One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Velvety, indulgent, and absolutely packed with flavor, this One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a dinner-time dream. Tender pieces of golden-seared chicken nestle in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, swirled with wilted spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and perfectly cooked pasta. It looks impressive and tastes like something you’d get at a restaurant, yet it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner.

The magic lies in everything cooking together in one skillet. As the pasta simmers, it absorbs the flavors from the chicken, garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes, all while releasing starch that naturally thickens the sauce. This means fewer dishes, faster cleanup, and a cohesive, flavor-rich dish that will satisfy the whole family.

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Ingredients for this One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach
• Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

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Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the sliced chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant, scraping up any browned bits from the chicken.

Step 3: Build the Base

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add the uncooked pasta directly into the liquid. Let it simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 5: Add Flavorful Finishes

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and sun-dried tomatoes. Let everything meld together for 1–2 minutes, then fold in the baby spinach until just wilted.

Step 6: Return the Chicken

Nestle the seared chicken back into the skillet, spooning sauce over the top. Let it sit for another 2 minutes to reheat and soak up the flavors.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired. Serve hot, straight from the skillet for a cozy, flavorful one-pot meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety and double-check that your broth and sun-dried tomatoes are gluten-free.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all work well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.

Can I add mushrooms or other vegetables?

Yes, mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers make great additions. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the liquids.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?

Sure! Just add it in Step 6 when returning the chicken to the skillet. Make sure it’s heated through.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally during simmering and make sure there’s enough liquid. You can add an extra splash of broth if needed.

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