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Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

creamy one-pot tuscan chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and comforting one-pot pasta dish with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious cream sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), drained and chopped
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
  • 3 cups packed fresh spinach
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook another 3-4 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the pot and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute, stirring occasionally.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Add remaining ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Stir in uncooked pasta, making sure it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring once halfway through. If liquid looks too dry before pasta is tender, add a splash more broth or water.
  5. Once pasta is al dente, pour in heavy cream and add fresh spinach. Stir gently until spinach wilts, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Return browned chicken pieces to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Stir and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce has thickened. If sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or milk.
  7. Remove pot from heat. Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  8. Spoon into bowls, garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, brown the chicken well to build flavor. Grate your own Parmesan for smooth melting. Adjust liquid levels as different pasta brands absorb differently. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of broth or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, 30-minute dinner, chicken pasta recipe, Tuscan chicken