Season chicken slices with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat benefits of olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
One pot creamy tuscan chicken pasta is the ultimate easy Italian-inspired weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and pasta in a creamy garlic Parmesan sauce — all in one pan.
One pot creamy tuscan chicken pasta is the ultimate easy Italian-inspired weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, baby spinach, and pasta in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce — all in one pan.
Each bite delivers tender chicken, silky pasta, bursts of sun-dried tomato, and wilted spinach in a sauce that's pure Italian comfort food magic.
Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive without the mess. Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Once you taste this creamy Tuscan sauce, you'll want it on repeat every week. Let's discover why this one pot pasta is a total game changer.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
- Just One Pot: Everything cooks in one pan — pasta, chicken, and sauce all together for minimal dishes and maximum flavor.
- Ready in 30 Minutes: Fast enough for the busiest weeknights — from cold pan to dinner table in half an hour.
- Restaurant-Quality Flavor: The creamy garlic parmesan sauce with sun-dried tomatoes tastes like something from a proper Italian restaurant.
- Packed with Flavor: Sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, health benefits of garlic, and Parmesan create layers of bold Italian-inspired flavor in every bite.
- Family-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying — loved by picky eaters and food lovers alike at any dinner table.
- Great for Meal Prep: Reheats beautifully with a splash of cream or broth — perfect for leftovers all week long.
INGREDIENTS
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
- Penne or rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
- Sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed), chopped
- Baby spinach
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh garlic, minced
- Yellow onion, diced
- Olive oil
- Italian seasoning
- Smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt and black pepper
- Fresh basil (for garnish)
DIRECTIONS
- Step No.1: Sear the chicken
Season chicken slices with italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear chicken 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Remove and set aside.
- Step No.2: Sauté aromatics
In the same pan, sauté diced onion 3 minutes until soft. Add minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes, cook 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Step No.3: Add pasta and liquids
Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well, then add uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
- Step No.4: Add cheese and spinach
Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and sauce is creamy. Add baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Step No.5: Return chicken to pan
Slice the seared chicken and return it to the pan. Stir to combine with the pasta and sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Step No.6: Garnish and serve
Top with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately straight from the pan for the most beautiful presentation.
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Slice Chicken Thin: Thin slices cook faster and more evenly in this one pot creamy Tuscan chicken pasta — avoid thick chunks.
- Use Oil-Packed Sun-Dried Tomatoes: They're far more flavorful and softer than dry-packed. The oil adds extra richness to the sauce.
- Stir Pasta Regularly: Stir every few minutes while pasta cooks to prevent sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Don't Overcook the Pasta: Pull off heat when pasta is just al dente — it continues cooking from residual heat in the pan.
- Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: Pre-shredded Parmesan doesn't melt as smoothly — freshly grated creates a much silkier, creamier sauce.
- Add Spinach Last: Add spinach right at the end — it only needs 1-2 minutes to wilt and keeps its bright green color perfectly.
VARIATIONS
- Shrimp Tuscan Pasta: Replace chicken with large shrimp — add at the end and cook 2-3 minutes until pink for an elegant seafood version.
- vegetarian diet Version: Skip the chicken and double the sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Add white beans for protein and heartiness.
- Add Mushrooms: Sauté 8 oz sliced cremini mushrooms with the onions for an extra earthy umami depth that's incredible.
- Extra Spicy: Add 1 tablespoon chili flakes and a drizzle of chili oil for a spicy arrabbiata-style Tuscan twist.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce Parmesan for a lighter but still delicious result.
- Add Artichokes: Stir in 1 can of quartered artichoke hearts with the spinach for an extra Mediterranean flavor boost.
SERVING AND STORAGE
Serving
Serve immediately topped with extra Parmesan, fresh basil, and red pepper flakes. Pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete Italian-inspired dinner.
Storage
Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Freezes for up to 2 months.
FAQ
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work beautifully — they stay juicier and more flavorful. Slice thin and cook the same way as the breasts.
Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best as their ridges and tubes hold the creamy sauce. Avoid delicate pastas like angel hair which overcook easily.
Add a splash of warm chicken broth or cream and stir to loosen. Pasta absorbs liquid as it sits, so you may need to add liquid when reheating too.
Use full-fat coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutrition informational yeast instead of Parmesan. The sauce won't be identical but still very flavorful.
Tuscan chicken refers to an Italian-American dish featuring chicken cooked with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, garlic, cream, and Parmesan — inspired by the flavors of Tuscany, Italy.
This one pot creamy Tuscan chicken pasta is the kind of dinner that makes weeknights feel special. Rich, satisfying, and absolutely beautiful.
This one pot creamy tuscan chicken pasta is the kind of dinner that makes weeknights feel special. Rich, satisfying, and absolutely beautiful.
The creamy Tuscan sauce is pure magic. Looking for more one pot ideas? Try our 12 one pot vegetarian meals.
Add it to your weeknight rotation for effortless Italian-inspired dinners. Browse more chicken ideas in our 17 one pan chicken dinners.
ONE POT CREAMY TUSCAN CHICKEN PASTA (EASY 30-MINUTE ITALIAN DINNER)
Equipment
- Large deep skillet or pot
- Wooden Spoon
- Knife
Ingredients
Chicken & Pasta:
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 12 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine) uncooked
Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup Parmesan cheese grated
Vegetables & Seasoning:
- 2 cups spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Cook Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through.
Add Garlic:
- Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook Pasta:
- Add chicken broth and uncooked pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is tender.
Make It Creamy:
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Add Veggies:
- Mix in spinach and sun-dried tomatoes until spinach is wilted and everything is well combined.
Serve:
- Serve hot topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Add more broth if pasta needs extra cooking liquid.
- Swap chicken for shrimp or mushrooms for variation.
- Best served immediately while creamy and hot.
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