One Pot Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a simple, flavorful, and family-friendly dinner, One Pot Chicken Pasta is the recipe you need. It’s ready in just 22 minutes, made with everyday ingredients, and requires only one pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish combines tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy tomato-based sauce topped with melty mozzarella and parmesan cheese. It’s comfort food made easy.

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-size pieces)
Salt and black pepper
½ medium onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
14.5 ounces canned diced tomatoes (drained, 1 can)
3 cups chicken broth + ½ cup extra if needed
1 cup heavy whipping cream
12 ounces penne or medium pasta
⅔ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (divided)

Instructions

1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook chicken until no pink remains. Remove and set aside.
2. Add onion and garlic to the pan and cook until the onion softens, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in Italian seasoning, parsley, chicken broth, diced tomatoes, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil.
4. Add pasta and reduce heat to simmer. Cook for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened. Add up to ½ cup extra broth if needed. Mix in ¼ cup parmesan cheese.
5. Return chicken to the skillet, top with mozzarella cheese and remaining parmesan, then broil for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and golden.

Serving and Storage Tips

Serve your One Pot Chicken Pasta immediately while it’s hot and cheesy. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra parmesan for added flavor. Pair with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread to complete the meal. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture. Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

Variations

1. Alfredo Fusion
Skip the tomatoes and add extra parmesan, cream, and a bit of nutmeg to turn this into a one-pot chicken alfredo pasta.

2. Pesto Chicken Pasta
Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of basil pesto before serving. It adds fresh herby flavor and pairs beautifully with parmesan.

3. Cajun Chicken Pasta
Season chicken with Cajun spices before cooking. Add bell peppers and a touch of smoked paprika for a zesty Southern-inspired twist.

4. Mexican-Inspired
Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning. Add black beans, corn, and top with cheddar cheese for a Tex-Mex feel.

5. Buffalo Style
Mix in ¼ cup buffalo sauce with the cream. Top with crumbled blue cheese and green onions for a spicy game-day pasta.

6. Creamy Mushroom Chicken Pasta
Add sliced mushrooms along with the onions. Their earthy flavor pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

7. Lemon Garlic Chicken Pasta
Add the juice and zest of one lemon for a bright, tangy flavor. Finish with extra parsley.

8. Spinach & Artichoke Chicken Pasta
Add canned artichoke hearts and fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of cooking. The sauce will take on a spinach dip vibe.

9. Four Cheese Version
Combine mozzarella, parmesan, fontina, and provolone for a super cheesy, indulgent dish.

10. Caprese Chicken Pasta
Add fresh cherry tomatoes and mozzarella pearls at the end. Drizzle with balsamic glaze before serving.

11. Mediterranean Chicken Pasta
Stir in kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired version.

12. Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Pasta
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with the cream for a deeper tomato flavor. A spoonful of cream cheese enhances richness.

13. Italian Sausage Swap
Replace chicken with sliced Italian sausage (mild or spicy). It creates a heartier, bolder pasta.

14. BBQ Chicken Pasta
Stir in ¼ cup BBQ sauce with the cream for a smoky-sweet variation. Top with cheddar instead of mozzarella.

15. Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Swap chicken for shrimp, and finish the dish with a squeeze of lemon and fresh parsley.

16. Creamy Pumpkin Chicken Pasta
In fall, add ½ cup pumpkin puree and a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce for a cozy, seasonal twist.

17. Chicken Marsala-Inspired
Use Marsala wine instead of broth and add mushrooms for a pasta version of chicken marsala.

18. Rustic Veggie Pasta
Load it up with roasted zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a hearty vegetarian-style dish.

19. Creamy Gnocchi Chicken Skillet
Swap the penne for potato gnocchi. The sauce thickens around them for a pillowy, comforting pasta variation.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts? – Yes, thighs work well and stay juicy.
2. Can I make this without heavy cream? – Use half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a non-dairy alternative for a lighter option.
3. What type of pasta works best? – Penne, rotini, or rigatoni hold the sauce best.
4. How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin? – Let it simmer uncovered a few more minutes or stir in more parmesan cheese.
5. Can I add pre-cooked chicken? – Yes, add it near the end to heat through without overcooking.
6. How do I prevent pasta from sticking? – Stir occasionally and ensure enough liquid is in the pot.
7. Can I freeze this pasta? – Not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.
8. Can I add wine to the sauce? – Yes, replace ½ cup of broth with white wine for added flavor.
9. How do I make it vegetarian? – Skip the chicken and use extra vegetables or plant-based protein.
10. Can I double the recipe? – Yes, just use a larger pot and adjust cooking time slightly to ensure pasta cooks evenly.

One Pot Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food for busy families. With tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and cheesy goodness, it’s a dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. Simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and endless variations make it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

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