends the sauce a touch of richness and silky finish.
Fresh garlic cloves: No shortcuts here: freshly minced garlic blooms in the warm butter, adding real, aromatic goodness.
Cherry tomatoes: Halved, they break down into juicy, poppy bursts of sweetness in the sauce.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato base and deepens the sauce’s color.
Heavy cream: The secret to luxurious richness that makes every bite so comforting.
All-purpose flour + water: Whisked into a quick slurry, this combo thickens the sauce to glossy perfection.
Fresh spinach: Chopped spinach wilts into the sauce for a lovely pop of color and gentle earthiness.
Rigatoni pasta: Hearty, tube-shaped pasta catches every bit of creamy sauce—don’t even think about skipping it!
Salt and pepper (to taste): Give the final dish a last, essential dash to personally tailor the flavors.

How to Make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe (Easy)

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by combining your garlic powder, smoked paprika, dried parsley or oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. This simple spice mix is what transforms your chicken from basic to unforgettable. Generously coat both sides of the cutlets—you want every bit packed with bold flavor before cooking.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Warm the oil in a big skillet over medium heat, then gently lay down your seasoned chicken. Cook each piece for about 4–5 minutes per side, until beautifully golden and fully cooked through. The sizzle is sure to make your kitchen smell heavenly. Once done, set the chicken aside (resist snacking! You’ll want it for the final dish).

Step 3: Make the Sauce

No need to clean the pan! Add butter right into those tasty browned bits left by the chicken. Sauté the minced garlic for just a minute, filling the kitchen with that unmistakable garlicky aroma. Tumble in the halved cherry tomatoes and let them cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and bursting with sweet juices.

Step 4: Build Creamy Perfection

Stir in the tomato paste, letting it melt into the garlicky tomato mixture. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, watching the sauce turn a gorgeous rose color. If it’s looking thin, whisk your flour with a bit of water to form a slurry, then gradually add it off-heat—this trick gives you a perfectly thick, silky sauce without lumps.

Step 5: Simmer and Cook the Pasta

Let that sauce simmer gently for around 10 minutes, thickening as it bubbles away. In the meantime, cook your rigatoni in a big pot of salted boiling water. Aim for al dente: you want the pasta to hold its shape under that luscious sauce. Drain and, for best results, run it briefly under cold water to stop cooking.

Step 6: Finish the Dish

Sprinkle the remaining garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chopped spinach into the sauce. Toss in the cooked rigatoni, stirring so every tube gets coated in creamy deliciousness and the spinach wilts just perfectly. Taste, then tweak the salt and pepper until it’s absolutely spot on.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

Slice the cooked chicken into strips and arrange them atop your creamy Tuscan pasta. This is the moment everything comes together—the golden chicken, the dreamy sauce, and the pasta all ready for a photo-worthy finish. Serve right away while it’s hot and the sauce is irresistibly creamy.

How to Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe (Easy)

Garnishes

For the finishing touch, sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a handful of chopped fresh basil, or even a little extra cracked black pepper over the top. These little additions boost both flavor and visual appeal, making each serving feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe (Easy) pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a zippy vinaigrette or some roasted veggies for contrast. And don’t forget warm, crusty bread—perfect for catching every last drop of that amazing sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish family-style in a large, wide bowl, allowing everyone to dig in and help themselves. For elegant dinner parties, plate each serving individually with chicken slices fanned over the pasta and a sprinkle of herbs or edible flowers for that wow factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers of the Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe (Easy) in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors meld even more beautifully overnight, making for a truly crave-worthy next-day meal. It will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

For longer storage, this pasta can be frozen, although keep in mind that cream-based sauces may separate slightly when thawed. To freeze, cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

When ready to reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to loosen up the sauce. Stir well to bring back that silky texture. The microwave works in a pinch, but the stovetop is best for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While rigatoni is fantastic because it holds plenty of sauce, you can sub in penne, fettuccine, or even spaghetti based on what you have—just adjust the cooking time for the shape.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you find yourself out of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half for a slightly lighter texture, or even full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free twist. Your sauce might be a bit thinner, but still delicious.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Certainly! Simply swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or a can of drained chickpeas. The rest of the flavors stay true to the original Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe (Easy), so you won’t miss out on taste.

Is this recipe spicy?

Nope, this one is all about savory, creamy comfort. If you want a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the sauce is a wonderful addition—customize it to your taste.

How do I avoid a lumpy sauce?

The key is whisking the flour and water separately to make a smooth slurry, and always adding it to the sauce off the heat. Stir it in gradually so it dissolves completely, resulting in perfect creaminess.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll treat yourself and your loved ones to the pure, creamy comfort of this incredible Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe (Easy). It’s one of those dishes that looks and tastes impressive but doesn’t demand hours of work, and it always brings cozy, happy vibes to the table. Can’t wait to hear how you make it your own!

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe (Easy) Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 20 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this Easy Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta recipe. Tender chicken cutlets paired with a luscious tomato cream sauce, fresh spinach, and perfectly cooked rigatoni pasta create a delightful dining experience.

Instructions

Season the Chicken – In a small bowl, mix all the spice rub ingredients. Coat both sides of the chicken cutlets evenly.
Cook the Chicken – Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce – In the same pan, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, then add cherry tomatoes. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
Stir in the tomato paste, mixing well, then pour in the heavy cream. If the sauce needs thickening, whisk together the flour and water to make a slurry, remove the pan from heat, and gradually stir it in to prevent clumps.
Simmer & Cook Pasta – Let the sauce simmer for 10 minutes until thickened. Meanwhile, cook the rigatoni in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Finish the Dish – Stir in the garlic powder, smoked paprika, and chopped spinach. Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat it in the creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve & Enjoy – Slice the cooked chicken and place it on top of the pasta. Serve immediately and enjoy this comforting, creamy dish!

Notes

For extra flavor, you can sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish before serving.
This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-Frying, Simmering
Cuisine: Italian