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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Easy One Pot Dinner

creamy tuscan chicken pasta one pot - featured image

This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is a quick and easy one-pot dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach are tossed in a velvety Parmesan sauce with perfectly cooked pasta.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan for serving

Instructions

  1. Season and sear the chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry. Toss with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside. Do not wipe out the pot.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. If dry, add a splash of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar.
  3. Build the sauce base: Sprinkle in dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Scrape up any remaining browned bits.
  4. Add the pasta and cream: Stir in heavy cream until fully incorporated. Add uncooked pasta and stir well to submerge. Bring to a steady simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes to prevent sticking. Pasta should be al dente and most liquid absorbed. If too dry, add a splash of warm water or broth.
  5. Add the spinach and cheese: Remove pot from heat. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted, about 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan and stir until melted. If sauce is too thick, stir in a tablespoon of warm water at a time until desired consistency.
  6. Return the chicken: Add cooked chicken back to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Stir gently. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper if needed.
  7. Serve immediately: Spoon into bowls. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

The pasta will absorb liquid as it sits, so if making ahead, reserve extra broth to stir in when reheating. Keep heat at a gentle simmer to prevent cream from curdling. For best texture, serve immediately.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, one pot pasta, chicken pasta, Tuscan chicken, easy dinner, weeknight dinner, one pot meal