Description
Creamy One-Pot Chicken Pasta is a cozy weeknight dinner made in a single pot—tender chicken, pasta simmered in broth, and a silky Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for easy chicken pasta, family-friendly comfort food, and meal prep. Pinterest: Save this Creamy One-Pot Chicken Pasta for a quick one-pot meal with rich flavor, minimal dishes, and simple pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (or thighs), cut into bite-size pieces
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, shells, or bowties)
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups chicken broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan, plus more to serve
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
- 3/4 tsp kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Pinch red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1–2 tsp lemon juice (optional)
- 1–2 cups spinach (optional)
Instructions
- 1. Pat chicken dry. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika (if using).
- 2. Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high. Add olive oil. Brown chicken 3–4 minutes (not fully cooked). Remove to a plate.
- 3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and onion; sauté 2–3 minutes until softened. Add garlic; cook 30 seconds.
- 4. Splash in a little broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom.
- 5. Add remaining broth and dry pasta. Stir well so pasta is mostly submerged.
- 6. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cook uncovered 10–12 minutes, stirring often, until pasta is almost tender and liquid reduces.
- 7. Stir chicken back in and cook 2–3 minutes until chicken is cooked through and pasta is tender.
- 8. Turn heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until glossy and creamy. (Add Dijon here if using.)
- 9. Taste and adjust seasoning. Finish with lemon juice and/or red pepper flakes. Serve hot with extra Parmesan.
Notes
- Stir frequently once pasta is added to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add cream and Parmesan on low heat to avoid splitting or clumping.
- Too thick? Add a splash of broth or hot water and stir until silky.
- Add-ins: stir in spinach at the end; add peas or small broccoli florets in the last 3–4 minutes of simmering.
- Leftovers: reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to bring the sauce back to creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Creamy One-Pot Chicken Pasta, one pot chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, one pot meal