When it comes to hearty and satisfying meals, few dishes can match the delicious combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and aromatic Italian flavors found in One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta. This dish delivers a rich and comforting taste experience, blending juicy chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious Parmesan-infused sauce—all cooked together in a single pot for ultimate convenience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
- Packed with Flavor: A perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
- Customizable: Easily tweak ingredients to fit your dietary preferences.
Ingredients Breakdown
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in enhancing the overall taste and texture:
Main Ingredients:
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work well for holding the sauce.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic enhances the dish with bold, aromatic flavors.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Slightly tangy and sweet, adding depth to the sauce.
- Spinach: A nutrient-packed leafy green that wilts beautifully into the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Forms the base of the luxurious sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Adds flavor and helps cook the pasta to perfection.
- Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for a rich, umami-packed finish.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that enhances the dish’s Tuscan flair.
- Olive Oil & Butter: Used for sautéing and adding richness.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): For a hint of spice.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil and butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then sauté until golden brown on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring not to burn the garlic.
3. Build the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Cook the Pasta
Let the pasta cook in the sauce, absorbing the flavors as it softens. If needed, add more broth or water to ensure the pasta cooks evenly. Once the pasta is al dente, stir in the cooked chicken and let everything simmer together for a few more minutes.
5. Add the Finishing Touches
Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and spinach. The spinach will wilt quickly, blending seamlessly into the dish. If desired, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
6. Serve & Enjoy
Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh basil for added flavor.
Expert Tips for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, Parmesan, and spinach make a noticeable difference in taste.
- Adjust the Consistency: Add more broth if the sauce thickens too much.
- Choose the Right Pasta: Avoid delicate pasta types that may break apart during cooking.
- Balance the Flavors: Adjust salt, pepper, and Parmesan levels to match your taste preference.
Variations & Substitutions
- Make It Lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.
- Protein Variations: Try shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a different take.
- Vegetable Additions: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can enhance the dish.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use a dairy-free cream substitute and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
What to Serve with One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Pair this dish with:
- Garlic Bread: A crispy side to soak up the creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized Brussels sprouts or asparagus add texture and depth.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For best results, freeze without spinach and add fresh greens when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
Final Thoughts
One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the perfect meal for anyone looking for a delicious, easy-to-make dish packed with rich flavors. Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner for the family or impressing guests with a comforting, restaurant-quality meal, this recipe will never disappoint. Try it tonight and savor every bite!
One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Description
This One-Pot Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, rich, and flavorful dish packed with tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and parmesan cheese. With minimal cleanup and a perfect balance of garlic-infused cream sauce and al dente pasta, this recipe is ideal for busy weeknights. Ready in under 40 minutes, it delivers restaurant-quality flavors with effortless cooking.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
For the Pasta & Sauce:
For Garnish:
Instructions
Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Sauté Garlic & Sun-Dried Tomatoes
- In the same pan, add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.
Cook the Pasta
- Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, then add the penne pasta. Bring to a gentle boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has slightly reduced.
Add the Spinach & Cheese
- Stir in the fresh spinach and parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens.
Combine & Serve
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan, mixing well. Adjust seasoning as needed. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish & Enjoy
- Top with fresh basil, extra parmesan, and cherry tomatoes if using. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 829.03kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 40.67g63%
- Saturated Fat 19.1g96%
- Trans Fat 0.74g
- Cholesterol 209.37mg70%
- Sodium 1175.7mg49%
- Potassium 1340.39mg39%
- Total Carbohydrate 54.25g19%
- Dietary Fiber 3.42g14%
- Sugars 9.32g
- Protein 59.8g120%
- Vitamin A 396.68 IU
- Vitamin C 11.73 mg
- Calcium 320.62 mg
- Iron 3.49 mg
- Vitamin D 1.04 IU
- Vitamin E 3.16 IU
- Vitamin K 94.75 mcg
- Thiamin 0.35 mg
- Riboflavin 0.73 mg
- Niacin 21.08 mg
- Vitamin B6 1.7 mg
- Folate 76.41 mcg
- Vitamin B12 0.67 mcg
- Phosphorus 716.06 mg
- Magnesium 125.08 mg
- Zinc 3.12 mg
* Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate based on available ingredients and serving sizes. Variations in ingredients and portion sizes may affect the actual values. Always consult a nutritionist or healthcare provider for specific dietary advice.
Note
- Substitutions: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter version. Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker alternative.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.
- Variations: Add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies, or swap chicken for shrimp.
