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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, spinach, and a creamy sauce, ready in just 25 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (preferably packed in oil)
  • Handful of fresh baby spinach
  • 3 cups (720 ml) chicken broth
  • 8 ounces (225 g) uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half (can substitute with coconut milk for dairy-free)
  • 2 ounces (55 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Slice 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts into thin strips. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Set aside. (Approx. 5 minutes)
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken strips in a single layer and cook until golden on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. (Approx. 5 minutes)
  3. Lower heat to medium. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and ½ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the same pan. Stir frequently until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Watch closely so garlic doesn’t burn.
  4. Pour in 3 cups chicken broth and 1 cup heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Add 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta, spreading it evenly. Return chicken to the pan. (Approx. 2 minutes)
  5. Cover with lid and let simmer for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender and most liquid absorbed. If it looks too dry before pasta is done, add a splash more broth.
  6. Stir in 2 ounces softened cream cheese and ½ cup grated Parmesan. Mix until creamy and smooth. Add a handful of fresh baby spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and remaining Italian seasoning as needed.
  7. Spoon onto plates or bowls, topping with extra Parmesan if desired. (Approx. 2 minutes)

Notes

If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it. Stir pasta often during cooking to prevent sticking and burning. Use room temperature cream cheese for a smoother sauce. Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning chicken to get a good sear.

Nutrition

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