Go Back
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces - 8 oz (225g) penne pasta - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 2 cups fresh spinach leaves - 3 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup chicken broth - 1/2 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh basil leaves for garnishing - Additional vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini) - Different pasta types (fettuccine, farfalle) - Extra seasonings (red pepper flakes, lemon zest) When I make this One Pan Tuscan Chicken Pasta, I love to focus on fresh ingredients. The chicken adds protein and flavor. The penne pasta holds onto the sauce well. Cherry tomatoes give a burst of sweetness. Fresh spinach adds color and nutrition. You can customize this dish easily. Try adding bell peppers or zucchini for more veggies. If you want a twist, swap the penne for fettuccine or farfalle. For extra heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or a bit of lemon zest. These choices let you make the dish your own. Each ingredient plays a big role in the final taste. This recipe is all about balance. You get creamy, savory, and fresh flavors all in one pan. It's a great way to enjoy dinner without a lot of fuss. Check out the Full Recipe for all the steps to create this delightful meal! - Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. - Sauté chicken until golden brown, about 5-7 minutes. Cooking chicken this way gives it a nice crust. The seasoning adds flavor that seeps into the dish. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate. - Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. - Toss in cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened. Garlic releases its lovely aroma and pairs perfectly with the sweet tomatoes. This step builds a flavorful base for your pasta. - Pour in chicken broth and add penne pasta to the skillet. - Cover the skillet and cook according to package directions, around 10-12 minutes. The broth adds depth to the pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, ensuring even cooking. - Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until creamy. - Fold in the cooked chicken and spinach until well mixed. This last step creates a rich, comforting dish. The spinach wilts nicely and adds a pop of color. Enjoy your flavorful One Pan Tuscan Chicken Pasta! For the full recipe, check the earlier section. To make the best One Pan Tuscan Chicken Pasta, cook the chicken all the way through. This step is key for safety and flavor. Once the chicken is golden, set it aside. Next, when you add cream, do it slowly. This helps keep the cream smooth and prevents curdling. Remember, a little patience goes a long way! For a beautiful dish, serve your pasta in large bowls. Top it with fresh basil and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. This not only looks good but also adds great taste. The vibrant colors from the basil and tomatoes will make your meal pop. Plus, it smells amazing! If you want to mix things up, try using shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Both options bring unique flavors. You can also swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt. This change keeps it light but still creamy. These small tweaks make the dish your own! {{image_4}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Simply swap the chicken for mushrooms or chickpeas. Both options add great texture and taste. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors bright and fresh. Want to switch things up? Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. Both options give a different texture while keeping the dish healthy. You can also experiment with different pasta shapes like rotini or farfalle for a fun twist. To boost the taste, add fresh herbs like oregano or thyme. These herbs bring a lovely aroma and depth to the meal. You can also introduce citrus elements, like a splash of lemon juice, for a hint of brightness. This simple addition makes the dish pop with flavor. For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe for One Pan Tuscan Chicken Pasta. After enjoying your One Pan Tuscan Chicken Pasta, let it cool down. This helps keep the food safe. Once cooled, transfer the pasta to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. This way, you can savor the deliciousness again! When it’s time to eat your pasta again, gently reheat it. You can use the stove or the microwave. To keep it moist, add a splash of broth or cream while reheating. This helps bring back the creamy texture and flavor. Want to save some for later? Freeze your pasta in individual portions. This makes it easy to grab a meal when you need one. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge. This way, it warms up nicely when you reheat it. You can make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Also, check the labels on your chicken broth. Some broths may contain gluten, so it’s best to choose one that is clearly labeled gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy the same rich flavors without any worries. Yes, you can prepare One Pan Tuscan Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Cook the dish and let it cool completely. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat just before serving. This keeps the flavors fresh and makes meal time easy. If you run out of heavy cream, don’t worry! You can substitute it with half-and-half. This gives a similar creamy texture. If you prefer a plant-based option, try a plant-based cream alternative. Both options work well and will still make your pasta rich and satisfying. For the best results, add them gradually to keep the sauce smooth. This blog covered key ingredients and simple steps for a tasty Tuscan chicken pasta. I shared tips to make it perfect and variations to fit your needs. Remember, you can adjust ingredients to suit your taste. This dish is quick, flexible, and enjoyable for everyone. Try it out and make it your own. Happy cooking!

One Pan Tuscan Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the creamy goodness of Tuscan Chicken Pasta Delight, a perfect blend of tender chicken, fresh spinach, and vibrant cherry tomatoes! This easy recipe not only tantalizes your taste buds but is also a breeze to make in just 30 minutes. Elevate your dinner game and impress your loved ones with this savory dish.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

8 oz (225g) penne pasta

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups fresh spinach leaves

3 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 cup chicken broth

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh basil leaves for garnishing

Instructions
 

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.

    Carefully add the diced chicken to the skillet, and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for approximately 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and no longer pink inside. Once fully cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

      In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes aromatic, careful not to burn it.

        Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes until they soften and begin to release their juices.

          Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the penne pasta, ensuring all the pasta is submerged in the broth. Cover the skillet and cook according to the package directions (usually taking about 10-12 minutes) until the pasta reaches an al dente texture, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

            Once the pasta has cooked, reduce the heat to low, and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until a creamy sauce forms and coats the pasta evenly.

              Return the cooked chicken and fresh spinach to the skillet, gently folding everything together until the spinach is wilted and evenly distributed throughout the dish.

                Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper as desired.

                  Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in generously sized bowls, topped with fresh basil leaves and an additional sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds an inviting aroma and flavor to the dish!