Print

Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

creamy one-pot tuscan chicken pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and easy 30-minute dinner featuring tender chicken, penne pasta, and a creamy Tuscan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, all cooked in one pot for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or wide pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and let their oils mingle with the garlic.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine and scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
  6. Add dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
  7. Stir in uncooked penne pasta, pressing it down gently so it is mostly submerged in the liquid.
  8. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta starts absorbing the liquid and swells.
  9. Return the browned chicken pieces to the pot and stir in fresh baby spinach. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, or until pasta is tender and chicken is cooked through.
  10. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  11. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. Let the pasta rest for a couple of minutes before serving to thicken the sauce.

Notes

If the pasta seems too dry before it is done, add a splash more broth or water. Stir gently after adding spinach to keep it vibrant and not mushy. Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent scorching. Let the pasta rest after cooking to thicken the sauce. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/creamy-one-pot-tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe-easy-30-minute-dinner-idea/