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Creamy 30-Minute One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta - featured image
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A quick and easy one-pot Tuscan chicken pasta with a creamy, garlicky sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning (about 5 minutes).
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add remaining tablespoon olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the pan. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
  6. Stir in softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan, fresh spinach, and cooked chicken. Mix gently until spinach wilts and cheese melts into a creamy sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  7. Let everything heat through for 2-3 minutes. If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth to loosen. Serve hot.

Notes

Cook chicken in batches to avoid overcrowding and keep it tender. Stir pasta occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking. Use softened cream cheese for a smooth sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated. For dairy-free, substitute cream cheese and heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives. For gluten-free, use chickpea or rice pasta.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/creamy-30-minute-one-pot-tuscan-chicken-pasta-easy-recipe-for-busy-nights/