Save A luxurious, comforting pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce—all made in a single pot for easy cleanup.
This comforting dish quickly became a family favorite because of its rich flavors and simple preparation.
Ingredients
- Protein: 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 400 g) cut into bite-sized pieces
- Vegetables: 2 cups baby spinach packed, 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (in oil) drained and sliced, 1 small yellow onion finely chopped, 3 cloves garlic minced
- Pasta: 300 g (10 oz) penne or rigatoni pasta uncooked
- Dairy: 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Liquids: 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, 2 tbsp olive oil (from sun-dried tomatoes jar if available)
- Spices & Seasonings: 1 tsp dried Italian herbs, 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional), Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Sauté for 45 minutes until lightly browned and almost cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Step 2:
- In the same pot add onion and cook for 23 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes, Italian herbs, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute.
- Step 4:
- Return chicken to the pot. Add uncooked pasta and pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Step 5:
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 1215 minutes stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 6:
- Stir in spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook for 23 minutes until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is creamy.
- Step 7:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as desired. Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan if desired.
Save This dish brings our family together around the table every time we make it, making dinner a special moment.
Required Tools
Large deep skillet or Dutch oven, Wooden spoon, Chefs knife and cutting board, Measuring cups and spoons
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (cream Parmesan) and wheat (pasta). May contain sulfites (sun-dried tomatoes). Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Nutritional Information
Calories 610, Total Fat 27 g, Carbohydrates 57 g, Protein 36 g per serving
Save This creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is the perfect meal to cozy up with on any night.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Yes, turkey or firm tofu can be used as alternatives, adapting cooking times accordingly to maintain tenderness and flavor.
- → What pasta types work best for this dish?
Penne or rigatoni are ideal for holding the creamy sauce well, but other short pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle also work.
- → How can I make this dish lighter?
Replacing heavy cream with half-and-half or using a reduced-fat dairy option will lighten the sauce without sacrificing texture.
- → Is it possible to prepare a gluten-free version?
Yes, simply swap the regular pasta for a gluten-free variety and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
- → What enhances the flavor profile of this dish?
Incorporating roasted red peppers or mushrooms adds depth, while fresh herbs like basil provide bright freshness.