If you’ve ever wanted a hearty, comforting meal without the hassle of juggling multiple pots and pans, this One Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender penne pasta, juicy slices of chicken, and a luscious, creamy sauce all coming together in one pot to create a dish that feels both indulgent and effortless. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or meal prepping for the week, this recipe hits all the right notes with rich flavors, a perfect blend of textures, and the easiest cleanup imaginable. Trust me, once you try this One Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe, it will instantly become a go-to in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A large blue pot sits on a white marbled surface filled with cooked penne pasta mixed with red tomato pieces and green herbs. On top of the pasta, there are two separate piles: one of grated pale yellow cheese and another of light yellow breadcrumbs. Above and to the left of the pot is a white plate stacked with sliced white chicken pieces. To the right of the pot is a large wooden spoon with some small white bits on it. A red and white striped cloth is partially visible in the bottom right corner. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward, pantry-friendly, and come together to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and a pop of color. Each one adds its own magic to making this recipe both easy and irresistible.

Olive oil: For sautéing the onions and garlic, it’s the base of flavor that brings everything together.
Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth to the sauce when softened.
Minced garlic: Infuses the dish with that irresistible aromatic punch.
Dry penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto sauce and combine beautifully with the chicken and veggies.
Diced tomatoes with basil, garlic, and oregano: These add a fresh, herby brightness and a touch of acidity to balance the creaminess.
Loose spinach: A handful of green goodness that adds color and mild earthiness.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that instantly transports this dish to a cozy Italian table.
Low sodium chicken broth: The liquid that cooks the pasta and enhances the savory base of the sauce.
Heavy whipping cream: Brings velvety richness to the sauce, making every bite luxurious.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty sharpness that deepens the overall flavor.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create a wonderfully gooey texture.
Cooked chicken breast: Leftover or freshly cooked, sliced chicken infuses the dish with protein and heartiness.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors into perfect harmony.

How to Make One Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot. Add diced onions and minced garlic, allowing them to soften and fill your kitchen with an incredible aroma. This quick sauté creates the flavorful foundation of the dish, ensuring every bite will be bursting with garlic-infused sweetness alongside the gentle crunch of tender onions.

Step 2: Add Your Pasta and Vegetables

Next, toss in the dry penne pasta, drained diced tomatoes with basil, fresh spinach, and Italian seasoning. Stir everything so the ingredients are mingling beautifully. This combo is going to build layers of flavor that will soak into the pasta as it cooks, making sure every forkful hits all the delicious notes.

Step 3: Pour in Liquids and Cook the Pasta

Now, cover all the ingredients with chicken broth and heavy cream. Give it all a good stir to make sure the noodles are fully submerged because this is how they’ll soften and soak up all those amazing flavors. Bring it to a boil, then let it cook for about 10 minutes until the pasta is perfectly al dente—firm but tender, just as it should be.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, it’s time to add the parmesan and mozzarella. Stir them in well so the cheese melts and thickens the sauce into a creamy, dreamy texture that clings to every noodle and every bite. This step truly transforms the dish into comfort food bliss.

Step 5: Stir in the Chicken and Finish Cooking

Finally, fold in your sliced cooked chicken breast. Allow it to warm through in the sauce for about 5 more minutes. This not only brings the dish together but ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy, complementing the creamy, cheesy pasta perfectly.

How to Serve One Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe

The image shows a close-up view of a creamy pasta dish with three main layers: the bright yellow penne pasta forming the base, soft white pieces of tofu or similar mixed throughout, and scattered red tomato chunks adding color. The sauce coating the layers is a smooth, light orange with specks of black pepper and green herbs visible, making the texture creamy and rich. A wooden spoon, held by a woman's hand, lifts a portion of the pasta and sauce, highlighting the thick, velvety consistency. The background is a white marbled texture with a slight blur, focusing all attention on the warm and inviting pasta. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil over the top for a burst of color and fresh herbal brightness. A light dusting of extra parmesan cheese right before serving adds even more savory goodness and a slight salty crunch that’s utterly satisfying.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich and filling on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or some roasted garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce. Fresh veggies like steamed broccoli or a medley of roasted seasonal vegetables complement the meal beautifully, adding a nice textural contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your One Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe in shallow bowls to show off that creamy sauce and colorful bits of spinach and tomatoes. For a fun twist, try layering the pasta in individual ramekins and broiling the tops briefly to create a golden, bubbly cheese crust. This adds a lovely texture and an extra touch of homemade charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One Pot Chicken Pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect meal to enjoy the next day without any hassle.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months by placing the dish in a freezer-safe container. To avoid sogginess, slightly undercook the pasta when you first make it, so it holds up better after thawing and reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to revive the creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring often to heat evenly without drying out the chicken or pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, you can swap in fusilli, rotini, or rigatoni. Just keep in mind cooking times may vary slightly for different shapes.

Is it okay to use raw chicken instead of cooked chicken?

For this recipe, cooked chicken works best because the cooking time is relatively short; adding raw chicken may result in undercooked pieces. If you want to use raw chicken, it’s better to cook it separately first or cut it into very small pieces and watch the cooking time carefully.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a plant-based cream, and use dairy-free cheese alternatives. The texture will be slightly different but still creamy and delicious.

How spicy is this dish?

This One Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe is mild and family-friendly as written, but you can easily add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking to add some heat if desired.

Can I add more vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Feel free to toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or peas along with the spinach to customize it to your liking. Just add these veggies at the sauté stage or alongside the pasta so they cook properly.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe is a brilliant example of how simple ingredients, cooked with love and minimal fuss, can turn into a comforting meal that fills your heart and belly. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, satisfying dinner on the table. I hope you give it a try soon—you might just find it becomes one of your ultimate favorite recipes to make again and again.

One Pot Chicken Pasta Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need