If you’re craving a comforting, home-cooked dinner but don’t want to deal with a sink full of dishes, this Easy One Pot Chicken Pasta is the answer you’ve been looking for. It’s creamy, flavorful, and comes together in just 30 minutes — all in one pot!
Tender bites of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato sauce make this recipe a weeknight lifesaver. Whether you’re cooking for your family, your partner, or just yourself after a long day, this dish delivers restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Easy One Pot Chicken Pasta
- 🥘 Only one pot to wash – less cleanup, more relaxation
- ⏱️ Ready in 30 minutes – perfect for busy nights
- 💰 Budget-friendly – made with simple pantry ingredients
- 👨👩👧 Family-approved – even picky eaters love it
- 🌿 Easy to customize – add your favorite veggies or spices
- 🍴 Creamy and comforting – a homemade meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional but adds great color & nutrients)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
How to Make Easy One Pot Chicken Pasta Step-by-Step
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Cut chicken into small cubes and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss well so every piece is coated.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same pot, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. (Your kitchen will smell amazing already!)
Step 4: Add the Liquids and Pasta
Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and heavy cream. Stir well, then add your uncooked pasta. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
Step 5: Cook Until Creamy
Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender, and the sauce thick and creamy.
Step 6: Add Chicken, Spinach, and Cheese
Return the chicken to the pot. Add spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted. Turn off the heat, then stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and silky smooth.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Top with fresh basil, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a twist of black pepper. Serve hot and watch it disappear!
Pro Tips for the Best One Pot Chicken Pasta💡
- Brown the chicken well: That golden crust adds deep flavor.
- Stir regularly: Prevents pasta from sticking to the pot.
- Adjust the sauce: Too thick? Add a splash of broth or cream. Too thin? Simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
- Add cheese off the heat: This keeps the sauce creamy instead of grainy.
- Taste test before serving: Pasta should be al dente – tender but slightly firm.
Customization Ideas
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Boost the veggies: Add broccoli florets, cherry tomatoes, or peas.
- Spice it up: A pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper gives it a gentle kick.
- Switch proteins: Try shrimp, Italian sausage, or ground turkey for a fun twist.
- Change the pasta: Rotini, rigatoni, or bowties work beautifully too.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions❓
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta like rigatoni, shells, or rotini works. Just adjust cooking time slightly.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Of course. Swap the heavy cream for coconut cream and use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Definitely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add extra flavor and stay juicy.
My sauce is too thin — what should I do?
Simmer uncovered for a few minutes or add more cheese to thicken naturally.
Final Thoughts
This Easy One Pot Chicken Pasta isn’t just another quick dinner — it’s a recipe that brings comfort, flavor, and a little joy to your table. It’s the kind of meal that makes your family ask, “When are you making that again?”
No complicated steps, no fancy ingredients — just creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite. Try it tonight, and make it your new weeknight favorite.
If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and tell us how it turned out! ⭐ Don’t forget to rate it and share your own twist — I’d love to hear how you make it your own.
For more one-pot meal ideas, check out AllRecipes’ Pasta Collection or explore Food Network’s One-Pot Recipes.
If you liked this recipe, try my Crockpot Tortellini Soup Recipe next — it’s another quick weeknight favorite!
Easy One Pot Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven for cooking everything in one pot
- Sharp knife to cube the chicken and mince the garlic
- Cutting board for prepping chicken and veggies
- Measuring Cups & Spoons for accurate ingredient portions
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula for stirring the pasta and sauce
- Tongs for turning the chicken while browning
- Grater o shred mozzarella or grate Parmesan
- Ladle or Serving Spoon for serving the pasta
- Storage Containers for leftovers
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoons olive oil
For the Pasta:
- (12 oz) penne pasta (or any short pasta)
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 can(14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil, for garnish
Instructions
- Season the Chicken:Cut chicken into cubes and season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Brown the Chicken:Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic:In the same pot, add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Pasta:Pour in chicken broth, diced tomatoes (with juice), and heavy cream. Stir, then add pasta. Make sure pasta is submerged. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Cook Until Creamy:Reduce heat and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce thickens.
- Add Chicken, Spinach, and Cheese:Return chicken to the pot. Add spinach and cook 1–2 minutes until wilted. Turn off heat, then stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
- Serve & Enjoy:Top with fresh basil, extra Parmesan, and black pepper. Serve warm.
Notes
🧮 Nutrition (Per Serving)
Calories: 485
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fat: 16g
