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To make this One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, you need key items: - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - Salt and pepper to taste - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme) - 4 cups chicken broth - 12 ounces penne pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients blend well to create a rich, creamy dish. The chicken, broth, and cream form a base that makes the pasta tasty. You can add extra flavors to this dish. Consider these options: - Sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy twist - Mushrooms for a meaty texture - Peas for a pop of color and sweetness - Red pepper flakes for some heat These add-ins can elevate your meal. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste. Choose fresh ingredients for the best taste. Here are some tips: - Look for firm and bright cherry tomatoes; they should not have blemishes. - Choose spinach with vibrant green leaves for freshness. - Pick herbs that smell fragrant and have no brown spots. Fresh produce enhances the flavor of your dish. Always inspect your items before buying to ensure quality. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, grab a large pot and heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. While the oil warms, season the diced chicken with salt and pepper. Once hot, add the chicken to the pot. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often, until the chicken is browned and fully cooked. When done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add minced garlic and dried Italian herbs. Sauté this for one minute until you smell the great aroma. Next, pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Now, add 12 ounces of penne pasta. Cook the pasta for about 10-12 minutes, stirring it occasionally. You want it to be al dente. About 2 minutes before the pasta is ready, stir in 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of spinach. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. The spinach should wilt, and the tomatoes should soften a bit. Once the pasta and veggies are cooked, lower the heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until everything is creamy and combined. Now, return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir it all together, and taste to see if you need more salt or pepper. When everything is heated through, let it sit for a minute to thicken a little. Serve the pasta hot, and don’t forget to add freshly torn basil leaves on top for that perfect finish! To get that lovely creamy texture, use heavy cream. It blends well with the chicken broth and cheese. Stir it in slowly over low heat. This helps it mix smoothly without curdling. If you want it creamier, add more cheese. Grated Parmesan works best. Always taste as you mix. Adjust if needed. Timing is key for perfect pasta. Cook the penne until it’s al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions for timing. Usually, it takes about 10-12 minutes. Stir it often to prevent sticking. Add the spinach and tomatoes a few minutes before it's done. This keeps them fresh and vibrant. To boost flavor, think about herbs and spices. Dried Italian herbs bring depth. You can also add red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh basil adds a nice touch too. For more richness, try a splash of white wine. It adds a layer of flavor that makes each bite special. Don’t forget to season well with salt and pepper! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil or parsley can elevate the flavor of your dish significantly compared to dried herbs. Adjust Creaminess: For a lighter version, you can substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or Greek yogurt. Perfectly Cooked Pasta: To prevent overcooking, aim to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly after being mixed with the sauce. Leftover Chicken: You can easily use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe to save time and add extra flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta in this dish. I love using penne, but other shapes work well too. Try fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Each pasta shape holds sauce differently. This adds new textures and flavors to your meal. Just keep the cooking time in mind. Some shapes may need a little more or less time. Want to change the protein? You have options. Instead of chicken, use shrimp, turkey, or even sausage. Each choice brings a different taste. For a lighter dish, chicken breast is best. If you prefer a bolder flavor, go for sausage. Remember to adjust cooking times based on your protein. You can make this dish vegetarian, and it’s still delicious! Skip the chicken and add more veggies. Consider zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers. These add great flavor and nutrition. You can also use tofu for protein. Just sauté it until golden before adding to the pot. This way, you keep the creamy sauce and enjoy a veggie-packed meal. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days in the fridge. Make sure to press out any air. This keeps the pasta from getting soggy. When you’re ready to eat, reheat the pasta on the stove. Add a splash of chicken broth or water. This helps bring back the creamy texture. Heat it over medium-low heat, stirring often. You can also use the microwave. Just cover the dish and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to freeze some, use a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months. Before you freeze, leave out the heavy cream and cheese. Add those when you reheat it. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove for best results. It takes about 30 minutes to make this dish. First, you spend 10 minutes prepping. Then, it cooks for 20 minutes. This quick time makes it perfect for busy nights. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook it and store in the fridge. It stays good for 3 days. When you reheat, it will still taste great. You can serve this pasta with a simple salad or garlic bread. A light salad adds freshness. Garlic bread gives a nice crunch. Both sides complement the creamy pasta well. This blog post covered all you need for One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. We talked about key ingredients, including chicken and fresh produce, and how to cook everything step by step. I shared tips for creamy texture and perfect timing. You can switch up the pasta or protein to fit your tastes. Finally, I detailed how to store leftovers or freeze the dish. Enjoy making this meal; it’s simple, tasty, and sure to impress!

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.
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Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts diced
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (basil, oregano, thyme)
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 12 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup spinach, fresh or frozen
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the diced chicken with salt and pepper, then add to the pot. Cook 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 the minced garlic and dried Italian herbs. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally, until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes.
  • When the pasta is almost done, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and spinach. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the spinach has wilted and the tomatoes are slightly softened.
  • Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and well-combined.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir everything together. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
  • Once heated through, remove from heat and let sit for a minute to thicken slightly.

Notes

Serve in large bowls topped with freshly torn basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an eye-catching finish.
Keyword chicken, creamy, one-pot, pasta