Heavenly One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe for Busy Weeknights

Whipping up a delightful one-pot chicken pasta feels like culinary magic that simplifies weeknight cooking.

Pots clatter while ingredients dance together, creating a seamless meal with minimal cleanup.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how quickly this dish comes together without sacrificing flavor.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between perfectly cooked pasta strands, infusing every bite with savory goodness.

Pantry staples transform into a comforting meal that satisfies hunger and sparks joy around the dinner table.

Mediterranean herbs and a splash of cream add unexpected depth to this easy recipe.

Rush to your kitchen and start this delicious adventure that promises warmth and satisfaction in just one pot.

Why One-Pot Chicken Pasta Is So Convenient

• Streamline Kitchen Cleanup: This one-pot wonder means fewer dishes to wash, saving precious time and energy after meal preparation.
• Satisfy Hungry Families Fast: Packed with protein and flavor, this chicken pasta delivers a complete meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy households.
• Customize with Ease: Swap vegetables, adjust seasonings, or add extra cheese to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping the simple cooking method intact.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: A hearty dish that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for One-Pot Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: A lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the one-pot pasta dish.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper: A classic aromatic base that provides depth and sweetness to the recipe.

• Olive Oil: Helps sauté ingredients and adds a rich, smooth texture.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a flavorful liquid base for cooking the pasta.
• Marinara Sauce: Provides a tangy and robust tomato flavor to the dish.

• Penne Pasta: A hearty pasta shape that holds sauce well and provides a satisfying texture.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds traditional Mediterranean flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Parmesan Cheese: A classic Italian cheese that adds a salty, nutty finish to the pasta.

How to Cook One-Pot Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Vessel

Grab a generously sized pot and drizzle olive oil across its bottom. Set the heat to medium, allowing the oil to shimmer and spread evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Protein

Slide chicken pieces into the heated pot. Let them dance and sizzle, turning occasionally until each side develops a golden-brown crust that locks in delicious flavors.

Step 3: Introduce Aromatic Companions

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Sliced bell peppers

Stir and cook until the vegetables soften and release their fragrant essence.

Step 4: Create a Flavor Foundation

• Chicken broth
• Marinara sauce
• Penne pasta
• Italian seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring the pasta is nestled comfortably in the liquid.

Step 5: Simmer and Transform

Crank up the heat to bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Immediately reduce the temperature, allowing the contents to gently simmer. Let it bubble softly for 15-20 minutes until the pasta becomes perfectly tender and the sauce thickens into a luscious coating.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Transfer the steaming one-pot wonder into serving dishes. Crown each portion with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece immediately while it’s piping hot.

Expert Tips for One-Pot Chicken Pasta

• Choose boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the most tender and lean protein in this one-pot meal.
• Swap marinara sauce with arrabbiata for a spicier kick that adds extra flavor complexity to the dish.
• Use gluten-free penne if you want a celiac-friendly version without compromising taste and texture.
• Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the final dish, adding a burst of color and fresh aromatics.
• Let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to help the sauce absorb fully and create a more cohesive meal.

Creative Variations on One-Pot Chicken Pasta

• Seafood Fusion: Replace chicken with shrimp or mixed seafood, use white wine instead of chicken broth, and add fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
• Vegetarian Delight: Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas, use vegetable broth, and incorporate extra vegetables such as zucchini or spinach.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, mix in black beans, and sprinkle with chili powder for a Mexican-inspired version.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Incorporate feta cheese, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap marinara for a lighter olive oil and herb sauce.

Pairing Suggestions for One-Pot Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: A chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the richness of the chicken and complements the tangy marinara sauce, creating a refreshing balance.
• Serve with Fresh Herb Salad: A light mixed green salad with basil, parsley, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette provides a bright, crisp contrast to the hearty one-pot pasta.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Toasted crusty bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil adds a crunchy texture and helps soak up the delicious sauce, enhancing the overall meal experience.

Storage Guidelines for One-Pot Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pasta and chicken fresh and safe to eat later.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few tablespoons water to prevent drying. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
• Warm leftovers in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain creamy texture.
• Freeze in freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and prevent texture breakdown.

FAQs on One-Pot Chicken Pasta

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute penne with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or rotini that hold sauce well.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe isn’t inherently spicy. You can add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want extra heat.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free penne pasta and ensure your marinara sauce is gluten-free.

• How can I add more vegetables to this dish?

You can easily incorporate additional vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini during the cooking process to boost nutrition.

One-Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty one-pot chicken pasta delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens to dinner tables. Savory ingredients meld effortlessly, creating a simple yet satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken breasts, diced

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) chicken broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) marinara sauce
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium heat, creating a sizzling base for the culinary creation.
2. Introduce chicken pieces, searing until a golden-brown exterior develops, sealing in rich flavors.
3. Incorporate diced onions, minced garlic, and colorful bell peppers, sautéing until vegetables become tender and aromatic.
4. Pour in chicken broth and marinara sauce, then add penne pasta along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
5. Elevate heat to trigger a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer for 15-20 minutes, allowing pasta to absorb flavors and sauce to thicken luxuriously.
6. Once pasta reaches perfect al dente consistency and sauce reaches desired consistency, remove from heat.
7. Transfer to serving dishes, crowning each portion with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese for a final touch of culinary elegance.

Notes

• Trim chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking and better texture.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and customize seasoning.
• Consider swapping penne with gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
• For a creamy variation, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese during the final minutes of cooking to enrich the sauce’s consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg