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Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Slice 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes until just browned but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Stir in 1/3 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute to release their flavor.
  5. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and 8 oz uncooked penne pasta. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
  7. Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and 3 cups fresh baby spinach. Cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and sauce thickens slightly.
  8. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, sprinkle 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Stir well and cook for another 3 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce is creamy.
  9. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese for a silky texture.
  10. Serve immediately, adjusting seasoning if needed. Garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for richer flavor. To lighten the dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half but expect a less rich sauce. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. Frozen spinach can be used if fresh is unavailable but texture will differ. Stir often to prevent pasta sticking and avoid overcooking to keep pasta firm. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen. Soak pan in warm soapy water immediately after cooking for easier cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan chicken pasta, creamy pasta, one-pot dinner, easy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach pasta, comfort food