One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

$- 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups baby spinach - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups chicken broth - 10 oz penne pasta - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh basil for garnish When you gather these ingredients, you set the stage for a delicious meal. Each item plays a key role. The chicken breast adds protein and richness. Olive oil brings a nice fat that helps cook the chicken and adds flavor. Garlic gives that wonderful aroma that fills your kitchen. Cherry tomatoes burst with freshness, while baby spinach adds color and nutrients. Dairy is where the magic happens. Heavy cream creates a smooth sauce that coats the pasta. Chicken broth enhances the flavor of the dish. Penne pasta holds the sauce well, making every bite creamy and satisfying. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty finish that elevates the whole dish. The seasonings tie it all together. Dried Italian herbs provide depth and warmth. Salt and pepper are essential for balancing flavors. Lastly, fresh basil not only looks nice but offers a pop of freshness. Having these ingredients ready will make cooking a breeze! First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes, until it is browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until it smells good. Next, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Cook this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes until the tomatoes soften. Then, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Now, it’s time to add the pasta. Stir in 10 ounces of penne pasta. Cover the pot and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir occasionally. You want the pasta to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Once the pasta is ready, lower the heat. Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the sauce is creamy. Add the cooked chicken back into the pot along with 2 cups of baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through, which takes about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Seasoning is key to making this dish shine. Salt and pepper boost the taste of the chicken and pasta. You can also swap dried Italian herbs for others like oregano or thyme. They each add a unique touch. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the flavor further. Good sautéing makes all the difference. Make sure the oil is hot before adding chicken. This helps it brown nicely. When making a creamy sauce, keep the heat low after adding cream. High heat can cause it to separate. Stir gently to keep it smooth and rich. Serve your pasta in wide bowls to show off the colors. Top each serving with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. This adds a nice pop and makes it look fancy. You can also drizzle a bit of olive oil for shine and flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish to suit your taste. If you like seafood, try shrimp. Cook the shrimp just like the chicken. They will only need a few minutes to sauté. You can also use turkey for a leaner option. Just make sure to cook it fully before adding the other ingredients. For plant-based options, tofu is a great choice. Use firm tofu and sauté it until golden. Chickpeas also work well. They add protein and a nice texture. Just stir them in when you add the spinach. If you're looking for gluten-free options, consider using rice pasta or quinoa pasta. Both cook well and taste great. You can also try whole wheat pasta for a nuttier flavor. Different pasta shapes can change the experience. Fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti can make this dish unique. Each shape holds the creamy sauce differently, adding fun to your meal. Want to boost the flavor? Add sun-dried tomatoes for a rich, tangy taste. You can also toss in artichokes for a touch of earthiness. Both add color and depth to the dish. Cheese lovers can experiment with different types of cheese. Try mozzarella for a gooey texture or feta for a salty kick. Mixing cheeses can create a more complex flavor profile. To keep your One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Place it in the fridge as soon as it cools. This helps to keep the flavors intact. Leftovers stay good for about three days. After that, the cream sauce may separate. To reheat, you can use a microwave or stovetop. If using a microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. For stovetop, place it in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Stir until warm. If you want to freeze this dish, use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as the pasta may expand. When it’s time to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stovetop, adding a little cream or broth to restore its smooth texture. You can use several options to replace heavy cream. Here are some choices: - Milk and Butter: Mix ¾ cup of milk with ¼ cup of melted butter. - Half-and-Half: This works well for a lighter option. - Coconut Cream: Great for a dairy-free version. - Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess with a tangy flavor. - Silken Tofu: Blend it until smooth for a vegan choice. These substitutes will change the taste slightly, but they can still work well. To add some heat to your dish, try these tips: - Red Pepper Flakes: Sprinkle some in while cooking. - Hot Sauce: Stir in a bit before serving. - Jalapeños: Add diced jalapeños for fresh heat. - Spicy Italian Sausage: Swap out chicken for this for a hearty kick. These options can make your pasta pop with flavor. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Here’s how: - Meal Prep Tips: Cook the chicken and sauce, then store them separately. This keeps flavors fresh. - Storing: Place leftovers in an airtight container. It will stay good for about 3-4 days in the fridge. - Reheating Instructions: Warm it in a pot over low heat. Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. You can also microwave it, but stir it well to heat evenly. Making this recipe ahead saves time on busy days. This recipe combines chicken, pasta, and tasty herbs for a delightful meal. You learned how to sauté chicken and create a creamy sauce. The cooking steps are simple, and tips will help you make it better. Don't forget to explore variations for unique flavors. Store leftovers properly to enjoy later. I hope you feel confident making this dish. It can be a hit at any meal!$

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

A delicious one-pot pasta dish featuring creamy sauce, chicken, and fresh vegetables.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

1 lb chicken breast, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cups baby spinach
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups chicken broth
10 oz penne pasta
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh basil

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breast and season with salt and pepper. 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 sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the halved cherry tomatoes and dried Italian herbs to the pot. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Add the penne pasta and stir to combine. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Add the cooked chicken back into the pot along with the baby spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through, about 2 minutes.
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, if needed.

Notes

Serve in wide pasta bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.

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