Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate One-Pan Recipe for Cozy Weeknights

why make this recipe

Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that brings the flavors of Italy right into your kitchen. This recipe combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes in a rich and creamy sauce. It’s not just tasty; it’s also a one-pan meal, which means less cleanup for you! Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, this pasta dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

how to make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Ingredients:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thinly sliced)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion (finely chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil (drained and chopped)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 5 oz fresh spinach
• 8 oz penne pasta (cooked according to package directions)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it softens. Then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and the remaining Italian seasoning. Bring this mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
4. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts into the sauce.
5. Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the skillet. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.

how to serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Serve Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta warm, right from the skillet. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs like basil or parsley for added flavor. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

how to store Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as it may thicken in the fridge.

tips to make Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

• Make sure to season the chicken well for great flavor.
• Use fresh spinach for the best texture and taste.
• You can substitute penne pasta with any pasta of your choice, like fettuccine or farfalle.
• If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

variation

You can make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers to the sauce for added nutrition and color.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to thaw it before cooking for even cooking and better texture.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the chicken with mushrooms or hearty vegetables like zucchini and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

How do I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
You can add more or fewer red pepper flakes to control the heat. If you want it milder, skip them altogether.

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