One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta

One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is a quick and satisfying meal that combines tender chicken, pasta, and Italian herbs in a creamy tomato-based sauce. This all-in-one dish brings rich flavor and hearty comfort to your dinner table with minimal cleanup and maximum taste.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-pot convenience with easy cleanup
• Balanced, satisfying combination of protein, carbs, and veggies
• Packed with classic Italian flavors
• Creamy and cheesy without being too heavy
• Ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights

Ingredients

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

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Olive oil
• Onion, diced
• Garlic, minced
• Italian seasoning
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper
• Penne or rotini pasta
• Chicken broth
• Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
• Heavy cream or half-and-half
• Parmesan cheese, grated
• Fresh spinach or kale (optional)
• Fresh basil (optional for garnish)

Directions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned on all sides, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
2. In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the diced onion until translucent. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook for 1 minute.
3. Stir in the uncooked pasta, chicken broth, and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is nearly tender.
5. Add cooked chicken back to the pot along with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Stir in spinach or kale, if using, and cook until wilted—about 2 minutes.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh basil and additional cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit chicken and use mushrooms or chickpeas instead
• Spicy: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce
• Cheesier: Mix in mozzarella or fontina for more gooey richness
• Lighter: Use milk instead of cream and skip the cheese topping
• Whole grain: Substitute with whole wheat pasta for added fiber

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce
• Freezing: Not ideal, as the cream sauce may separate, but it can be done in a pinch for up to 1 month

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rotini, fusilli, or bowties works well in this recipe.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cream alternative and skip the cheese or use a vegan substitute.

Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely—zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers all pair well here.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

Use a mix of dried oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.

Is it okay to use pre-cooked chicken?

Yes, add it in during the last few minutes just to heat through.

Can I substitute the cream?

You can use half-and-half or even whole milk for a lighter sauce.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir the pot occasionally during cooking to keep pasta separated.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just use gluten-free pasta and confirm your broth is gluten-free.

What’s the best way to add spinach?

Stir in fresh spinach at the end until it wilts—it doesn’t take long.

Is this freezer-friendly?

The texture may change slightly upon thawing due to the cream, but it’s still tasty.

Conclusion

One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is the ultimate quick-fix dinner that delivers comfort, flavor, and ease. Whether you’re feeding a busy family or preparing a cozy meal for yourself, this creamy and delicious dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

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