Nothing beats a hearty, creamy one pot pasta with chicken after a long day. This family-friendly dish is fast, flavorful, and leaves minimal cleanup. Imagine tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich sauce all cooked in a single pot. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned home chef, this one pot dinner will become a weeknight staple.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 12 oz (340g) penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until lightly golden. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add chopped onions and cook until translucent (3–4 minutes). Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Pour in the uncooked pasta and chicken broth. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes or until the pasta is almost done, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Finish the Dish
Return chicken to the pot. Stir in heavy cream, mozzarella, and parmesan. Cook uncovered for another 3–5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
Step 5: Add Veggies (Optional)
Stir in spinach just before serving and let it wilt. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 540 |
| Protein | 34g |
| Carbohydrates | 46g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sodium | 670mg |
Yields: 4 servings.
Serving Suggestions
- Sprinkle with extra parmesan and red chili flakes
- Pair with a side of garlic bread
- Serve with a light Caesar salad
- Add lemon zest for a bright finish
- Great with roasted broccoli on the side
Storage & Reheating Tips
Storage:
Let the one pot pasta with chicken cool completely. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing with spinach added.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.
One Pot Pasta with Chicken
This creamy one pot pasta with chicken is your perfect solution for a quick and comforting dinner. Everything cooks in one pot — less mess, full flavor!
Main Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil (For sautéing the chicken and vegetables.)
- 1 lb Chicken Breast, diced (Provides lean protein for the dish.)
- 1 medium Onion, chopped (Adds depth and sweetness to the flavor.)
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced (Boosts the overall aroma and taste.)
- 1 tsp Salt (To balance and enhance the flavors.)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (Adds mild heat and earthiness.)
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (Gives the dish a herby kick.)
- 12 oz Dry Pasta (penne or rotini) (The base of the dish.)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (Adds moisture and enhances the flavor.)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (Makes the sauce creamy and rich.)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded (Melted into the sauce for creaminess.)
- 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese, grated (Adds salty, nutty flavor.)
- 2 cups Fresh Spinach (Optional, but adds nutrients and color.)
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
In a large pot over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Sear diced chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, sauté onions until translucent. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth
Add dry pasta and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to simmer for 10–12 minutes.
Step 4: Stir in Chicken and Cream
Return chicken to the pot. Add heavy cream, mozzarella, and parmesan. Stir until creamy.
Step 5: Add Spinach and Serve
Stir in spinach until wilted. Serve hot with extra parmesan if desired.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust cooking time as needed.
Q2: How do I keep the pasta from getting mushy?
Stir occasionally while simmering and stop cooking once the pasta is al dente. Don’t overcook after adding the cream and cheese.
Q3: What type of pasta works best in one pot pasta with chicken?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli hold sauce well and cook evenly in one pot.
Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Use full-fat coconut milk instead of cream and skip the cheese or replace it with dairy-free alternatives.
Final Note:
This creamy one pot pasta with chicken proves that a satisfying meal doesn’t require a pile of dishes. It’s comforting, simple, and sure to be a hit with the whole family. Add it to your weekly rotation and enjoy both the flavor—and the clean kitchen!