One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Pasta

📝 Description

This One-Pot Creamy Chicken and Pasta is the epitome of comfort food—rich, savory, and effortlessly easy to prepare. Tender pieces of chicken breast are seasoned and sautéed, then simmered with uncooked pasta in a luscious blend of chicken broth and heavy cream. The result is a creamy, cheesy dish that brings together the heartiness of chicken, the silkiness of cream, and the satisfying bite of pasta—all cooked in a single pot for minimal cleanup. Optional additions like spinach and sun-dried tomatoes elevate the flavor and add a pop of color.

⏱️ Prep & Cook Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

🧾 Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half)
12 oz uncooked penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1½ cups baby spinach (optional)
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (optional)
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)

🍳 Instructions

Sauté the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Add Garlic and Liquids:
In the same pot, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan.
Cook the Pasta:
Add uncooked pasta to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and liquid has reduced.
Add Chicken and Finish:
Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in Parmesan cheese, baby spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes (if using). Cook for another 2–3 minutes until cheese is melted and spinach is wilted.
Serve:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil before serving.

🌿 Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with mushrooms, tofu, or chickpeas. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking for an extra kick of heat.
Extra Creamy: Mix in 2–3 tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone at the end for a richer texture.
Cheese Lovers: Incorporate a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, cheddar, or goat cheese for varied flavors.
Meat Variations: Swap chicken for turkey, ham, or sausage. Add cooked bacon or chorizo for added flavor.

🍽️ Serving Tips

Garnish: Top with freshly chopped parsley or basil to add color and freshness.
Sides: Pair with garlic bread, a green salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Family Style: Serve directly from the pot for a casual, family-style dining experience. thebestblogrecipes.com

🧊 Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creaminess.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes! While the recipe calls for short-cut pasta like penne or rotini, you can use any pasta that holds sauce well. Options like fusilli or farfalle are also great choices.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely. If you want to save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken. Simply add the cooked chicken after the pasta has finished cooking to avoid overcooking the meat.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but be mindful that the pasta may become softer when reheated. If you’re making it ahead, slightly undercook the pasta to retain its texture. Reheat the dish gently on the stovetop with a little water or marinara sauce to refresh it.