One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Nothing beats a hearty, creamy, and satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup. This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta checks all the boxes for flavor, ease, and comfort. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy dinner, this dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious, creamy sauce—all in one pot!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.
• Minimal Cleanup: Only one pot required.
• Versatile: Easily customizable with your favorite veggies or spices.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by both kids and adults.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 3 cups (750ml) chicken broth
• 1 cup (250ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (500ml) milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 12 ounces (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cups (200g) spinach or kale
• ½ cup (75g) frozen peas
• Red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Ingredients

1. Dice the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
2. Measure Ingredients: Have all ingredients ready to streamline the cooking process.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Add the diced chicken to the pot and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

1. In the same pot (don’t clean it—you want the flavor!), add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.
3. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
2. Stir in the pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
3. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta

1. Once the pasta is almost cooked (still slightly firm), return the cooked chicken to the pot.
2. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and thickens slightly.

Step 6: Add Optional Ingredients

1. If using spinach or kale, stir it in now and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until wilted.
2. For cherry tomatoes or frozen peas, add them in the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to heat through.

Step 7: Adjust and Serve

1. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes.
2. Garnish with more Parmesan and fresh parsley, if desired.
3. Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Tips for Success

1. Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta like penne or rotini holds the sauce better, but fettuccine or spaghetti can be used for a more elegant presentation.
2. Don’t Overcook: The pasta will continue to absorb liquid as it sits, so cook it just shy of al dente.
3. Customizable: Swap chicken for shrimp or sausage, or make it vegetarian by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth.

Storage and Reheating

1. Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
2. Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is a true crowd-pleaser that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or preparing a quick weeknight meal, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!

Popular Recipes

One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Cooking Method: Stovetop Cuisine: American, Italian Courses: Dinner, Lunch

Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 35 mins Difficulty: Beginner Cooking Temp: 180  C Servings: 4 Best Season: All Seasons

Description

This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish combining tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce. Inspired by Italian-American cuisine, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights as it requires minimal effort and cleanup. With just one pot, you’ll have a flavorful and hearty meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

Ingredients

Cook Mode Cooking Mode Disabled

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Base:

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter unsalted
• 500 g Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¹⁄₂ tsp black pepper freshly ground
• 1 tsp garlic powder

For the Sauce:

• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 cups chicken broth low-sodium
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 250 g pasta penne or fettuccine works best
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)

For Garnishing:

• ¹⁄₄ cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• ¹⁄₄ cup Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• ¹⁄₄ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

   Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then sear until golden brown on all sides, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

   

1. Sauté the Garlic

   In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Ensure not to burn the garlic.

   

1. Build the Sauce

   Add chicken broth and heavy cream to the pot. Bring it to a simmer, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors.

   

1. Cook the Pasta

   Add pasta to the pot and ensure it’s submerged in the liquid. Cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced to form a creamy sauce.

   

1. Combine with Chicken

   Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to coat it in the sauce. Simmer for an additional 2–3 minutes.

   

1. Garnish and Serve

   Turn off the heat, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley over the top, and mix well. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra cheese and red pepper flakes.

   

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 949.86kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 52.04g81%

Saturated Fat 26.54g133%

Trans Fat 0.74g

Cholesterol 210.75mg71%

Sodium 1149.79mg48%

Potassium 890.72mg26%

Total Carbohydrate 57.99g20%

Dietary Fiber 2.32g10%

Sugars 6.4g

Protein 59.59g120%

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Vitamin A 418.85 IU

Vitamin C 6.43 mg

Calcium 625.48 mg

Iron 2.48 mg

Vitamin D 1.18 IU

Vitamin E 2.64 IU

Vitamin K 69.74 mcg

Thiamin 0.27 mg

Riboflavin 0.68 mg

Niacin 16.15 mg

Vitamin B6 1.32 mg

Folate 43.55 mcg

Vitamin B12 0.92 mcg

Phosphorus 801.05 mg

Magnesium 103.65 mg

Zinc 3.5 mg

* Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate based on available ingredients and serving sizes. Variations in ingredients and portion sizes may affect the actual values. Always consult a nutritionist or healthcare provider for specific dietary advice.

Note

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.
• Variations:
  • Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes for extra nutrients.
  • Swap heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.

Keywords: Quick, One-Pot, Creamy, Pasta, Comfort Food