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Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

creamy one-pot tuscan chicken pasta - featured image

A comforting and easy one-pot Tuscan chicken pasta with a creamy sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and tender chicken, perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped (optional)
  • 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 8 ounces uncooked penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large deep skillet. Sauté chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, sauté minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the pan. Stir in uncooked pasta and bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce has thickened.
  6. Lower heat and stir in softened cream cheese and grated Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
  7. Return cooked chicken to the pan along with fresh spinach. Stir until spinach wilts.
  8. Season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it before serving. Use softened cream cheese to avoid lumps. Stir pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking. Add fresh spinach at the end to preserve color and texture. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently with added liquid.

Nutrition

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