One Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy & Delicious Weeknight Meal
Table of Contents
Introduction
Looking for a flavorful, creamy, and easy meal to make after a long day? One Pot Chicken Pasta is the perfect solution! This recipe takes the hassle out of cooking, with all the ingredients coming together in just one pot for a quick and delicious dinner. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce—all in one dish. It’s the ultimate comfort food without the extra cleanup!
What makes this dish extra special is its simplicity. You don’t need to juggle multiple pans or worry about washing a ton of dishes afterward. You’ll get a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal effort. Plus, it’s a family-friendly meal that even picky eaters will love. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit!
If you love easy, one-pot dishes like this, be sure to check out our One Pot Beef Stroganoff—another crowd-pleasing recipe that’s both comforting and easy to prepare. Now, let’s dive into the recipe for this creamy One Pot Chicken Pasta!
What is One Pot Chicken Pasta?
So, what exactly is One Pot Chicken Pasta? It’s exactly what it sounds like—a pasta dish that you cook all in one pot! No boiling pasta separately or dirtying multiple pans. The chicken, pasta, and creamy sauce all come together in a single pan, creating a deliciously rich dish with minimal cleanup. It’s like a comforting bowl of pasta but with a simplified cooking process.
Why is it called “One Pot Chicken Pasta”? Well, it’s the magic of cooking everything together in just one pot! This makes it both practical and convenient, especially for those busy weeknights. Plus, the dish has everything you want—tender chicken, rich flavors, and creamy goodness. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and this One Pot Chicken Pasta will definitely win hearts all around the dinner table. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This One Pot Chicken Pasta
- Minimal Cleanup: One pot, no mess. This recipe is perfect for anyone who dislikes doing dishes! You’ll only need one pot, so you won’t be spending extra time cleaning up afterward.
- Quick and Easy: This meal takes just about 30 minutes to prepare—perfect for a busy weeknight. The chicken is cooked alongside the pasta, so everything is ready at the same time. It’s truly a quick fix for a delicious meal.
- Creamy and Flavorful: The creamy sauce that coats the chicken and pasta is what makes this dish special. Rich and flavorful, it’s the ultimate comfort food, and it’s guaranteed to leave everyone at the table satisfied.
If you enjoy this dish, you might also love our One Pot Chili Mac, which combines the same easy, one-pot concept with a hearty, comforting twist. Don’t forget to explore more recipes on the blog for other time-saving, flavorful meals!
How to Make One Pot Chicken Pasta
Quick Overview
This One Pot Chicken Pasta is super easy to make and delivers big on flavor. The chicken is seasoned and cooked to golden perfection, then combined with pasta, garlic, and creamy broth to make a rich, satisfying sauce. In just about 30 minutes, you’ll have a full meal that’s creamy, savory, and incredibly tasty. Plus, everything is made in one pot, which means less cleanup for you!
Key Ingredients for One Pot Chicken Pasta
You’ll need these simple ingredients to make the One Pot Chicken Pasta:
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 8 oz pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Tip: If you want a little more flavor, feel free to add extra garlic, Parmesan, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for a refreshing twist!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Cook the Pasta: In the same pot, add a little more olive oil if needed, and sauté the minced garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Once simmering, add the pasta and cook according to the package directions (about 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Make the Sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste.
- Slice the Chicken: While the pasta is simmering, slice the cooked chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Combine Everything: Add the sliced chicken back into the pot with the pasta and sauce. Stir everything together so the chicken is coated with the creamy sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta on plates or in bowls. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and more grated Parmesan, if desired, and enjoy!
What to Serve One Pot Chicken Pasta With
The One Pot Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, here are some great ideas for complementary sides:
- Garlic Bread: The perfect side to soak up any extra creamy sauce. You can make it easily at home or buy a pre-made loaf from the store.
- Side Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try pairing the pasta with roasted veggies like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Top Tips for Perfecting One Pot Chicken Pasta
- Use the Right Pasta: Choose pasta that holds up well in the sauce, like penne or rotini. Avoid thin pasta like angel hair, which might overcook quickly in the liquid.
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Be sure to cook the chicken just until golden and no longer pink in the middle. Overcooked chicken can become dry.
- Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer the pasta and broth a bit longer to reduce it. If the sauce is too thick, just add a little more chicken broth or cream.
- Season to Taste: Taste the sauce before serving and add extra salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed. Don’t be afraid to tweak the flavors to suit your preferences!
Storing and Reheating Tips
- Storing: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce, so it might thicken slightly.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply microwave the pasta in a microwave-safe container for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also reheat it on the stove by adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen up the sauce.
Recipe Schema Markup
- Preparation Time: PT10M
- Cooking Time: PT20M
- Total Time: PT30M
- Type of Recipe: Main dish
- Cuisine: American
- Keywords: One Pot Chicken Pasta, easy chicken pasta, weeknight meal, creamy pasta recipe, one pot dinner
- Recipe Yield: 4 servings
- Calories: 550 per serving (approx.)
Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley
Pros:
- Easy to make in just one pot
- Quick cooking time—ready in 30 minutes
- Creamy and satisfying
Cons:
- Can be a little rich due to the cream
- Best served fresh, as it may thicken when reheated
Recipe Instructions:
- Season and cook the chicken.
- Cook the pasta in chicken broth.
- Add heavy cream and Parmesan to make the sauce.
- Slice the chicken and add it back into the pot with the pasta.
- Serve with extra cheese and fresh parsley.
There you have it—One Pot Chicken Pasta is the perfect meal for busy nights when you want something quick, creamy, and satisfying. Enjoy!