One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

$- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 cup cherry tomatoes - 2 cups fresh spinach - 8 oz pasta (farfalle or penne) - 4 cups chicken broth - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper - Fresh basil leaves for garnish To make One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, gather these fresh ingredients. I love using boneless chicken thighs for their flavor and tenderness. The olive oil helps cook the chicken and adds a nice taste. Garlic brings a rich aroma that fills the kitchen. Italian seasoning gives the dish a warm, herby flavor. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, while spinach brings color and nutrients. Choose your favorite pasta shape, like farfalle or penne. Chicken broth adds depth, and heavy cream makes the sauce rich and creamy. Finally, Parmesan cheese adds a salty bite. Don't forget to have salt and pepper on hand for seasoning. Fresh basil leaves make a lovely garnish that brightens the dish. All these ingredients work together to create a delightful meal that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Sauté chicken thighs with seasoning First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken thighs. Season them with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes. The chicken should turn golden brown and be cooked through. Remove it from the pot and set it aside. - Cook garlic and cherry tomatoes In the same pot, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 1 minute until you smell the garlic. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook these for 2 to 3 minutes until they start to soften. - Combine chicken broth and pasta Next, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth. Add 8 ounces of pasta, like farfalle or penne. Bring this to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and let it cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring often. The pasta should be al dente when done. - Simmer until pasta is al dente Keep an eye on the pasta as it cooks. Stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. You want that perfect bite! - Add cream, chicken, and spinach After the pasta is ready, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Then add the cooked chicken and 2 cups of fresh spinach. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. The spinach will wilt, and the sauce will thicken. - Incorporate Parmesan cheese Remove the pot from heat. Mix in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it's melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Now, your One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is ready to enjoy! - Ensure chicken is evenly cooked: Cut chicken into small, even pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. Sauté until golden brown. - Adjust seasoning for taste: Taste your sauce before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. This makes the dish pop with flavor. - Monitor pasta cooking time: Stir the pasta often. This prevents it from sticking together. Check for doneness at 10 minutes. Al dente pasta should be firm but not hard. - Pairing with sides: Serve with a fresh salad or crusty bread. A side of garlic bread adds a nice touch and helps soak up the creamy sauce. - Ideal garnishes for presentation: Add fresh basil leaves on top for color. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese makes it look gourmet. A drizzle of olive oil adds shine and flavor. Pro Tips Use High-Quality Chicken: Opt for fresh, high-quality chicken thighs for the best flavor and tenderness. Don't Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta until just al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce. Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or vegetable broth. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta shape. Try using farfalle or penne. Each shape holds the sauce differently. This can change the dish's texture and taste. If you want to swap proteins, shrimp or tofu work well. Shrimp adds a nice seafood flavor. Tofu gives a plant-based option. Both can soak up the tasty sauce. Adding extra veggies makes it more colorful. Bell peppers add crunch. Zucchini brings a nice softness. Feel free to mix in your favorites. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta. Many brands make great pasta that cooks well. Just check the cooking time, as it can vary. If you need dairy-free alternatives, try coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese. Both keep the dish creamy and tasty. After enjoying your One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, store any leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. It stays good for up to three days. When storing, let the pasta cool to room temperature before sealing. This helps prevent extra moisture that can make it soggy. If you want to keep it longer, freeze the pasta. Scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. It can last for about three months in the freezer. To use, just thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. When it's time to heat up your pasta, keep it creamy and delicious. The best way is to use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream as you warm it. This keeps the sauce nice and smooth. Stir often to ensure even heating. Avoid using the microwave if you can. It can dry out the pasta or make it rubbery. If you must use it, heat in short bursts. Check every 30 seconds and stir. This helps prevent overcooking and keeps the dish tasty. Enjoy your leftovers just as much as the first time! Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook it fully, then cool it down. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of broth. How do I make it spicier? To add heat, include red pepper flakes. Start with a small amount, then taste. You can also use a spicy Italian sausage instead of chicken. This adds both spice and flavor. What can I substitute for heavy cream? If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, try coconut cream or cashew cream. These options still create a creamy texture. How long does it take to cook pasta in this dish? It takes about 10-12 minutes for the pasta to cook until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Check it a minute early to avoid overcooking. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs? Yes, you can swap chicken thighs for breasts. Chicken breasts may cook faster, so watch them closely. Cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking. Is it possible to make this vegetarian? Absolutely! Replace chicken with your favorite veggies. Mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers work great. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for flavor. This blog post taught you how to make One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking methods, and helpful tips for perfecting the dish. Customization options and storage advice were also shared. With this knowledge, you can create a tasty meal that fits your needs. Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors and ingredients. Enjoy cooking and make it your own!$

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish cooked in one pot with chicken, spinach, and tomatoes.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups fresh spinach
8 oz pasta (farfalle or penne)
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken thighs and season them with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. 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 an additional 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften.
Pour in the chicken broth and add the pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
Stir in the heavy cream, cooked chicken, and fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Remove from heat and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves.

Keyword chicken, creamy, one-pot, pasta, Tuscan