One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy meal filled with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich, creamy sauce!

Introduction

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that’s easy to make and ideal for busy nights. This recipe combines tender chicken, rich sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and pasta, all coated in a luxuriously creamy sauce. What makes it even better is that it’s all made in just one pot, which means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience.

Inspired by the flavors of Tuscany, this dish has a blend of garlic, Parmesan, and cream that melds beautifully with the tangy tomatoes and fresh spinach. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that’s simple enough for weeknights yet impressive enough to serve at a dinner gathering. The creamy sauce clings to every bite, creating a pasta dish that’s filling, satisfying, and bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and sliced
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Directions

1. Cook the chicken: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
2. Sauté the garlic and tomatoes: In the same pot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
3. Add the liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, and milk. Stir well, then add the uncooked penne pasta. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
4. Return the chicken and add cheese: Add the cooked chicken back to the pot and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
5. Add the spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and serve hot.

How to Prepare

Making One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is straightforward, with everything coming together in a single pot. Start by cooking the chicken until it’s golden brown, then build the sauce by adding garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, broth, and cream. As the pasta cooks in the sauce, it absorbs all the delicious flavors. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, while the Parmesan melts into the sauce, creating a creamy, indulgent finish. It’s a dish that looks beautiful and tastes like it took hours to prepare.

Preparation Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Servings

This recipe serves 4 people.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
   Yes, short pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle work well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta used.
2. Can I substitute the heavy cream?
   For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk. However, the sauce may be less rich and creamy.
3. Can I add mushrooms?
   Definitely! Sliced mushrooms add an earthy flavor and can be cooked along with the garlic for extra depth.
4. Can I use frozen spinach?
   Yes, just thaw and drain it well before adding it to the dish. Frozen spinach can be added at the end to warm through.
5. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
   For a dairy-free version, use a dairy-free milk alternative and skip the Parmesan, or use a dairy-free cheese substitute.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal that combines rich flavors with simple ingredients. This recipe captures the essence of Tuscan cuisine, with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and creamy Parmesan all working together to create a satisfying, flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this pasta dish will quickly become a favorite. Enjoy it with a glass of wine and a side of garlic bread for a true Italian-inspired experience!