Print

Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

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

A comforting and easy one-pot pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce infused with Tuscan flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil)
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
  • 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth, low sodium recommended
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
  • 8 ounces (225 g) uncooked penne pasta
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme blend)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and half the dried Italian herbs.
  2. Heat olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven. Add chicken pieces in a single layer and cook 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown but not fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the same pan and stir for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine, then add uncooked penne pasta and remaining dried herbs. Stir gently to submerge pasta.
  5. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover with lid slightly ajar and cook 12-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking and check liquid levels. Pasta should be al dente and sauce thickened.
  6. Return browned chicken to the pan. Add fresh spinach and cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and chicken is fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
  7. Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  8. Garnish with chopped fresh basil and serve immediately.

Notes

If sauce is too thick after resting, stir in a splash of broth or cream before serving. Stir gently to keep chicken pieces intact and spinach vibrant. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with almond milk or coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use brown rice or chickpea pasta and adjust cooking time accordingly.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/creamy-one-pot-tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe-for-easy-comfort-meals/