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Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

creamy one-pot tuscan chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy chicken pasta dish with Tuscan flavors, made in one pot for minimal cleanup and maximum comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. In the same pan, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, avoiding burning the garlic.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits. Add uncooked pasta, dried Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
  5. Return chicken to the pan and pour in heavy cream. Mix well and cook uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens and chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Add fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir gently until spinach wilts and cheese melts. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve warm immediately.

Notes

If sauce is too thick when reheating, add a splash of broth or cream. Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning chicken to get a good sear. Stir pasta gently during cooking to prevent sticking. Use fresh grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. Gluten-free pasta can be used to make the dish gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, Tuscan chicken, easy dinner, quick pasta recipe, comfort food, weeknight meal