One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta: A Quick Weeknight Dinner
When it comes to weeknight dinners, few dishes are as satisfying and convenient as a one-pot meal. The One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is a perfect example of a dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and minimal cleanup. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy families, students, or anyone looking for a hearty, comforting meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this delicious dish step-by-step, share tips for perfecting it, and explain why it’s a must-try for pasta lovers.
Type: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: one-pot creamy chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one-pot pasta recipe, easy pasta dishes
Recipe Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 450
Preparation Time: PT10M
Cooking Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1 cup spinach (or kale, optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved, optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Recipe Instructions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.Add 1 pound of bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika (optional). Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.In the same pot, add 1 finely chopped medium onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds.Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add 12 ounces of uncooked pasta and stir to combine.Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.Add the cooked chicken back to the pot and mix well. If using 1 cup of spinach or kale, stir it in and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes if desired.Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta!
4.88
When it comes to weeknight dinners, few dishes are as satisfying and convenient as a one-pot meal. The One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is a perfect example of a dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and minimal cleanup. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy families, students, or anyone looking for a hearty, comforting meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this delicious dish step-by-step, share tips for perfecting it, and explain why it’s a must-try for pasta lovers.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this dish is so special:
- Minimal Cleanup: As the name suggests, everything cooks in one pot. No need to juggle multiple pans or utensils.
- Creamy and Comforting: The rich, velvety sauce combined with tender chicken and al dente pasta is pure comfort food.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, swap out the protein, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will love this dish, making it a great option for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
To make this delicious dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle work well)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1 cup spinach (or kale, optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved, optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions for One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
Follow these easy steps to create a restaurant-quality meal at home:
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil or butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 3: Add the Pasta and Broth
- Pour the chicken broth into the pot and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom (this adds flavor!).
- Add the uncooked pasta and stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked chicken back to the pot and mix well.
- If using spinach or kale, stir it in at this stage and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes.
- For a pop of color and freshness, add the halved cherry tomatoes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while hot, and enjoy your One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta!
Tips for Perfect One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Use the Right Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or farfalle work best because they hold the sauce well.
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta as it simmers to ensure it doesn’t become mushy. Al dente is the goal!
- Customize the Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Store and Reheat: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to restore the creamy texture.
Nutritional Information
For those curious about the nutritional profile of this dish, here’s a quick breakdown (per serving, based on 6 servings):
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
This dish is a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and healthy fats, making it a great option for a satisfying dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Use a Different Protein?
Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to a day in advance. Store it in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Is This Recipe Freezer-Friendly?
While you can freeze this dish, the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. To fix this, reheat it slowly on the stovetop and stir well.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Yes, gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
Conclusion
The One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is a versatile, delicious, and easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving something comforting, this recipe has you covered. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s no wonder this dish is a favorite among home cooks.
So, the next time you’re short on time but still want a meal that feels special, give this One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta a try. It’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation!
One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta: A Quick Weeknight Dinner
When it comes to weeknight dinners, few dishes are as satisfying and convenient as a one-pot meal. The One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is a perfect example of a dish that combines simplicity, flavor, and minimal cleanup. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy families, students, or anyone looking for a hearty, comforting meal that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to make this delicious dish step-by-step, share tips for perfecting it, and explain why it’s a must-try for pasta lovers.
Type: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: one-pot creamy chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one-pot pasta recipe, easy pasta dishes
Recipe Yield: 6 servings
Calories: 450
Preparation Time: PT10M
Cooking Time: PT20M
Total Time: PT30M
Recipe Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 4 cups chicken broth (low-sodium recommended)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
- 1 cup spinach (or kale, optional)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved, optional)
- Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
Recipe Instructions: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.Add 1 pound of bite-sized chicken pieces and season with salt, black pepper, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika (optional). Cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.In the same pot, add 1 finely chopped medium onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for another 30 seconds.Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Add 12 ounces of uncooked pasta and stir to combine.Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.Add the cooked chicken back to the pot and mix well. If using 1 cup of spinach or kale, stir it in and let it wilt for 1-2 minutes. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes if desired.Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta!
4.88
