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One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta: Easy 30-Minute Dinner

one-pot creamy tuscan chicken pasta - featured image

This One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy 30-minute dinner that feels like a restaurant-quality meal. With tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, all cooked in a single pot for minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 12 ounces short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Season and brown the chicken: Pat chicken pieces dry, season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 4-5 minutes until golden brown on all sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: Reduce heat to medium. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook 1 minute. Add garlic, oregano, and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Build the sauce base: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle boil. Scrape up browned bits from the bottom. Simmer 2 minutes.
  4. Cook the pasta in the sauce: Stir in heavy cream and uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente. Add more broth if needed.
  5. Add spinach and chicken: Remove lid. Stir in spinach and browned chicken. Cook 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts and chicken is cooked through.
  6. Finish with Parmesan: Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Rest and serve: Let sit 2-3 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with basil or parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan. Do not skip browning the chicken for maximum flavor. Stir pasta occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust liquid as needed. For a vegetarian version, skip chicken and add chickpeas or cannellini beans. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta. For dairy-free, use full-fat coconut milk and dairy-free Parmesan.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, creamy Tuscan chicken, easy weeknight dinner, 30-minute meal, chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta