One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta Delight

by
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced - 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 8 oz farfalle or penne pasta - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - Sea salt, to taste - Black pepper, to taste This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a rich dish. The chicken thighs provide a juicy base. Spinach and tomatoes add color and nutrients. Choose farfalle or penne pasta for a fun texture. The Italian seasoning gives it a classic flavor. Olive oil and garlic add depth. Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create the creamy sauce. Low-sodium chicken broth keeps it light but flavorful. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper for balance. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather your chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a nice golden color. When it’s done, take the chicken out and set it on a plate. Next, lower the heat a bit. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir it often. You want it to smell great but not turn brown. After that, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally until the tomatoes soften and let out their juices. Now, it’s time to boil the pasta. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add 8 ounces of pasta. You can use farfalle or penne. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir it from time to time until the pasta is al dente. Add 1 cup of heavy cream, the cooked chicken, and 2 cups of fresh spinach to the pot. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This will help the spinach wilt and thicken the sauce. Finally, take the pot off the heat. Gradually stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts into a creamy sauce. Taste it, and if needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper. Enjoy! - Where to find fresh ingredients: Look for fresh chicken thighs, spinach, and tomatoes at local farmers' markets. Grocery stores often have good selections too. Buy organic if you can for better taste. - Substitutions for dietary needs: If you need a healthier option, use turkey instead of chicken. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for mushrooms or tofu. Gluten-free pasta works well too. - Ensuring pasta cooks perfectly: Use a large pot for even cooking. Stir the pasta often to prevent sticking. Check it a minute before the time is up to ensure it’s al dente. - Tips for achieving the right creamy texture: Add cream slowly while stirring. This helps it mix well with the broth. Mixing in the Parmesan cheese at the end adds richness and makes it smooth. - Garnishing suggestions: Top your pasta with fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can make it look fancy too. - Serving suggestions for the best experience: Serve in wide bowls to show off the creamy sauce. Pair with garlic bread and a light salad for a complete meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavors and nutritional value of your dish. Always opt for the freshest produce available. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute half with low-fat milk. This will still give you a creamy texture without being too heavy. Perfect Pasta Cooking: To avoid overcooking the pasta, check for doneness a minute before the package instructions indicate. The pasta will continue to cook slightly after being mixed with the sauce. Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or oregano can bring a new dimension to the dish, enhancing the Tuscan flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Shrimp or turkey works well here. Both options add a new taste. For a lighter meal, try gluten-free pasta. This keeps the dish friendly for more diets. Want to kick up the flavor? Add sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes. These ingredients bring a rich taste that shines. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness. They make each bite feel fresh and exciting. If you want a lighter feel, use milk or yogurt instead of cream. This gives a nice, creamy texture without all the fat. For a vegan option, try coconut milk or cashew cream. These substitutes keep the dish rich while meeting dietary needs. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the taste may start to fade. When you reheat the pasta, use a stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty. Stir it often for even heating. If using the microwave, cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. This helps keep moisture. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Yes, you can freeze this dish! Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stovetop with some chicken broth for best results. This will help revive the creamy sauce. Yes! You can use beef, turkey, or shrimp. For beef, try diced sirloin or ground beef. Turkey works well, too; just cook it until brown. If you opt for shrimp, add them in the last few minutes of cooking. This way, they stay tender. Vegetarian options include chickpeas or mushrooms. Both add great flavor and texture. To add spice, try red pepper flakes. A pinch goes a long way. You can also add sliced jalapeños for a fresh kick. If you want more heat, consider a dash of hot sauce. Mix it in during the cooking process for even heat throughout. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. For longer storage, freeze it for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. When reheating, use low heat on the stove. Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. This blog post covered a simple dish that you'll love. We discussed key ingredients like chicken thighs, spinach, and farfalle pasta. The seasonings, including Italian herbs and garlic, bring great flavor. I provided step-by-step cooking tips to ensure your meal turns out perfect every time. Remember, you can personalize it with swaps and variations. Store any leftovers the right way for freshness. These tips will help you enjoy the dish longer. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so try it out! Enjoy your meal!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you looking for a delicious, easy meal that will impress everyone? This One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta is just the dish for you! With tender chicken, fresh spinach, and juicy cherry tomatoes, it packs a flavor punch while keeping clean-up simple. Ready to learn how to make this creamy delight? Let’s dive into the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to create your new favorite recipe!

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Why I Love This Recipe

  1. One-Pot Convenience: This recipe is a lifesaver for busy weeknights, as everything cooks in one pot, saving you time on both cooking and cleanup.
  2. Rich and Creamy Flavor: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a luxurious sauce that clings to the pasta, making every bite incredibly satisfying.
  3. Fresh Ingredients: With vibrant cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, giving you a healthy meal option.
  4. Customizable: You can easily adapt this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting the chicken for another protein, making it versatile for any taste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced

– 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

– 8 oz farfalle or penne pasta

Seasonings and Condiments

– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 cup heavy cream

– ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Broth and Seasoning

– 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

– Sea salt, to taste

– Black pepper, to taste

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a rich dish. The chicken thighs provide a juicy base. Spinach and tomatoes add color and nutrients. Choose farfalle or penne pasta for a fun texture. The Italian seasoning gives it a classic flavor. Olive oil and garlic add depth. Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create the creamy sauce. Low-sodium chicken broth keeps it light but flavorful. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper for balance.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Chicken

First, gather your chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a nice golden color. When it’s done, take the chicken out and set it on a plate.

Incorporating Flavor

Next, lower the heat a bit. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir it often. You want it to smell great but not turn brown. After that, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally until the tomatoes soften and let out their juices.

Cooking the Pasta

Now, it’s time to boil the pasta. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add 8 ounces of pasta. You can use farfalle or penne. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir it from time to time until the pasta is al dente.

Final Touches

Add 1 cup of heavy cream, the cooked chicken, and 2 cups of fresh spinach to the pot. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This will help the spinach wilt and thicken the sauce. Finally, take the pot off the heat. Gradually stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts into a creamy sauce. Taste it, and if needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper. Enjoy!

Tips & Tricks

Ingredient Sourcing

– Where to find fresh ingredients: Look for fresh chicken thighs, spinach, and tomatoes at local farmers’ markets. Grocery stores often have good selections too. Buy organic if you can for better taste.

– Substitutions for dietary needs: If you need a healthier option, use turkey instead of chicken. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for mushrooms or tofu. Gluten-free pasta works well too.

Cooking Techniques

– Ensuring pasta cooks perfectly: Use a large pot for even cooking. Stir the pasta often to prevent sticking. Check it a minute before the time is up to ensure it’s al dente.

– Tips for achieving the right creamy texture: Add cream slowly while stirring. This helps it mix well with the broth. Mixing in the Parmesan cheese at the end adds richness and makes it smooth.

Presentation Tips

– Garnishing suggestions: Top your pasta with fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can make it look fancy too.

– Serving suggestions for the best experience: Serve in wide bowls to show off the creamy sauce. Pair with garlic bread and a light salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavors and nutritional value of your dish. Always opt for the freshest produce available.
  2. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute half with low-fat milk. This will still give you a creamy texture without being too heavy.
  3. Perfect Pasta Cooking: To avoid overcooking the pasta, check for doneness a minute before the package instructions indicate. The pasta will continue to cook slightly after being mixed with the sauce.
  4. Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or oregano can bring a new dimension to the dish, enhancing the Tuscan flavor profile.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Shrimp or turkey works well here. Both options add a new taste. For a lighter meal, try gluten-free pasta. This keeps the dish friendly for more diets.

Flavor Enhancements

Want to kick up the flavor? Add sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes. These ingredients bring a rich taste that shines. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness. They make each bite feel fresh and exciting.

Cream Alternatives

If you want a lighter feel, use milk or yogurt instead of cream. This gives a nice, creamy texture without all the fat. For a vegan option, try coconut milk or cashew cream. These substitutes keep the dish rich while meeting dietary needs.

Storage Info

Refrigeration Guidelines

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the taste may start to fade.

Reheating Instructions

When you reheat the pasta, use a stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty. Stir it often for even heating. If using the microwave, cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. This helps keep moisture. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between.

Freezing Tips

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stovetop with some chicken broth for best results. This will help revive the creamy sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this with other types of meat?

Yes! You can use beef, turkey, or shrimp. For beef, try diced sirloin or ground beef. Turkey works well, too; just cook it until brown. If you opt for shrimp, add them in the last few minutes of cooking. This way, they stay tender. Vegetarian options include chickpeas or mushrooms. Both add great flavor and texture.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add spice, try red pepper flakes. A pinch goes a long way. You can also add sliced jalapeños for a fresh kick. If you want more heat, consider a dash of hot sauce. Mix it in during the cooking process for even heat throughout.

What is the best way to store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. For longer storage, freeze it for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. When reheating, use low heat on the stove. Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy.

This blog post covered a simple dish that you’ll love. We discussed key ingredients like chicken thighs, spinach, and farfalle pasta. The seasonings, including Italian herbs and garlic, bring great flavor. I provided step-by-step cooking tips to ensure your meal turns out perfect every time.

Remember, you can personalize it with swaps and variations. Store any leftovers the right way for freshness. These tips will help you enjoy the dish longer. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so try it out! Enjoy your mea

- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced - 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 8 oz farfalle or penne pasta - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese - 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth - Sea salt, to taste - Black pepper, to taste This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients to create a rich dish. The chicken thighs provide a juicy base. Spinach and tomatoes add color and nutrients. Choose farfalle or penne pasta for a fun texture. The Italian seasoning gives it a classic flavor. Olive oil and garlic add depth. Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese create the creamy sauce. Low-sodium chicken broth keeps it light but flavorful. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper for balance. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, gather your chicken thighs. Cut them into bite-sized pieces. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for 5 to 7 minutes. Look for a nice golden color. When it’s done, take the chicken out and set it on a plate. Next, lower the heat a bit. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the pot. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute. Stir it often. You want it to smell great but not turn brown. After that, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir occasionally until the tomatoes soften and let out their juices. Now, it’s time to boil the pasta. Pour in 4 cups of low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, add 8 ounces of pasta. You can use farfalle or penne. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 10 to 12 minutes. Stir it from time to time until the pasta is al dente. Add 1 cup of heavy cream, the cooked chicken, and 2 cups of fresh spinach to the pot. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. This will help the spinach wilt and thicken the sauce. Finally, take the pot off the heat. Gradually stir in ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until it melts into a creamy sauce. Taste it, and if needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper. Enjoy! - Where to find fresh ingredients: Look for fresh chicken thighs, spinach, and tomatoes at local farmers' markets. Grocery stores often have good selections too. Buy organic if you can for better taste. - Substitutions for dietary needs: If you need a healthier option, use turkey instead of chicken. For a vegetarian version, swap chicken for mushrooms or tofu. Gluten-free pasta works well too. - Ensuring pasta cooks perfectly: Use a large pot for even cooking. Stir the pasta often to prevent sticking. Check it a minute before the time is up to ensure it’s al dente. - Tips for achieving the right creamy texture: Add cream slowly while stirring. This helps it mix well with the broth. Mixing in the Parmesan cheese at the end adds richness and makes it smooth. - Garnishing suggestions: Top your pasta with fresh basil leaves for color and aroma. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan can make it look fancy too. - Serving suggestions for the best experience: Serve in wide bowls to show off the creamy sauce. Pair with garlic bread and a light salad for a complete meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and ripe cherry tomatoes will enhance the flavors and nutritional value of your dish. Always opt for the freshest produce available. Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a lighter sauce, you can reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute half with low-fat milk. This will still give you a creamy texture without being too heavy. Perfect Pasta Cooking: To avoid overcooking the pasta, check for doneness a minute before the package instructions indicate. The pasta will continue to cook slightly after being mixed with the sauce. Herb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs. Adding a sprinkle of fresh thyme or oregano can bring a new dimension to the dish, enhancing the Tuscan flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can switch the chicken for other proteins. Shrimp or turkey works well here. Both options add a new taste. For a lighter meal, try gluten-free pasta. This keeps the dish friendly for more diets. Want to kick up the flavor? Add sun-dried tomatoes or artichokes. These ingredients bring a rich taste that shines. Fresh herbs like basil or parsley add brightness. They make each bite feel fresh and exciting. If you want a lighter feel, use milk or yogurt instead of cream. This gives a nice, creamy texture without all the fat. For a vegan option, try coconut milk or cashew cream. These substitutes keep the dish rich while meeting dietary needs. To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the taste may start to fade. When you reheat the pasta, use a stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of chicken broth. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty. Stir it often for even heating. If using the microwave, cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. This helps keep moisture. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. Yes, you can freeze this dish! Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can stay fresh for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it on the stovetop with some chicken broth for best results. This will help revive the creamy sauce. Yes! You can use beef, turkey, or shrimp. For beef, try diced sirloin or ground beef. Turkey works well, too; just cook it until brown. If you opt for shrimp, add them in the last few minutes of cooking. This way, they stay tender. Vegetarian options include chickpeas or mushrooms. Both add great flavor and texture. To add spice, try red pepper flakes. A pinch goes a long way. You can also add sliced jalapeños for a fresh kick. If you want more heat, consider a dash of hot sauce. Mix it in during the cooking process for even heat throughout. Store leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let it cool before sealing. For longer storage, freeze it for up to two months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. When reheating, use low heat on the stove. Add a splash of broth to keep it creamy. This blog post covered a simple dish that you'll love. We discussed key ingredients like chicken thighs, spinach, and farfalle pasta. The seasonings, including Italian herbs and garlic, bring great flavor. I provided step-by-step cooking tips to ensure your meal turns out perfect every time. Remember, you can personalize it with swaps and variations. Store any leftovers the right way for freshness. These tips will help you enjoy the dish longer. Cooking can be fun and rewarding, so try it out! Enjoy your meal!

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring chicken, spinach, and tomatoes, all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
  • 8 oz pasta (choose between farfalle or penne)
  • 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • to taste Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced chicken thighs. Season generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
  • In the same pot, reduce the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic becomes aromatic but not browned, as burnt garlic can become bitter.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the pot. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices.
  • Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, stir in the pasta. Lower the heat and cover the pot. Simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta reaches an al dente texture.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, the cooked chicken, and the fresh spinach leaves. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Remove the pot from heat and gradually mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture. Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper, if desired.
  • Serve the pasta warm, garnished with fresh basil leaves atop for an aromatic touch and a burst of color.

Notes

Feel free to substitute the pasta type as per your preference.
Keyword chicken, creamy, one-pot, pasta

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