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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta

A savory dish featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich creamy sauce, perfect for family gatherings and cozy dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Chicken
  • 8 oz penne pasta (or ziti, rotini, ditalini) Choose whole wheat or gluten-free for healthier options.
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced Shredded rotisserie chicken works excellent for quicker prep.
  • 1 tsp dried oregano (or Italian seasoning)
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce & Vegetables
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, blotted and diced)
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste (optional but highly recommended) For depth of flavor.
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach Frozen spinach can be used, but must be thawed and drained.
Cream & Broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half) Richness may vary if using lighter options.
  • 1½ cups reduced sodium chicken broth
  • ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan (plus more for garnish) Use fresh herbs for garnish if desired.
Oils
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Sautéing the Chicken
  1. Heat 1–2 tbsp of olive oil over medium-high heat, add diced chicken; season with dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until golden brown.
  2. Transfer the chicken to a plate, it will finish cooking later.
Cooking the Onions
  1. In the same skillet, add more olive oil if necessary, and sauté the diced onion for about 4-5 minutes until softened.
Building the Flavor
  1. Add minced garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and tomato paste to the onion and cook for another minute.
Creating the Sauce
  1. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stir in Parmesan cheese, and bring to a gentle simmer.
  2. Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer uncovered for about 8–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and sauce thickens.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Add fresh spinach and cooked pasta, gently stir to combine and let the spinach wilt.
Final Seasoning & Serving
  1. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs. Serve warm.

Notes

Serve with a simple side salad drizzled with balsamic dressing or crusty garlic bread to soak up the sauce. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.