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Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta

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A cozy, creamy, and flavorful one-pot Tuscan chicken pasta recipe that’s quick and easy to make, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus 1 tablespoon more if needed
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, chopped
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 4 cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 12 ounces dry pasta (penne or rigatoni; gluten-free if needed)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces lightly with salt and pepper. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed. Add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not burnt.
  3. Add dry pasta and pour in chicken broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer pasta for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. When pasta is nearly tender, return browned chicken to the pot and add fresh spinach. Cover and cook for another 3-4 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F and spinach wilts.
  6. Lower heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and softened cream cheese until sauce is creamy and smooth.
  7. Mix in grated Parmesan cheese, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh basil if desired.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen. Stir pasta frequently during simmering to prevent sticking. Add cream cheese at low heat to avoid grainy texture. Fresh Parmesan grated into sauce blends better than pre-grated. Spinach should be added near the end to keep vibrant color and slight crunch.

Nutrition

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

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