Tuscan Chicken Pasta – One Pot Wonder!
Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a rich and creamy dish that brings together the robust flavors of Italy in a single pot.
.webp "Tuscan Chicken Pasta – One Pot Wonder!")
This recipe features tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and spinach in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The best part? It all comes together in one pot, making it a convenient and hassle-free meal for busy weeknights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes mean an easier cleanup!
Packed with Flavor: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, and Parmesan creates an irresistible taste.
Creamy & Comforting: A velvety sauce coats every bite for the ultimate comfort food experience.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this creamy and cheesy dish.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
3 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
10 ounces penne pasta (or any short pasta of choice)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Fresh basil and extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Sauté the Chicken
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 2: Build the Sauce Base
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and add the pasta. Stir occasionally and cook for about 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced into a creamy sauce.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Cheese
Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of additional broth or cream.
Step 5: Incorporate Spinach
Add the baby spinach and stir until wilted. If you like a little heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Garnish with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Enjoy your creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta hot!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Yes! While penne works beautifully in this dish, you can use rotini, rigatoni, or even fettuccine. Just be mindful of adjusting the liquid and cooking time as needed.
2. Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, but the pasta will absorb more sauce as it sits. If reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce.
3. What Can I Use Instead of Heavy Cream?
For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or even whole milk. If using milk, consider adding a bit of cream cheese to maintain the creamy texture.
4. Can I Add More Vegetables?
Absolutely! Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini would be great additions. Just sauté them along with the garlic before adding the liquid.
5. How Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
6. Can I Use Rotisserie Chicken Instead?
Yes! If using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken, add it at the end with the Parmesan cheese to warm it through.
7. How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan over low heat with a splash of broth or cream.
8. Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
Yes! Use coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative and replace the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a similar cheesy flavor.
This One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the perfect combination of indulgence and ease. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress! Try it today and bring the flavors of Tuscany to your kitchen!