Go Back
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup heavy cream - 8 ounces pasta of your choice - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon paprika - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1 cup fresh spinach leaves - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese For this delightful dish, you will need some key ingredients. First, choose 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They stay moist and tasty. Next, grab 1 cup of heavy cream. This makes the sauce rich and creamy. You also need 8 ounces of pasta. Farfalle or penne will work well. For seasoning, use salt and pepper to taste. Add 1 teaspoon of paprika. This adds a slight smoky flavor. Don’t forget 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, a mix of herbs that gives depth. Now for the veggies! Use 1 cup of fresh spinach leaves. They add color and nutrients. You also need 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved. They bring sweetness and a pop of color. Lastly, sprinkle ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese on top. It melts beautifully and adds a savory touch. With these ingredients, you are ready to create a comforting and tasty meal that everyone will love. - First, season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. - Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. - Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs. - Sear them for about 5-6 minutes on each side. - The chicken should be golden brown when done. - Remove the cooked chicken from the pot and set aside. - In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. - You want the garlic to be fragrant but not burned. - Next, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes. - The tomatoes should begin to burst and release their juices. - After that, stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. - Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing well. - Reduce the heat to low for a gentle simmer. - Add the Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese. - Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. - Now, add the uncooked pasta and the seared chicken back to the pot. - Make sure the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. - Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat. - Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Check that the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked to 165°F (75°C). To make the sauce shine, taste as you go. Start with salt and pepper. Add more to fit your style. A pinch of paprika adds a nice touch. Adjust the Italian seasoning for depth. Aim for a rich, smooth sauce. If it feels too thick, add a splash of chicken broth. If it's thin, let it cook a bit longer. Stir often to keep it from sticking. Keep your chicken juicy by not overcooking. Sear the thighs until golden, about 5-6 minutes each side. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. Aim for 165°F (75°C). Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. This step helps keep the juices inside. To avoid mushy pasta, use the right timing. Cook the pasta just until al dente, which means firm to the bite. Stir the pasta often while cooking. Farfalle or penne works best in this dish. These shapes hold the sauce well. If you want a different texture, try whole wheat or gluten-free options. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish for fun. Shrimp is a great option if you want seafood. Just sauté it until it turns pink before adding to the pot. Turkey is another tasty choice. It will give the dish a different flavor while keeping it light. If you prefer a plant-based meal, try chickpeas or tofu. Both work well and soak up the creamy sauce. Adding extra vegetables can boost nutrients and flavor. Bell peppers add crunch and sweetness. Just chop them and sauté with garlic. Zucchini is another great option. Slice it thin and toss it in with the spinach. You can also use seasonal veggies like asparagus or mushrooms. They will add freshness to your dish and give it a new twist. For a new taste, try different types of cheese. Mozzarella gives a nice stretch, while feta adds a salty kick. You can also swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt or coconut milk. Both will lighten the dish but still keep it creamy. Adjust the seasonings to suit your taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add some heat, while fresh herbs can brighten the flavor. To keep One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken fresh, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This dish stays well in the fridge for up to three days. Choose glass or plastic containers that seal tightly. They help prevent spills and keep the flavors intact. When reheating, keep the creaminess. Use the stovetop for the best results. Place the leftovers in a pan over low heat. Stir often to prevent sticking. If you use a microwave, cover the dish with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This method helps keep the sauce creamy and delicious. If you want to save some for later, freeze it. Portion the dish into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. This meal can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat it on the stovetop for the best taste and texture. You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds creaminess without dairy. Nutritional yeast works well for a cheesy flavor. You can also try cashew cream for a richer taste. These options keep the dish creamy and delicious while making it dairy-free. Yes, you can use many types of pasta. Gluten-free options like brown rice pasta work well. Whole grain pasta is a great option for added fiber. You can choose shapes like penne or farfalle. Each will absorb the creamy sauce and taste amazing. The dish lasts about three to four days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for best results. Make sure it cools down before putting it in the fridge. This helps keep the flavors fresh and the texture nice. Several sides go well with this dish. A simple green salad with lemon dressing is refreshing. Garlic bread is a great choice for dipping. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables for added nutrition. All these sides complement the rich, creamy flavors. In this blog post, we explored a delicious One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe. We covered all the key ingredients and provided easy steps for cooking. You learned tips to perfect the sauce and keep the chicken tender. Plus, we discussed variations and how to store leftovers. Remember, cooking can be fun and rewarding. Experiment with flavors and ingredients to make this dish your own. Enjoy your cooking journey and the tasty meals you create!

One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Get ready for a delicious meal with this One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe! This simple and flavorful dish combines tender chicken thighs, fresh spinach, and cherry tomatoes in a rich creamy sauce, all cooked with your favorite pasta in just one pot. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, it's quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying. Click through to explore the full recipe and make your dinner unforgettable!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

1 teaspoon paprika

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach leaves

1 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme mix)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup chicken broth

8 ounces pasta of your choice (farfalle or penne works well)

Instructions
 

Season and Sear the Chicken: In a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken thighs and sear them for about 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the pot and set aside.

    Sauté Vegetables: In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes until they start to burst.

      Add Spinach and Cream: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, mixing to combine. Reduce the heat to low.

        Incorporate Italian Seasoning and Cheese: Add the Italian seasoning and grated Parmesan cheese to the pot, stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly.

          Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the uncooked pasta to the creamy sauce, along with the seared chicken thighs. Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is well coated and submerged in the liquid.

            Cook Until Tender: Cover the pot and let it simmer on low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

              Serve: Once done, remove from heat and let it sit for 2-3 minutes before serving. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools slightly.

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in shallow bowls, garnished with extra grated Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley on top for color. Enjoy with crusty bread for dipping!

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 35 minutes | 4 servings