Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Pasta Skillet

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A one-pan wonder featuring tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich tomato-herb sauce, all cooked together for a comforting meal in 30 minutes. This italian-inspired one pot ready in about 30 minutes pairs Chicken breast, Penne pasta, Cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 1 lb cubed chicken breast and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes until they start to burst.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz uncooked penne pasta, 1/2 cup chicken broth, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper; stir to combine and bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for 10 minutes until pasta is al dente.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil; return chicken to the skillet and cook for 2 more minutes until heated through and sauce thickens slightly.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Pasta Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Pasta Skillet?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Pasta Skillet?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Pasta Skillet for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Creamy Tuscan Chicken and Pasta Skillet?

Italian one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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