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Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

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A quick and easy one-pot Tuscan chicken pasta recipe featuring tender chicken, creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (oil-packed, drained)
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
  • 2 cups chicken broth (475 ml), homemade or low-sodium store-bought
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1-2 tablespoons white wine for sautéing
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince garlic, chop sun-dried tomatoes, wash spinach, and grate Parmesan cheese (about 10 minutes).
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven until shimmering but not smoking.
  3. Add chicken pieces seasoned with salt, pepper, and half the Italian herbs. Cook 5-6 minutes until browned on all sides but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Lower heat to medium, add more oil if needed, then sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen browned bits. Bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Add uncooked pasta, stirring well to submerge it in the liquid.
  7. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente and sauce thickens. Add more broth or water if sauce thickens too much before pasta is done.
  8. Return chicken to the pot along with fresh spinach. Cook 2-3 minutes until chicken is cooked through and spinach is wilted.
  9. Remove from heat, stir in grated Parmesan cheese and remaining dried herbs. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  10. Serve immediately, optionally with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

Do not rush browning the chicken to develop flavor. Stir pasta often to prevent sticking. Add broth or water if sauce thickens too quickly. Add spinach at the end to keep it fresh and bright. For dairy-free, substitute heavy cream with canned coconut milk and Parmesan with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese. Avoid over-salting early as broth and cheese add saltiness. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added liquid to restore creaminess.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://eliplate.com/creamy-one-pot-tuscan-chicken-pasta-recipe-for-easy-weeknight-dinners/