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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach - 12 oz penne pasta - Olive oil - Garlic powder - Italian seasoning - Heavy cream - Chicken broth - Red pepper flakes - Grated Parmesan cheese To make One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken, gather these ingredients. The chicken thighs give the dish a rich flavor. Cherry tomatoes add a nice sweetness. Fresh spinach brings a pop of color and nutrition. The penne pasta makes it hearty. Now, don’t forget your pantry items! Olive oil is key for cooking the chicken. Garlic powder and Italian seasoning add depth. Heavy cream creates that creamy texture we all love. Chicken broth helps bring everything together. If you want to spice things up, use red pepper flakes. Grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty kick and enhances the creaminess. You can get creative with your ingredients based on what you have on hand. For the full recipe, check out the cooking steps to see how all these tasty components come together. Enjoy cooking! - Season the chicken thighs with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. - Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. - Sear the seasoned chicken thighs until they turn golden brown, about 5-6 minutes on each side. - Remove the chicken and set it aside on a plate. - In the same pot, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until they soften. - Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the spinach wilts. - Carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. - Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. - Mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. - Add the penne pasta, making sure it is submerged in the creamy sauce. - Place the seared chicken thighs back into the pot on top of the pasta. - Cover the pot and cook on low heat for about 15-20 minutes until the pasta is al dente. - Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). - Stir gently to combine everything before serving. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions. To get the best flavor from your chicken, sear it well. Start by heating olive oil in your pot. Make sure the oil is hot before adding the chicken. Sear each thigh until golden brown, about 5-6 minutes on each side. This helps lock in juices and gives a nice crust. To keep your pasta from sticking, stir it often while it cooks. Make sure the water is boiling before adding the pasta. A pinch of salt in the water also helps prevent sticking. If you follow these steps, your pasta will stay nice and separate. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a thicker sauce, mix in a bit of cornstarch. This will still give you a creamy texture without the heaviness of cream. Fresh herbs can really boost the flavor of your dish. Try adding basil or parsley at the end of cooking. This adds bright notes that enhance the creamy sauce. You can also use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available. Some great side dishes to pair with creamy Tuscan chicken are garlic bread and a fresh salad. The bread is perfect for soaking up the sauce, while the salad adds a crisp contrast. For a beautiful plate, garnish your dish with extra grated Parmesan cheese. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top gives a pop of color. This makes your dish look as good as it tastes! Enjoy this delightful meal with family and friends. For the full recipe, check out the One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken recipe above. {{image_4}} You can switch chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster. They still taste great in this dish. If you want a vegetarian option, try using tofu or chickpeas. Both options soak up flavors well, making them tasty substitutes. Feel free to mix in other vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms can add fun textures and flavors. You can also change the pasta type. Fusilli or farfalle work well, too. Using different shapes makes the dish fun and keeps it exciting. For a deeper flavor, add a splash of white wine when cooking. It will enhance the sauce and add a touch of brightness. If you need a dairy-free option, replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. These alternatives give a rich taste without dairy. For the full recipe, check the link above. To keep your One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken fresh, let it cool down first. Place it in a storage container with a tight lid. Glass or plastic containers work well. This helps prevent spills and keeps the dish tasty. Store it in the fridge for up to four days. You can freeze One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken for later. First, let it cool completely. Then, pour it into a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave some space at the top because it will expand when frozen. This dish can last up to three months in the freezer. For reheating, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it on the stove over low heat, stirring often until hot. You can store leftovers in the fridge for about four days. If you notice any off smells, strange colors, or mold, it’s best to throw it away. Always trust your senses when it comes to food safety. Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can make One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken ahead of time. Cook the meal and let it cool. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. When you are ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove. What is the best way to reheat creamy Tuscan chicken? The best way to reheat this dish is on the stove. Use a medium heat and stir often. This helps prevent the sauce from separating. You can also add a splash of chicken broth if the sauce is too thick. Is One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken gluten-free? Yes, this dish can be gluten-free. Just use gluten-free penne pasta. Be sure to check all ingredient labels. Some may have gluten hidden in them. Can I omit dairy from the recipe? You can omit dairy by using almond milk or coconut cream. This will change the flavor slightly but will keep it creamy. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without dairy. Why is my sauce too thin? If your sauce is too thin, try cooking it longer. This will help it thicken. You can also mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and stir it in. This will help it reach the right consistency. How can I add more flavor to the dish? To add more flavor, use fresh herbs like basil or parsley. You can also add more spices like thyme or oregano. A splash of lemon juice can brighten the dish, too. In this article, we explored how to make a delicious One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken. You learned about the main ingredients, essential pantry items, and optional extras that can boost flavor. I shared step-by-step cooking methods and helpful tips to ensure your dish turns out great every time. Remember to try different proteins, pasta, and sauce options for variety. With proper storage, you can enjoy your leftovers, too. Now, you're ready to create a meal that impresses! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken

Indulge in the rich flavors of One-Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken, a delightful dish that brings comfort and convenience to your dinner table. This easy recipe features tender chicken thighs, fresh spinach, and sweet cherry tomatoes, all enveloped in a creamy sauce with Parmesan cheese. Perfect for busy weeknights, this meal is sure to impress! Click through to discover the full recipe and elevate your weeknight dinners!
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Ingredients
  

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup chicken broth

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

12 oz penne pasta

Instructions
 

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, season the chicken thighs on both sides with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

    Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken thighs to the pot. Sear each thigh until they are golden brown, approximately 5-6 minutes on each side. After browning, remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside on a plate.

      In the same pot, add the halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.

        Next, stir in the fresh spinach and continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted and vibrant.

          Carefully pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the flavors to meld.

            Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if desired. Mix well until the cheese fully melts and the sauce slightly thickens.

              Add the penne pasta to the pot, ensuring that it is completely submerged in the creamy sauce. Gently place the seared chicken thighs back into the pot on top of the pasta.

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

                  Once cooked, give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors and creamy sauce throughout the dish.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 mins | 35 mins | 4 servings

                      - Presentation Tips: For an eye-catching finish, serve the creamy Tuscan chicken garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a scattering of fresh basil leaves. This will add a vibrant touch to your plate. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors!