One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is a rich, hearty dish packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce—all made in a single pot. This easy and satisfying recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels comforting and indulgent without the extra dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers maximum flavor. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up every bit of creamy goodness, while the chicken adds protein to make it a complete meal. It’s customizable, family-friendly, and ready in under an hour—ideal for busy nights when you want a homemade meal without the hassle.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs (diced)
• Olive oil or butter
• Onion (diced)
• Garlic cloves (minced)
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
• Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

directions

1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large, deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
2. Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
3. In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
4. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
6. Add the uncooked pasta to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil.
7. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook according to pasta package instructions, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
8. Stir in the cooked chicken and Parmesan cheese until well combined and creamy.
9. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
10. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25–30 minutes
Total time: About 40 minutes

Variations

• Add spinach or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking for extra veggies.
• Swap the chicken for shrimp, sausage, or a vegetarian protein like mushrooms.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions for about 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream-based sauce.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, simply add it in at the end when the pasta is done cooking to warm it through.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta works best for even cooking and coating with sauce.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. Whole milk is the best substitute if needed.

How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?

Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much while the pasta finishes cooking.

Is it necessary to cook the chicken first?

Yes, cooking the chicken first ensures it’s fully cooked and adds flavor to the pot for the sauce.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely. Add red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or even spicy sausage for extra heat.

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Add it when the pasta is finished cooking.

What can I serve with creamy chicken pasta?

A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair perfectly to balance the richness of the dish.

How do I avoid overcooking the pasta?

Keep an eye on the pasta during the simmering phase and stir occasionally to prevent sticking or overcooking.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but use a large pot to ensure there’s enough space for the pasta to cook evenly.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is a simple yet luxurious meal that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests. With tender chicken, rich sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one pot, this dish is sure to become a regular favorite at your table. Fast, flavorful, and fuss-free—it checks all the right boxes.

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