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Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

creamy one-pot tuscan chicken pasta - featured image

A cozy, creamy, and savory one-pot Tuscan chicken pasta that combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a velvety sauce for an easy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  2. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir frequently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add the dry pasta and 3 cups of chicken broth to the pan. Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer.
  5. Partially cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
  6. Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with 2 cups of fresh spinach and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Stir gently to combine and wilt the spinach, about 2 minutes.
  7. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and sprinkle 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce is creamy and well combined, about 3 minutes. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
  8. Remove from heat and let sit for 1-2 minutes to thicken slightly. Serve warm.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan when browning chicken to ensure proper searing. Stir frequently during pasta cooking to prevent sticking. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor. Adjust salt at the end as broth and cheese add saltiness. For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and verify broth ingredients.

Nutrition

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