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Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

creamy one-pot tuscan chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot Tuscan chicken pasta recipe featuring a creamy Parmesan sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
  • 4 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Season the chicken pieces lightly with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet.
  3. Add the chicken and cook for about 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  4. Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and stir for another minute.
  6. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
  7. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then add the uncooked pasta, spreading it evenly in the pan.
  8. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the pasta simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Add broth or water if the liquid gets too dry.
  9. When the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the cooked chicken, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese.
  10. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts into the sauce.
  11. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of broth to loosen it.
  12. Remove from heat and let sit covered for 3-5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  13. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Use fresh garlic and good-quality sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for best flavor. Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. Let the pasta rest covered off heat to thicken the sauce. Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for juicier meat. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. Gluten-free pasta can be used to make the dish gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, easy dinner, comfort food, Italian pasta recipe