Easy One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta (30-Minute Recipe)

Dearest friend,

Welcome to my atelier. Today, we are performing a particularly beautiful act of alchemy: transforming a handful of simple, honest ingredients into a meal that tastes of luxury, all within a single pot. There is a special kind of magic in a dish that feels grand and indulgent, yet asks so little of us in return. It whispers that even on the busiest of weeknights, we deserve something truly wonderful.

This One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is my love letter to a bustling life. It is proof that you do not need hours of time or a sink full of dishes to create a moment of pure, delicious comfort. Let's begin.

✨ Why This Dish is a Treasure

The true essence of this recipe lies in its beautiful harmony of simplicity and elegance. It’s a culinary masterpiece disguised as a quick weeknight meal. The magic happens as the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing every nuance of the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and savory chicken broth. This one-pot method not only means less cleanup, but it also creates a starchier, silkier sauce that clings perfectly to every piece of pasta. It is, quite simply, the secret to achieving effortless indulgence.

🔪 The Alchemist's Pantry: Key Ingredients & Tools

Ingredients

• • 1 tbsp olive oil
• • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• • 4 cloves garlic, minced
• • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
• • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• • 4 cups chicken broth
• • 8 oz penne pasta, uncooked
• • 1 cup heavy cream
• • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• • 5 oz fresh spinach
• • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Essential Tools

For this creation, your most trusted companion will be a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid. This is essential for even heat distribution, which prevents scorching and ensures the pasta cooks perfectly.

💡 Chef's Notes: Pro Tips & FAQs

A Taste of Wisdom: Don't rush the first step! Searing the chicken properly creates the 'fond'—those lovely browned bits at the bottom of the pot. This is not burnt food; this is concentrated flavor, the very soul of your sauce.

📖 The Method: The Complete One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Recipe

1. 1 Season the chicken cubes generously with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in your Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. 2 Add the chicken to the hot pot in a single layer. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. It does not need to be cooked through at this stage. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
3. 3 Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent it from burning.
4. 4 Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and Italian seasoning. Cook for another minute, allowing their flavors to bloom.
5. 5 Pour in the chicken broth, and be sure to scrape the bottom of the pot with a wooden spoon to release all of those flavorful browned bits. Bring the liquid to a simmer.
6. 6 Stir in the uncooked penne pasta. Press it down gently to ensure it is submerged in the broth. Let it return to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. 7 Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
8. 8 Return the seared chicken (and any accumulated juices from the plate) to the pot. Add the fresh spinach and stir everything together. The residual heat will wilt the spinach and finish cooking the chicken in about 2-3 minutes.
9. 9 Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Let it rest for a few minutes; the sauce will thicken beautifully as it cools slightly.

🍽️ The Final Flourish: Plating & Serving

This dish is a complete meal in itself, a true treasure of flavor and texture. Serve it immediately in warm, shallow pasta bowls. I adore a generous garnish of extra grated Parmesan cheese and a scattering of fresh, vibrant parsley. For a perfect meal, accompany it with a simple green salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, and a loaf of crusty bread to ensure not a single drop of that magnificent sauce is left behind.

💌 From Genevieve's Kitchen: A Final Word

And there it is. A symphony in a single pot. I hope this recipe brings a little ease and a lot of joy to your table. Cooking, my friend, is not always about grand gestures. Sometimes, the most profound act of love is a simple, beautiful meal, shared. May your kitchen be filled with the wonderful aromas of your own effortless indulgence.