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Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy creamy Tuscan chicken pasta cooked all in one pot, featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners and minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil, drained)
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
  • 12 oz uncooked penne pasta
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes, optional pinch

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Mince the garlic and chop the sun-dried tomatoes. Set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook without stirring for 3 minutes to sear, then stir and cook another 3-4 minutes until mostly cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and half the Italian herbs. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  4. Add uncooked penne pasta and chicken broth to the pan. Stir to combine and ensure pasta is submerged. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, cover with lid, and simmer for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Pasta should be almost tender and broth mostly absorbed.
  5. Return chicken to the pan. Add heavy cream and remaining Italian herbs. Stir gently to combine. Toss in baby spinach, cover, and cook for 3-4 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens.
  6. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Add a splash of broth or cream if sauce is too thick.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Pat chicken dry for better browning. Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent scorching. Stir gently and regularly during simmering to avoid sticking. Adjust liquid as needed depending on pasta brand or altitude. Let pasta rest covered briefly after cooking to thicken sauce. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor. For gluten-free, substitute pasta accordingly and check cooking time. For dairy-free, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Nutrition

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

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