Tuscan Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Italian herbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 5 skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion
, diced
- 2 garlic cloves
, minced
- 5 tbsp sun dried tomato pesto
or chopped sun dried tomatoes
- ½ pound dried penne pasta
225g
- 2 ½ cups chicken stock
620 ml
- 1 cup heavy cream
240ml
- 3 tbsp Parmesan
, freshly grated
- 3 cups baby spinach
90g
- ½ cup tomatoes
115g
- Salt and pepper
to season
Directions
- 1
Cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes and put in a bowl. Add the herbs, garlic granules, salt and pepper and mix together.
- 2
Heat the oil in a large non-stick lidded pan. Add the minced garlic and onions to the pan and sauté for a couple of minutes.
- 3
Stir in the chicken and pesto. Cook over medium heat until lightly coloured. The chicken doesn’t have to be cooked all the way through at this point.
- 4
Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a rolling simmer.
- 5
Add the pasta, stir well and partially cover the pan.
- 6
Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue to cook, stirring once in a while. Cook until the pasta is al dente and liquid is slightly reduced.
- 7
Take off the heat and stir in the cream and spinach, letting the spinach leaves wilt in the residual heat.
- 8
Add the grated parmesan and tomatoes and stir to combine.
- 9
Check the seasoning and serve – delicious!
Tuscan Chicken Pasta
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 5 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, incredibly flavorful meal that’s ready in a flash? This Tuscan Chicken Pasta delivers restaurant-quality taste in a single pot, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic of this Tuscan Chicken Pasta lies in its one-pot preparation, which means minimal cleanup and maximum flavor infusion. Simmering the pasta directly in chicken stock creates a rich, creamy sauce, while the sun-dried tomatoes and Italian herbs meld beautifully with tender chicken. It’s a complete meal that comes together in just 30 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly indulgent experience. You'll savor succulent chicken thighs bathed in a luscious, creamy sauce infused with the bright, concentrated flavor of sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic garlic. The penne pasta, cooked to al dente perfection, provides a satisfying chew, while fresh baby spinach adds a vibrant touch and slight bitterness to balance the richness. Fresh cherry tomatoes offer bursts of juiciness, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes in every bite.
Customization & Variations
Feel free to adapt this versatile dish to your pantry. If you don't have sun-dried tomato pesto, simply use chopped sun-dried tomatoes as suggested. While penne is excellent, other similar pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli would also work beautifully. You can also adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese to your liking for an extra savory kick.
Serving & Context
This Tuscan Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion, from a cozy family dinner to an impressive yet effortless meal for guests. Serve it with a simple green salad and some crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the decadent sauce.