Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds), sliced into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, sliced
2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces penne pasta (uncooked)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh baby spinach
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (for garnish)
Instructions
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Season the chicken evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Pat dry to ensure proper browning for your One-Skillet Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta.
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Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove and set aside.
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Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
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Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook 1 minute to release their oils and intensify flavor.
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Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Scrape up browned bits from the pan. Bring to a gentle simmer.
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Add uncooked penne pasta directly into the skillet. Stir well so pasta is submerged in liquid. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
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Return chicken to the skillet and simmer 3 minutes to coat in the creamy Tuscan sauce.
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Stir in spinach and Parmesan cheese. Cook until spinach wilts and the sauce becomes creamy and glossy.
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Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh basil and serve immediately
Notes
For ultra-creamy One-Skillet Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, always grate Parmesan fresh.
Do not boil the sauce aggressively; gentle simmering prevents curdling.
If sauce thickens too much, add 2–3 tablespoons warm broth.
Let the dish rest 3 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to stabilize and thicken naturally.
You can substitute chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Skillet / Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American