Description

This One-Pan Tuscan Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and penne pasta all cooked together in one skillet. With a rich sauce made from chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, this recipe is a comforting and easy weekday meal that minimizes cleanup and maximizes taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Vegetables

1 ½ pounds chicken breasts
4 ounces sun-dried tomatoes (drained and chopped)
5 cloves garlic (minced)
4 ounces spinach
¼ cup basil (torn for garnish)

Liquids and Dairy

3 cups chicken broth
1 ½ cups heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)

Pasta and Oils

8 ounces penne pasta (or any short pasta)
2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings

3 teaspoons kosher salt (divided, or more to taste)

Instructions

Prepare and Cook the Chicken: Heat a large, deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Season the chicken breasts with 1 teaspoon kosher salt on both sides. Cook the chicken in the hot pan until golden brown, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Cook Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Garlic: In the same pan, add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute over medium-low heat, making sure not to burn the garlic.
Add Liquids and Season: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then add the remaining 2 teaspoons kosher salt. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil.
Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pan. Reduce heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook for 11-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender but still al dente.
Prepare Chicken Pieces: While the pasta cooks, slice the cooked chicken into ½ inch thick pieces, then cut them in half to create bite-sized pieces.
Combine Chicken, Spinach, and Cheese: Lower the heat to low and add the cut chicken pieces, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese into the pan. Toss everything together and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the chicken is heated through and the sauce thickens slightly.
Serve: Serve the pasta immediately garnished with freshly torn basil leaves and extra Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Notes

You can substitute penne pasta with any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli based on preference.
For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
If you prefer less salty dishes, reduce the amount of kosher salt to suit your taste.
Make sure to stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
This recipe can be adapted to a gluten-free diet by substituting gluten-free pasta.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: Tuscan chicken pasta, one pan pasta, creamy chicken pasta, sun-dried tomatoes chicken, easy weeknight dinner, stovetop pasta recipe