Recipe: One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta (Complete Recipe)

2026-02-21

This is a practical weeknight dinner built for speed, flavor, and minimal cleanup. Everything cooks in one pot, and the sauce lands in that perfect balance between creamy and bright. Serves 4 generously.

**Ingredients** - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 1/4 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut bite-size - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced - 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth - 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half - 8 ounces penne or rotini - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus extra for serving - 2 cups baby spinach - 1/2 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained) - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 2 tablespoons chopped basil or parsley

**Instructions** 1. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season chicken with 3/4 teaspoon salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté 5–6 minutes until lightly browned (doesn’t need full doneness yet). Remove to a plate. 2. In the same pot, add mushrooms and cook 3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook 30 seconds. 3. Pour in broth and milk, scraping browned bits from the bottom. Bring to a gentle boil. 4. Add pasta, reduce to medium, and simmer uncovered 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is nearly al dente. 5. Return chicken and juices to pot. Add sun-dried tomatoes and cook 3–4 minutes until chicken is cooked through and pasta is tender. 6. Lower heat. Stir in Parmesan, spinach, and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Mix until spinach wilts and sauce thickens. 7. Finish with lemon juice and herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning.

**Why it works** Pasta releases starch directly into the broth-milk mixture, naturally thickening the sauce. Chicken thighs stay juicy through simmering, while lemon and sun-dried tomatoes keep richness from feeling heavy.

**Timing** - Prep: 12 minutes - Cook: 25 minutes - Total: about 37 minutes

Serve with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

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