One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

This One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, all made in one pot for easy cleanup. The sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and garlic give it a burst of flavor, while the creaminess of the sauce makes each bite irresistible. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine works well)
- 1 ½ cups baby spinach (roughly chopped)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp fresh basil (chopped, optional for garnish)
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another 1-2 minutes to allow the flavors to combine.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Once it starts simmering, add the Italian seasoning and stir to combine. Let the sauce cook for about 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Add the pasta to the pot, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Step 5: Add the Spinach and Parmesan
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the chopped spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the spinach wilts and the cheese melts, creating a creamy sauce.
Step 6: Combine the Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pot, stirring it into the pasta and sauce. Allow everything to heat through, about 2 more minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Serve the creamy Tuscan chicken pasta in bowls, and garnish with fresh basil for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Tips and Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian version.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to throw in other vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or red peppers for added texture and flavor.
- Spicy Kick: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish for a quick and flavorful meal that doesn’t require much cleanup. The rich, creamy sauce and the savory flavors of the chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach make this a comforting and delicious meal everyone will love. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this easy-to-make dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite!