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Creamy One-Pot Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato Spinach Chicken Pasta

one-pot Tuscan sun-dried tomato spinach chicken pasta - featured image

A quick and easy one-pot creamy pasta dish featuring tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious sauce that comes together in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights and cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 8 ounces penne pasta (or any short pasta)
  • 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk (or almond milk for a lighter option)
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (packed in oil preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Mince garlic, chop sun-dried tomatoes, and measure out spinach and liquids.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add chicken pieces, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown on all sides but not fully cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  3. In the same pan, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir constantly until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  4. Pour in chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Add dry penne pasta evenly across the pan. Return chicken to the skillet and stir gently.
  5. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid. Let simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed, about 12-15 minutes. Add more broth or water if pasta looks dry before fully cooked.
  6. Stir in softened cream cheese until melted and sauce is creamy. Add fresh spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring, until spinach wilts and sauce thickens slightly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  7. Remove from heat and let sit for a minute or two to thicken. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil for best flavor; soak dry-packed tomatoes in warm water before chopping. For gluten-free, substitute pasta with gluten-free variety. Stir gently during simmering to avoid breaking chicken. If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen. Slightly undercook chicken before simmering to keep it juicy.

Nutrition

Keywords: one-pot pasta, creamy chicken pasta, Tuscan chicken pasta, sun-dried tomato pasta, spinach pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal