Description
This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make Italian-American main course that combines tender chicken, creamy garlic sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach with perfectly cooked penne pasta all in one pot. A comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquid and Pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Oil and Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the uncooked penne pasta. Stir to combine everything evenly.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook for a few minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and mix thoroughly until the sauce is creamy and well combined. If desired, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
- Add mushrooms or roasted red peppers for additional flavor and texture.
- Use gluten-free pasta if required; adjust cooking time as needed since gluten-free pasta can cook faster or slower depending on the brand.
- Be sure to stir occasionally while simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
