One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Garlic Chicken Pasta: Quick, Delicious, and Easy

Introduction

One-pot recipes are all the rage, and this creamy Tuscan garlic chicken pasta is a perfect example. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy garlic sauce, making it a favorite for busy weeknights. This recipe saves you time with minimal clean-up while delivering restaurant-quality flavor.

Popular Questions:

  • "How do you make Tuscan garlic chicken pasta creamy?"
  • "What is Tuscan sauce made of?"
  • "Can you make creamy pasta without heavy cream?"

Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb (500g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, thinly sliced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and chopped
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (substitute with milk for a lighter option)
  • 8 oz (225g) penne or any pasta of your choice
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh basil or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

  1. In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
  2. Season chicken slices with salt and pepper, then add them to the skillet.
  3. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

  1. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook for another minute.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits for extra flavor.

Step 3: Add Pasta and Cook

  1. Stir in heavy cream and pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  2. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente.

Step 4: Add Chicken, Spinach, and Cheese

  1. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, along with fresh spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts.
  2. Add Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
  2. Serve immediately, and enjoy a comforting, Italian-inspired meal in just one pot!

Tips for Making Perfect Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

  • Heavy Cream Substitute: For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with milk or half-and-half, adding a bit more Parmesan for thickness.
  • Adding Vegetables: Mushrooms or roasted bell peppers make excellent additions.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with a gluten-free variety for a gluten-free dish without losing the flavors.

Popular FAQ Section:

  1. How can I make Tuscan pasta healthier?

    • Swap the heavy cream for a lighter milk option and use whole-grain pasta for added fiber.

  2. What’s the best pasta type for Tuscan chicken pasta?

    • Penne, farfalle, or rotini hold the creamy sauce well, but any pasta will work!

  3. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried?

    • Yes, but fresh tomatoes may add more moisture. Adjust with less broth to keep the sauce thick.