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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta – Easy One-Pot Dinner

creamy tuscan chicken pasta - featured image

This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is a one-pot wonder that delivers on flavor, convenience, and comfort. It’s a foolproof weeknight hero that feels like a weekend indulgence.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 1 pound pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat chicken breasts dry and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning.
  2. Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Add garlic and sun-dried tomatoes; sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in ½ cup chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the pot.
  5. Add remaining 3.5 cups chicken broth, heavy cream, and softened cream cheese. Whisk until smooth and bring to a gentle simmer.
  6. Stir in remaining Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Add uncooked pasta, stir to submerge. Bring to a boil, then simmer until pasta is al dente (10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally.
  7. While pasta cooks, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
  8. Once pasta is cooked, reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded chicken and spinach until spinach wilts (about 1 minute).
  9. Remove from heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  10. Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired.

Notes

For best texture, ensure cream cheese is at room temperature to prevent lumps. Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth sauce. If sauce becomes too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy Tuscan chicken pasta, one-pot pasta, chicken pasta, Tuscan chicken, easy dinner, weeknight dinner