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Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

creamy one-pot tuscan chicken pasta - featured image

An easy, comforting one-pot Tuscan chicken pasta recipe with a creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 oz penne pasta or your favorite sturdy pasta shape
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine. Add uncooked penne pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid.
  4. Bring to a low boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender.
  5. Stir in cooked chicken and fresh spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
  6. Add grated Parmesan cheese and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Stir until sauce is creamy and coats the pasta.
  7. Remove from heat and let rest for 1-2 minutes before serving.

Notes

If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a minute to reduce. Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles. Variations include vegetarian, low-carb, spicy, and dairy-free options.

Nutrition

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