One Pot Chicken and Pasta: The Ultimate 30-Minute Comfort Meal

This one pot chicken and pasta is the ultimate solution for a delicious, comforting, and incredibly easy weeknight dinner. If you’re searching for a meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup, you’ve found it. This recipe combines tender diced chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce all in a single pan, saving you time and effort without sacrificing a single drop of taste. It’s a complete, satisfying meal that the whole family will request again and again. For more amazing dinner ideas, check out all our main dish recipes.

The magic of this dish lies in its simplicity and the way the flavors meld together. The pasta cooks directly in the savory sauce made from chicken stock and milk, allowing it to absorb all the deliciousness from the garlic, herbs, and chicken. The addition of spinach adds a touch of freshness and nutrients, while the sour cream and grated cheese at the end create an irresistibly creamy and luscious texture. This one pot chicken and pasta is not just a recipe; it’s a go-to strategy for a stress-free and delightful dinner experience.

Ingredients for One Pot Chicken and Pasta

This recipe uses simple, easy-to-find ingredients to create a spectacular dish. For the best results, we recommend using a large, deep skillet. A great option is the Moss & Stone 12 Inch Nonstick Large Skillet, which provides even heating and plenty of room.

• Olive Oil: 1 Tbsp, for sautéing.
• Chicken: 400g chicken thigh or breast, diced into bite-sized pieces.
• Aromatics: 1 small onion, sliced, and 3 cloves garlic, crushed.
• Herbs and Spices: 1 Tbsp Italian herbs.
• Flavor Enhancers: 1 tsp wholegrain mustard, and the zest and juice of half a small lemon.
• Greens: 150g baby spinach.
• Cooking Liquid: 600ml chicken stock and 1 cup milk.
• Pasta: 250g pasta spirals (fusilli) or penne.
• Creaminess: ½ cup sour cream (from a 125g tub) and ½ cup grated cheese (cheddar or Parmesan work well).
• Seasoning: Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

How to Make One Pot Chicken and Pasta

Follow these simple steps to create the perfect creamy one pot chicken and pasta. The entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes!

1. Sauté Chicken and Onion (5 mins): Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and sliced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, or until the chicken is lightly browned and the onion has softened.
2. Add Aromatics (1 min): Add the crushed garlic, Italian herbs, wholegrain mustard, and lemon zest and juice to the pan. Stir everything together with the chicken and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Wilt the Spinach (2 mins): Scatter the baby spinach leaves over the chicken mixture. Stir them through, then place a lid on the pan for 1-2 minutes to allow the spinach to wilt down completely.
4. Combine Liquid and Pasta (1 min): Pour in the chicken stock and milk. Add the dry pasta to the pan and stir everything together to ensure the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
5. Simmer and Cook (10-12 mins): Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a steady medium simmer. Cook, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking, for about 10-12 minutes. The dish is ready when the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, creating a thick sauce.
6. Add Creaminess (1 min): Remove the pan from the heat. Stir through the sour cream and grated cheese until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve your delicious one pot chicken and pasta straight away. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad and some crusty garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce.

Health Benefits of Chicken

Chicken, the star ingredient in our one pot chicken and pasta, is more than just a delicious addition; it’s a powerhouse of nutrition that offers significant health benefits. It’s particularly valued for its high-quality, lean protein content.

Rich in High-Quality Protein

Chicken is an excellent source of dietary protein, which is crucial for building and repairing tissues, making enzymes and hormones, and supporting overall body function. A single serving of chicken can provide a substantial portion of your daily protein needs. According to a study published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, adequate protein intake is linked to increased satiety and thermogenesis, which can aid in weight management. This makes our one pot chicken and pasta a satisfying and well-rounded meal.

Supports Muscle Growth and Bone Health

The high-quality protein in chicken is essential for muscle growth and maintenance. For those who are active, consuming enough protein helps repair muscle fibers that are broken down during exercise. Furthermore, dietary protein plays a vital role in maintaining bone density and strength, reducing the risk of osteoporosis, especially as we age. Including chicken in a balanced diet contributes to a strong and healthy musculoskeletal system.

Provides Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Chicken is a good source of several important vitamins and minerals. It contains B vitamins, particularly B12 and choline, which are vital for brain development and cognitive function. It also provides essential minerals like selenium, which has antioxidant properties, and phosphorus, which is crucial for healthy teeth and bones. This nutrient profile makes chicken a valuable component of a healthy diet.

For more detailed information on poultry’s role in health, you can review this comprehensive NCBI Study on Poultry Consumption.

Tips for the Perfect One Pot Chicken and Pasta

Want to elevate your one pot chicken and pasta from great to absolutely unforgettable? These chef-tested secrets will guarantee a perfect result every single time.

• Use Chicken Thighs for Flavor: While chicken breast works well, diced chicken thighs offer more flavor and moisture, making the final dish richer and more succulent. The higher fat content renders down, adding depth to the creamy sauce.
• Don’t Skip the Browning Step: Take the time to get a good sear on the chicken pieces before adding other ingredients. This process, known as the Maillard reaction, creates a deep, savory flavor base that a simple simmer can’t replicate. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan when you add the liquid—that’s pure flavor!
• Freshly Grated Cheese is a Must: Pre-shredded cheeses are often coated with anti-caking agents that prevent them from melting smoothly. For the creamiest, most luscious sauce, always grate your own cheese from a block. A good quality Parmesan or cheddar makes all the difference.
• Control the Liquid: The key to a perfect one-pot pasta is managing the liquid absorption. If the pasta is cooked but there’s still too much liquid, let it simmer for a few more minutes with the lid off. If it looks too dry before the pasta is al dente, add a splash more chicken stock or milk.
• Temper the Sour Cream: To prevent the sour cream from curdling, stir a spoonful of the hot pasta liquid into the sour cream in a separate bowl first. This gently raises its temperature. Then, you can stir the tempered sour cream mixture into the main pot without any issues.

Storing Your One Pot Chicken and Pasta

Proper storage is key to enjoying your leftovers safely. Here’s how to store and reheat your one pot chicken and pasta.

Refrigeration

Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature, but do not leave it out for more than two hours. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb more of the sauce as it sits, so the texture will be thicker upon reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, you can use a microwave or the stovetop.

• Microwave: Place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of milk or chicken stock to help loosen the sauce, and cover. Heat for 60-90 seconds, stir, and continue heating in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Add the leftovers to a saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or stock and stir gently until the sauce becomes creamy again and the pasta is heated through.

According to the FDA Safe Buffet Guidelines, it’s crucial to refrigerate perishable foods within 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth.

Freezing (Not Recommended)

Freezing this dish is generally not recommended. Cream-based sauces can separate and become grainy when thawed and reheated, and the texture of the pasta can become mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions about One Pot Chicken and Pasta

1. What is the best type of pasta for this one pot chicken and pasta recipe?

For a one pot chicken and pasta dish, it’s best to use pasta shapes with plenty of surface area and texture to hold the creamy sauce. Spirals (fusilli) or penne are excellent choices as they cook evenly and their ridges or twists trap the sauce beautifully. Avoid very thin pastas like angel hair, as they can overcook and become mushy.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Keep in mind that gluten-free pastas can have different cooking times and liquid absorption rates, so you may need to adjust the simmering time and add a little extra chicken stock if the pan becomes too dry.

3. Can I use different vegetables in this dish?

Yes, this recipe is very versatile. You can easily add other vegetables to boost the nutritional content. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli florets are great additions. Sauté heartier vegetables like broccoli or peppers with the onion and chicken at the beginning to ensure they cook through.

4. How do I prevent the milk or sour cream from curdling?

To prevent curdling, make sure the heat is on medium-low when you stir in the sour cream and cheese at the end. Boiling dairy can cause it to separate. It also helps to temper the sour cream by mixing a little of the hot sauce into it in a separate bowl before adding it to the pan. This gently brings it up to temperature.

5. Can I make this one pot chicken and pasta ahead of time?

While this dish is best served immediately for the creamiest texture, you can make it ahead. The pasta will absorb more of the sauce as it sits. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk or chicken stock to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Solution

In conclusion, this one pot chicken and pasta recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a game-changer for busy weeknights. It delivers on every promise: it’s incredibly flavorful, requires minimal cleanup, and is packed with creamy, comforting goodness that the whole family will love. By combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious sauce all in a single pan, you save time without sacrificing quality. This dish is destined to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting, this recipe is foolproof and adaptable. Don’t hesitate to make it your own by trying different cheeses or adding extra vegetables. Enjoy the delicious simplicity and the extra time you’ll have to relax and savor your amazing home-cooked meal.

More Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this easy dinner, you might also like to try another one of our simple and delicious recipes. While it’s a different kind of treat, our Simple Chocolate Mousse Recipe is another fan favorite for a reason!

• Easy Chocolate Mousse
• (More related recipes would be linked here)

Love this recipe? Pin it! 📌 Pin this One Pot Chicken and Pasta recipe to your favorite dinner board on Pinterest to save it for later. Your friends and family will thank you!

One pot chicken and pasta

This one pot chicken pasta is an easy to make, delicious, tasty and comforting dinner. It features chopped chicken thighs, pasta spirals, and a creamy sauce all cooked in a single pan for minimal cleanup. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight meal for the whole family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Resting time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Italian

Servings 4 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 400g chicken thigh or breast, diced 400g chicken thigh or breast, diced
• 1 small onion, sliced 1 small onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1 Tbsp Italian herbs 1 Tbsp Italian herbs
• 1 tsp wholegrain mustard 1 tsp wholegrain mustard
• Zest and juice of half a small lemon Zest and juice of half a small lemon
• 150g baby spinach 150g baby spinach
• 600ml chicken stock 600ml chicken stock
• 1 cup milk 1 cup milk
• 250g pasta spirals or penne 250g pasta spirals or penne
• ½ cup sour cream (125g tub) ½ cup sour cream (125g tub)
• ½ cup grated cheese ½ cup grated cheese

Instructions

 

• 1. Heat oil in a large frypan, add chicken and onion cook stirring occasionally for 5 minutes.
• 2. Add garlic, Italian herbs, mustard, lemon zest and juice then stir with the chicken.
• 3. Scatter in baby spinach leaves and stir through mixture. Place the lid on top until the spinach wilts.
• 4. Pour in stock, milk and pasta then stir to combine.
• 5. Bring to a boil and reduce the heat to medium. Keep stirring every few minutes until the liquid has absorbed and pasta is cooked al dente.
• 6. Stir through sour cream and grated cheese and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• 7. Serve immediately with a fresh salad and crusty garlic bread

Notes

A Note on Creaminess: The sauce will thicken significantly as it cools. This dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking for the ultimate creamy texture. If reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or chicken stock to loosen the sauce.

Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A mix of mozzarella and Parmesan can be delicious, or try a smoked cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Keyword chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, one pot pasta

Did you make this One Pot Chicken and Pasta recipe? Leave a comment and rating below to let us know how it turned out! Your feedback helps other readers and inspires us to create more delicious recipes for you. We can’t wait to hear from you!