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- 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 cups chicken broth - 8 ounces uncooked penne pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup spinach leaves - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Fresh basil, for garnish (optional) One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta has a rich flavor. Each ingredient adds something special. Olive oil serves as the base. It helps cook the chicken and adds taste. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star. They are easy to cook and soak up flavor well. Garlic and Italian seasoning create a wonderful aroma. They make the dish feel authentic. Chicken broth adds depth. It makes the pasta tender and flavorful. The penne pasta cooks right in the broth. It absorbs all the good taste. Cherry tomatoes add color and sweetness. They pop beautifully in each bite. Spinach leaves bring a fresh touch. They wilt down to add nutrients. Finally, heavy cream and Parmesan cheese give the dish a creamy finish. This recipe is perfect for busy nights. It’s quick, tasty, and satisfying. Check the Full Recipe to see how to put this together! First, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. While the oil warms, season 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes, stirring often. You want them browned and cooked through. After that, take the chicken out of the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want to smell that garlic but avoid burning it. Next, pour in 2 cups of chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Now, add 8 ounces of uncooked penne pasta to the pot. Stir well to make sure all the pasta is submerged. Cook it for about 10 minutes. Stir often to keep it from sticking. When it’s almost done, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of spinach leaves. This adds color and flavor to the dish. After the pasta is al dente, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and the cooked chicken. Mix until everything is well combined. Finally, sprinkle 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Stir for about 1-2 minutes until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. For the full recipe, check the link provided earlier. - Best practices for sautéing chicken: Start with a hot pot and add olive oil. Cut the chicken into small pieces for even cooking. Season it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is browned. This helps lock in the juices and flavor. - How to avoid overcooking pasta: Use a timer! Add penne pasta to the simmering broth and check it after 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. You want it al dente, which means slightly firm. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy in the pot. - Additional herbs or spices to consider: You can try adding fresh thyme or oregano. These herbs add depth to the dish. A pinch of red pepper flakes can also give it a nice kick. Experiment with flavors you enjoy to make it your own. - Adjusting creaminess levels: If you prefer a richer sauce, add more heavy cream. Start with half a cup and see how it looks. You can always add more, but it’s hard to take it out once it’s in. For a lighter option, use half-and-half or a mix of cream and chicken broth. - Pairing with wine or sides: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with this dish. For sides, a fresh salad or garlic bread complements the creamy pasta nicely. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. - Presentation ideas for gatherings: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls. Garnish each bowl with fresh basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. This makes your dish look beautiful and inviting, perfect for impressing guests. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section above. {{image_2}} You can switch up the main ingredients in this dish. If you prefer turkey, use ground turkey instead of chicken. For a meat-free option, try chickpeas or tofu. You can also swap penne pasta for rotini or bowtie pasta. If you need dairy-free options, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. For gluten-free pasta, look for brands made from rice or lentils. Both options work well and keep the dish creamy. Want a bit of heat? Add red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic. This will give your dish a spicy kick. You can also add crushed chili peppers for a bolder flavor. To make this dish even more nutritious, toss in extra vegetables. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli work well. You can also add proteins like shrimp or sausage for added flavor. These changes keep your meal exciting and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. To keep your One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta fresh, follow these easy steps: - Refrigerator Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container. Cool the pasta to room temperature before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. - Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the pasta. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some space for expansion. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheating properly keeps the dish creamy: - Stovetop Method: Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan. Add the pasta and a splash of chicken broth. Stir gently over low heat until warmed through. This helps maintain the creaminess. - Microwave Method: Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth. Cover loosely and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to ensure even heating. After reheating, feel free to adjust the seasoning. You can add a sprinkle of cheese or fresh herbs for an extra touch. To make this dish vegetarian, swap the chicken for your favorite plant-based protein. You can use chickpeas, tofu, or mushrooms. These options add great flavor and texture. Keep the rest of the recipe the same. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a rich taste. Absolutely! Leftover chicken works great in this recipe. Just chop it into bite-sized pieces. Add it when you mix in the heavy cream. This saves time and adds flavor. I recommend using penne pasta. Its shape holds the creamy sauce well. You can also try rotini or fusilli for a fun twist. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if you choose a different pasta. To prepare ahead, cook the chicken and pasta as directed. Let them cool, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, combine everything with the sauce and heat it. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. Yes! One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Just keep the sauce separate until you heat it. This way, your pasta stays creamy and fresh. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. This blog post covered a tasty recipe for One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta. You learned about the key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips to perfect the dish. We also explored variations, storage methods, and answered common questions. Try this recipe to impress friends or family. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Discover the delight of One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, a simple yet delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights! This recipe combines tender chicken, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes in a creamy sauce, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. In just 25 minutes, you can create a comforting dish that everyone will love. Click through to see the full recipe and enjoy a taste of Tuscany tonight!
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Ingredients
  

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Salt and pepper to taste

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

2 cups chicken broth

8 ounces uncooked penne pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup spinach leaves

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil, for garnish (optional)

Instructions
 

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

    Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Add them to the pot and cook until they are 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 Italian seasoning. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

        Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer.

          Add the uncooked penne pasta and stir, ensuring it is submerged in the broth. Cook the pasta for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is al dente.

            Add the cherry tomatoes and spinach leaves to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream and cooked chicken, mixing until everything is well combined.

              Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top and stir until melted and creamy, about 1-2 minutes.

                Season with additional salt and pepper to taste as needed.

                  - Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a beautiful finish.