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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, fresh spinach, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (preferably packed in oil)
  • 2 1/2 cups (600 ml) chicken broth
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 8 ounces (225 grams) uncooked penne pasta
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, mince garlic, and chop sun-dried tomatoes. Measure liquids and seasonings.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes until golden brown but not fully cooked.
  3. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and add uncooked penne pasta. Stir and bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to maintain a simmer.
  5. Cover skillet with lid and cook pasta for 10-12 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking.
  6. Once pasta is tender and broth mostly absorbed, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens.
  7. Fold in fresh spinach and Italian seasoning. Stir until spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  8. Remove from heat and let rest for a couple of minutes. Serve warm with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

If sauce thickens too much before pasta is cooked, add a splash of broth or water to loosen. Use room-temperature chicken for even cooking. Stir frequently during pasta cooking to prevent sticking. Freshly grated Parmesan yields best sauce texture. Avoid overcooking spinach by adding it at the end. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

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