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One Pot Chicken Pasta
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Whip up this easy One Pot Chicken Pasta for a quick, flavorful dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights. With tender chicken, savory sauce, and al dente pasta all cooked in one pot, cleanup is a breeze. This dish is packed with deliciousness that your whole family will love. Plus, it's ready in just 30 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for any time!
Follow the guide below to make this recipe with ease. We’ve included step-by-step photos and directions, pro tips and tricks, and answers to the most frequently asked questions.
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This Chicken Pasta recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a comforting dish everyone will love. It’s an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. Try this recipe at home for a delicious, stress-free meal that stands out with its rich flavors and easy cleanup.
Ingredients
What you'll need to make this One Pot Chicken Pasta recipe:
- 2 teaspoons of olive oil
- ½ medium onion, diced
- ½ tablespoon of minced garlic
- 12 ounces of dry penne pasta
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano, drained
- 2 cups of loose spinach
- 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning
- 3 cups of low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup of heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup of Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup of shredded mozzarella
- 1 pound of leftover cooked chicken breast, sliced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Pro Tip
Freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese are best as pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt quite as well, but shaker Parmesan and bagged shredded mozzarella works fine for a quick fix in this one-pot pasta.
Substitutions and Additions
Personalize your chicken alfredo pasta by swapping out ingredients and adding delicious extras! These simple changes can make your pasta dish uniquely yours. Here are some top substitutions and additions:
Use Any Pasta: Try whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier or allergy-friendly version of your dish.
Substitute Chicken: Use turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor in your One Pot Chicken Pasta.
Substitute Cream: Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangy twist to your pasta sauce.
Add Veggies: Mix in spinach or bell peppers to add color and extra nutrients to your One Pot Chicken Pasta.
How to Make One Pot Chicken Pasta
Follow our pictures, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips and tricks below. Let’s get started on this easy One Pot Chicken Alfredo Pasta! You’ll have a delicious meal in no time.
FIRST STEP: Heat up the olive oil in a large pot and add your onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft, and the garlic is fragrant, two to three minutes.
SECOND STEP: Add the dry pasta, tomatoes, spinach, and Italian seasoning. Cover the ingredients with the chicken broth and heavy cream.
Stir to make sure all the noodles are covered. Bring your pot to a boil and cook till the noodles are al dente, about ten minutes.
The liquid will not be completely evaporated.
Pro Tip
Al dente is the ideal consistency for pasta. The pasta will be tender and will still have a slightly firm texture when you bite into it.
THIRD STEP: Add the Parmesan and mozzarella and stir to incorporate. The cheese will help the sauce thicken up.
FOURTH STEP: Add the sliced chicken and continue to cook for about five minutes to allow your chicken to heat up.
Pro Tip
If you like golden brown crispy cheese and are cooking this meal in an oven-safe pot, finish this dish under the broiler for a few minutes.
FIFTH STEP: Serve your one pot alfredo chicken pasta and enjoy!
How To Serve One Pot Chicken Pasta
This delicious Chicken Pasta is versatile and perfect for various occasions. Whether it’s a cozy dinner or a special gathering, this dish always shines. Here’s how to serve this delicious recipe:
Family Dinners: Serve this pasta for a comforting and easy weeknight meal that kids and adults both love. Pair it with a fresh salad and garlic bread for a complete dinner.
Potlucks and Parties: This dish is ideal for sharing at potlucks or casual parties, offering a hearty and crowd-pleasing option. Complement it with a side of vegetables and a light dessert like fruit salad.
Seasonal Celebrations: Enjoy this pasta during cooler months, when warm, creamy dishes are especially comforting. Serve alongside a warm bowl of soup and finish with pumpkin pie for dessert.
Why You'll Love This Easy Chicken Pasta Recipe
One Pot Chicken Pasta is more than just a meal—it's a beloved favorite for several irresistible reasons
Quick and Easy Comfort: This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a comforting dish in just 30 minutes. It's an easy go-to for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying, stress-free dinner that the whole family will enjoy.
Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this dish pleases everyone with its rich flavors and creamy texture. It's a versatile recipe that can be adapted to suit any occasion, making it a staple in your recipe rotation.
Flavor-Packed and Satisfying: The combination of savory chicken, flavorful seasonings, and al dente pasta makes every bite a delicious experience. This dish delivers all the flavors of a gourmet meal with the simplicity of one-pot cooking, ensuring it’s a favorite among readers who love tasty, no-fuss recipes.
This Chicken Pasta isn't just a dinner—it's a comforting and delicious dish that will become a staple in your home.
Recipe FAQ
Can I use pre-cooked chicken in this recipe?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken. Simply add it in the final few minutes to heat through.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together while cooking?
Stir the pasta frequently during cooking to keep it from sticking together, ensuring even cooking and perfect texture.
Can I make this Chicken Pasta recipe spicier?
Absolutely! Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking for an extra kick of heat.
What type of pasta works best for this pasta recipe?
Short pasta like penne or rotini works best, as it cooks evenly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.
Serving FAQ
How can I make this One Pot Chicken Pasta more presentable for serving?
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese to add color and enhance the dish's visual appeal.
What’s the best way to serve One Pot Chicken Pasta for a large group?
Serve it directly from the pot for easy, casual dining, allowing everyone to help themselves to this delicious meal.
Should I let the pasta rest before serving?
Letting the pasta rest for a few minutes helps the sauce thicken and flavors meld, making it even more delicious.
How do I keep the pasta warm if serving later?
Keep the pasta warm by covering the pot with a lid and placing it on low heat, stirring occasionally.
Storage FAQ
For optimal storage of your One Pot Chicken Pasta, follow the directions, tips, and tricks below. From making ahead to reheating, we’ve got you covered.
Can I prepare One Pot Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to one day.
What's the best way to store leftover One Pot Chicken Pasta?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay fresh and delicious for up to two days.
Is it possible to freeze One Pot Chicken Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze the pasta in an airtight container for up to one month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
How do I reheat One Pot Chicken Pasta without it drying out?
Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to maintain moisture.
One Pot Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- ½ medium onion (diced)
- ½ tablespoon minced garlic
- 12 ounces dry penne pasta
- 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with basil (garlic, and oregano, drained)
- 2 cups loose spinach
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- ½ cup parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1 pound leftover cooked chicken breast (sliced)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
DIRECTIONS
- In a large pot, heat up your olive oil and add your onions and garlic. Sauté until the onions are soft and the garlic is fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Add the dry penne, tomatoes, spinach, and Italian seasoning. Cover the ingredients with the chicken broth and cream. Stir to make sure all the noodles are covered. Bring your pot to a boil and cook till the noodles are al dente, about 10 minutes. The liquid will not be completely evaporated.
- Add the parmesan and mozzarella and stir to incorporate. The cheese will help the sauce thicken up.
- Add your sliced chicken and continue to cook for about 5 minutes to allow the chicken to heat up.
- Serve and enjoy
Notes
- Freshly grated parmesan and mozzarella cheese are best as pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt quite as well, but shaker parmesan and bagged shredded mozzarella works fine for a quick fix in this one-pot pasta.
- Al dente is the ideal consistency for pasta. The pasta will be tender and will still have a slightly firm texture when you bite into it.
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