Description
One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and penne pasta in a rich parmesan cream sauce. Cooked all in one skillet, this easy weeknight meal delivers savory Italian-inspired comfort with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts
- 3 teaspoons kosher salt (divided, or more to taste)
Sauce and Pasta
- 4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- 8 ounces penne pasta (or any short pasta)
Greens and Cheese
- 4 ounces fresh spinach
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- ¼ cup fresh basil, torn for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Heat a large, deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon kosher salt on both sides, then cook in the hot pan until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: Using the same pan, add sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Cook on medium-low heat for 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning the garlic.
- Add liquids and seasoning: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and the remaining 2 teaspoons of kosher salt. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cook the pasta: Add the uncooked penne to the pan. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente, about 11-12 minutes.
- Slice the chicken: While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken into ½ inch slices, then halve each slice to create bite-sized pieces.
- Combine and finish cooking: Lower heat to low and add the cut chicken, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese to the pan. Toss well to combine, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is warmed through and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Dish out the pasta and top with freshly torn basil and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy Tuscan chicken pasta!
Notes
- If penne pasta is unavailable, any short pasta like rigatoni or rotini will work.
- Sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy depth, but you can substitute with roasted red peppers if preferred.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Be cautious when cooking garlic to prevent burning, which will impart a bitter flavor.
- If sauce is too thick, add a little more chicken broth to adjust consistency.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Tuscan chicken pasta, one pan pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Italian chicken recipe, easy dinner, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach pasta
