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If you’re searching for an easy and tasty dinner, look no further! This One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is perfect for busy nights. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, bringing creamy goodness and rich flavors to your table. With just a few simple ingredients and one pot, you can enjoy a homemade meal that feels special. Ready to impress your family? Let’s get cooking!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This one-pot dish comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Creamy Delight: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats every bite.
- Flavor Explosion: With garlic, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes, this dish is bursting with flavor that will impress everyone.
- Healthy Greens: The addition of spinach and tomatoes not only adds color but also boosts the nutritional value of the meal.
Ingredients
List of Ingredients
– 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 2 cups baby spinach
– 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 8 oz penne pasta
– ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Description of Key Ingredients
The chicken breasts bring protein and a hearty bite to the dish. I prefer boneless and skinless for easy cooking. Olive oil adds a rich flavor and helps cook the chicken. Garlic gives a warm, fragrant taste that brightens the dish. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color, while baby spinach boosts nutrition. Dried Italian herbs bring classic flavors, and red pepper flakes add a nice kick, which you can change based on your taste. Chicken broth adds depth, while heavy cream creates that creamy texture. Penne pasta is perfect for holding the sauce. Finally, grated Parmesan cheese rounds out the dish with a salty finish and fresh basil adds a pop of flavor.
Notes on Quality Ingredients
For the chicken, choose fresh, high-quality breasts for the best taste. Extra virgin olive oil will enhance the flavor more than regular oil. Use fresh garlic if possible, as it has better taste than jarred options. Look for ripe cherry tomatoes to get the best sweetness. Fresh baby spinach is healthier than frozen and adds a nice texture. When using dried herbs, opt for quality brands for better flavor. Finally, use real Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated for a richer taste.

Step-by-Step Instructions
Overview of Cooking Process
This dish comes together in just one pot. You cook the chicken first, then add the veggies, broth, and pasta. Lastly, you stir in cream and cheese for a rich sauce.
Detailed Cooking Steps
1. Heat oil: Start by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Cook chicken: Add two chicken breasts cut into bite-sized pieces. Season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is browned and no longer pink. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic: In the same pot, add three minced garlic cloves. Sauté for one minute until fragrant.
4. Add tomatoes: Toss in one cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften.
5. Add spinach and herbs: Stir in two cups of baby spinach, one teaspoon of dried Italian herbs, and one teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Let the spinach wilt.
6. Add broth: Pour in one cup of chicken broth and bring everything to a boil.
7. Cook pasta: Add eight ounces of penne pasta. Stir to combine, reduce heat to a simmer, and cover. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Make creamy sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, lower the heat. Stir in one cup of heavy cream and half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy.
9. Add chicken back: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir until all is coated in the sauce.
10. Season to taste: Adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if needed.
11. Garnish: Finally, top with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Timing for Each Step
– Heating oil: 1 minute
– Cooking chicken: 5-7 minutes
– Sautéing garlic: 1 minute
– Adding tomatoes: 2-3 minutes
– Adding spinach and herbs: 1-2 minutes
– Adding broth: 1 minute
– Cooking pasta: 10 minutes
– Making creamy sauce: 2-3 minutes
– Adding chicken back and seasoning: 2 minutes
– Total time: 30 minutes.
This method makes it easy to create a tasty meal with minimal cleanup. Enjoy every bite!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Creamy Sauce
To make a smooth sauce, use heavy cream. It gives a rich flavor. Stir in the cream slowly. This helps it mix well with the chicken broth. Parmesan cheese also adds creaminess. Grate it fresh for the best taste. If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it longer.
Cooking Pasta Tips
Always cook pasta in the sauce. This helps it soak up flavor. Use penne pasta for this recipe. It holds the sauce well. Stir it often to stop sticking. Check for doneness around 10 minutes. The pasta should be al dente, firm but cooked.
Adjusting Flavor Profiles
Feel free to tweak the spices. Add more red pepper flakes for heat. You can also mix in fresh herbs, like basil or parsley. For a tangy twist, squeeze some lemon juice before serving. Taste as you go to find the right balance.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes for enhanced flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter dish, substitute half of the heavy cream with chicken broth.
- Perfect Pasta: To avoid overcooking the pasta, check for al dente a minute or two before the suggested cooking time.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra depth of flavor, add a splash of white wine after sautéing the garlic before adding the tomatoes.

Variations
Substitutes for Chicken
If you want to switch up the protein, use shrimp or tofu. Shrimp cooks fast and adds a nice texture. Tofu is great for a vegetarian option. Just cut it into bite-sized pieces, and sauté until golden. You can also try cooked sausage for a spicy kick. This will change the flavor, but it can be delicious!
Addition of Vegetables
Adding vegetables is a smart way to enhance this dish. You can toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. These veggies add color and nutrition. Simply chop them up and sauté with the garlic. You can also add broccoli for crunch and health. Just steam it a bit before mixing it in. This makes your meal even more filling and tasty.
Gluten-Free Options
For a gluten-free meal, swap penne pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste good. You can also use spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash for a low-carb choice. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. These options keep your dish light and fresh. Enjoy a delicious meal without the gluten!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Let the dish cool down first. This helps keep the flavors fresh. Place the container in the fridge. It will last for 3 to 4 days. For best taste, eat it within this time.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, you can use the stove or microwave. If using a pot, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps the pasta moist. Heat on low, stirring often. If using the microwave, place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it loosely and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots.
Freezing Tips
If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, cool the pasta completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. You can also use freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. The pasta can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use different pasta types. Penne works well in this dish, but you can try rotini, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just remember, cooking times may change slightly. Check the package instructions for the best results. If you use a larger pasta, it may take longer to cook.
How do I keep the sauce from separating?
To keep the sauce creamy, avoid boiling it too hard after adding the cream. Stir gently and heat on low. Make sure the cream is at room temperature before adding it. This helps it blend smoothly into the dish. Adding cheese slowly also helps maintain a creamy texture.
What can I serve with One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta?
This pasta goes well with a simple salad or garlic bread. A fresh green salad with lemon dressing complements the dish nicely. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables for extra flavor. For a lighter meal, pair it with steamed broccoli or asparagus.
This blog post explored every aspect of making One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. We covered essential ingredients, cooking steps, and smart tips to perfect your dish. Remember to choose high-quality ingredients for the best flavor.
Try different variations and substitutes to make the recipe your own. Lastly, proper storage helps maintain freshness. Enjoy delicious meals with ease! Your culinary skills will shine with these simple trick
One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
A delicious and creamy pasta dish with chicken, spinach, and tomatoes, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- to taste salt and pepper
- for garnish fresh basil leaves
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.
Stir in the baby spinach, dried Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes, allowing the spinach to wilt.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the penne pasta to the pot, stirring to combine, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Add the cooked chicken back into the pot and mix until everything is evenly coated.
Adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves before serving.
Serve the pasta in shallow bowls and sprinkle additional Parmesan and basil on top for an elegant touch.
Keyword chicken, creamy, one-pot, pasta, Tuscan
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