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Tuscan Chicken Pasta: A creamy one-pan dinner.

A creamy, comforting one-pan Tuscan Chicken Pasta featuring tender sliced chicken, sun-ripened cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta in generously salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and slice into strips.
  4. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in baby spinach until wilted.
  6. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  7. Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  8. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot.

Notes

  • Reserve pasta water: The starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the noodles perfectly.
  • Chicken safety: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Vegetable swap: You can use sun-dried tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan Chicken Pasta, Creamy Pasta, One Pan Dinner, Chicken Penne, Italian Dinner