Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta – The Ultimate 30-Minute
Lunch Recipe
If you’re someone who craves comfort food that doesn’t take hours to cook, this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is your perfect match. It combines juicy chicken breast, a creamy garlic-infused sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and perfectly cooked pasta — all tossed together in one satisfying, flavor-packed dish. The best part? It’s ready in just 30 minutes. This makes it an ideal option for busy weekday lunches, quick family meals, or even meal prep for the week.
Let’s break it down, step by step, and turn your kitchen into a mini Tuscan escape.
🛒 Ingredients
To make this pasta dish for 2–3 people, you will need:
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2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced thinly)
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200g penne or fettuccine pasta
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
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½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
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1 cup fresh spinach (baby spinach works best)
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3 cloves of garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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Optional: chili flakes, fresh basil, lemon zest for garnish
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in well-salted water. Cook until al dente according to the instructions on the package. Drain and set aside, reserving ¼ cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken and season generously with salt and black pepper. Cook for about 6–8 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce
In the same skillet, add a splash more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer for a minute.
Now, add in the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the flavors start to blend. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and allow the sauce to thicken. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Add the cooked chicken back into the sauce along with the drained pasta. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Let it all heat through for another minute.
Step 5: Serve with Flair
Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil leaves, extra parmesan, and a pinch of chili flakes if you like a little heat. A zest of lemon can brighten the whole dish if you’re feeling fancy.
💡 Tips and Variations
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Make it dairy-free: Use unsweetened coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of dairy cream and cheese.
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Add veggies: Mushrooms or roasted bell peppers are great additions if you want more texture and flavor.
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Switch the protein: Try shrimp or tofu for a delicious variation on the same base recipe.
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Meal prep friendly: This pasta stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat with a splash of milk or water.
🥗 What Goes Well With This Dish?
Pair this pasta with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or even roasted veggies. It also makes a beautiful pairing with a glass of cold white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish checks all the boxes: it’s quick, creamy, cheesy, satisfying, and can be made with simple pantry ingredients. It feels indulgent without being complicated, which is why it’s a trending lunch recipe on so many food blogs in 2025. Whether you’re cooking for one or a whole family, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience.