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

This one pot chicken and pasta is the ultimate comfort food solution for busy weeknights, delivering a creamy, delicious, and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup. If you’re searching for a recipe that combines convenience with incredible flavor, you’ve found it. Imagine tender pieces of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and wilted spinach all enveloped in a luscious, savory cream sauce, and all made in a single pan. This dish is designed to simplify your life without sacrificing taste, making it a go-to favorite for families and anyone looking to get a wholesome dinner on the table in about 30 minutes. It’s a complete meal that feels gourmet but is deceptively easy to prepare. Say goodbye to a sink full of dishes and hello to your new favorite weeknight dinner. This easy one pot chicken and pasta will quickly become a staple in your meal rotation.

Equipment You’ll Need

Before we get to the ingredients, having the right pan is key for any one-pot recipe. A large, deep frying pan or a Dutch oven with a lid works perfectly. We recommend a quality non-stick surface to prevent the pasta and sauce from sticking.

• Recommended Option: A versatile and reliable choice is the Caraway Non-stick Ceramic Cookware Set, which provides excellent heat distribution for even cooking.

Ingredients for One Pot Chicken and Pasta

• 1 Tbsp olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and aromatics.
• 400g chicken thigh or breast, diced: Use thigh for more flavor and moisture, or breast for a leaner option.
• 1 small onion, sliced: Adds a foundational aromatic sweetness.
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed: For that essential savory, pungent flavor.
• 1 Tbsp Italian herbs: A blend of dried oregano, basil, and thyme for classic flavor.
• 1 tsp wholegrain mustard: Adds a tangy depth to the sauce.
• Zest and juice of half a small lemon: Brightens up the dish and cuts through the richness.
• 150g baby spinach: Wilts down beautifully, adding nutrients and color.
• 600ml chicken stock: The primary cooking liquid for the pasta.
• 1 cup milk: Contributes to the creaminess of the sauce.
• 250g pasta spirals or penne: Perfect shapes for catching the creamy sauce.
• ½ cup sour cream: The secret to a rich, tangy, and creamy finish.
• ½ cup grated cheese: Use cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend for a cheesy, gooey texture.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To season the dish perfectly.

How to Make One Pot Chicken and Pasta

This creamy one pot chicken pasta recipe comes together in just a few simple steps. Follow along to create the perfect weeknight meal.

1. Sauté Chicken and Onion (5 minutes): Heat the olive oil in a large, deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken and sliced onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes, until the chicken is lightly browned and the onion has softened.
2. Add Aromatics (1 minute): Add the crushed garlic, Italian herbs, wholegrain mustard, and the zest and juice of half a lemon to the pan. Stir everything together with the chicken and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Wilt the Spinach (2 minutes): Scatter the baby spinach leaves over the chicken mixture. Stir them through and then place the lid on the pan for 1-2 minutes to allow the steam to wilt the spinach completely.
4. Combine Pasta and Liquids (1 minute): 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 (10-15 minutes): Bring the mixture to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a medium simmer. Let it cook, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. Continue simmering until the pasta is cooked al dente and most of the liquid has been absorbed, creating a thick sauce. This typically takes 10-15 minutes, depending on your pasta shape.
6. Finish with Creaminess (2 minutes): Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the sour cream and grated cheese until they are fully melted and combined into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve your delicious one pot chicken and pasta right away. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh side salad and some crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.

Health Benefits of Chicken

Chicken, the star ingredient in our one pot chicken and pasta, is more than just a delicious source of protein. It’s packed with essential nutrients that contribute to overall health and well-being. Incorporating lean chicken into your diet can offer several significant benefits.

Rich in High-Quality Protein

Chicken is renowned for its high-quality, lean protein content. Protein is crucial for muscle growth and repair, making chicken an excellent food choice for maintaining a healthy body. According to health experts, the amino acids in chicken are vital for building stronger muscles and promoting healthier bones, which can help reduce the risk of injuries and conditions like osteoporosis as we age.

Supports Weight Management

Including protein-rich foods like chicken in your meals can help you feel fuller for longer. This increased satiety can prevent overeating and support healthy weight management. A balanced meal with lean protein helps stabilize energy levels and reduce cravings, contributing to better dietary choices throughout the day.

Boosts Mood and Brain Function

Chicken contains tryptophan, an amino acid linked to the production of serotonin—often called the ‘feel-good’ hormone. While it won’t cause an instant mood shift, a consistent intake of tryptophan from sources like chicken can contribute to improved mood and better cognitive function over time.

Packed with Essential Vitamins and Minerals

Beyond protein, chicken is a good source of B vitamins, such as niacin (B3) and pyridoxine (B6), which are vital for energy metabolism and cardiovascular health. It also provides important minerals like selenium, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage, and phosphorus, which is essential for healthy teeth and bones.

Expert Tips for the Perfect One Pot Chicken and Pasta

Want to elevate your one pot chicken and pasta from great to absolutely unforgettable? Here are a few chef-approved secrets to ensure a flawless dish every single time. These simple tweaks can make a huge difference in the final texture and flavor.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta

The key to a perfect pasta texture is to cook it until it’s ‘al dente’—firm to the bite. Since the pasta continues to cook in the residual heat of the sauce, you should stop the cooking process when it’s slightly firmer than you’d normally prefer. This prevents it from becoming mushy and helps it absorb the creamy sauce beautifully.

Use Quality Chicken Stock

The liquid is the heart of this dish, as it’s what cooks the pasta and forms the base of the sauce. Using a high-quality, flavorful chicken stock will add incredible depth. While store-bought is convenient, a homemade stock can elevate the flavor profile significantly. Look for low-sodium options to better control the saltiness of the final dish.

Toast the Herbs and Garlic

Before adding the liquids, take an extra minute to ‘toast’ the garlic and Italian herbs with the chicken and onions. Sautéing them for about 30-60 seconds until they become fragrant releases their essential oils and deepens their flavor, infusing the entire dish with a more robust and aromatic character.

The Sour Cream and Cheese Finish

For the creamiest possible sauce, always stir in the sour cream and grated cheese off the heat. Adding dairy products to a boiling liquid can cause them to curdle or split. By removing the pan from the heat first, you ensure the sour cream and cheese melt smoothly into a velvety, luscious sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken.

Storing Your One Pot Chicken and Pasta

Proper storage is essential to enjoy 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 for no longer than two hours. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. According to the FDA’s Safe Food Storage Guidelines, cooked dishes should be refrigerated promptly to prevent bacterial growth.

Can I Freeze This Dish?

Freezing is not highly recommended for this recipe. The creamy sauce, made with milk and sour cream, can separate and become grainy upon thawing. The texture of the pasta may also become mushy. If you must freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, but be prepared for a change in texture.

How to Reheat

For best results, reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or chicken stock to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency. Stir frequently until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring in between, but the stovetop method yields a better texture.

Frequently Asked Questions About One Pot Chicken and Pasta

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

Absolutely! While spirals or penne are recommended because their shapes hold the sauce well, you can easily substitute other short pasta varieties like fusilli, rigatoni, or ziti. Adjust the cooking time according to the package directions, as different shapes may cook at slightly different rates.

2. What’s the best way to make this a gluten-free one pot chicken and pasta?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Keep in mind that gluten-free pastas can sometimes absorb more liquid, so you may need to add an extra splash of chicken stock or milk towards the end of the cooking time to maintain a creamy consistency.

3. Can I add vegetables to this one pot chicken and pasta?

Yes, this dish is very versatile! You can add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli. Sauté heartier vegetables like peppers and broccoli with the onion and chicken at the beginning. For quicker-cooking vegetables like mushrooms or peas, stir them in during the last 5-7 minutes of the pasta’s cooking time.

4. How can I make this dish even creamier?

For an extra creamy and rich sauce, you can substitute the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half. Another option is to stir in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese along with the sour cream and grated cheese at the end. This will create an even more decadent and velvety sauce.

5. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts. Since chicken breasts are leaner than thighs, be careful not to overcook them to keep them tender and juicy. Dice them into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure they cook quickly and evenly along with the pasta.

The Ultimate Weeknight Dinner Solution

In conclusion, this one pot chicken and pasta recipe is a true game-changer for busy weeknights. It delivers a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal without the hassle of multiple pots and pans. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that the whole family will love. It proves that you don’t need to spend hours in the kitchen to create something truly delicious and memorable.

We encourage you to give this simple yet elegant recipe a try. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and guaranteed to become a staple in your dinner rotation. Enjoy the simplicity and the incredible taste of this amazing one-pot wonder!

Complete Your Meal

Looking for the perfect dessert to follow your delicious best one pot chicken and pasta for dinner? A light yet decadent dessert can be the perfect ending. Consider trying this wonderfully rich and airy Simple Chocolate Mousse Recipe for a truly satisfying meal experience.

Love this recipe? Pin it to your favorite board on Pinterest to save it for later! 📌

One pot chicken and pasta

This one pot chicken pasta is so easy to make – such a delicious, tasty and comforting dinner. It’s the perfect weeknight meal, ready in about 30 minutes with minimal cleanup. Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta come together in a single pan for a dish the whole family will love.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian-American

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

Pasta Choice: Short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne, spirals (fusilli), or rigatoni work best as they hold up well and their crevices trap the creamy sauce.

Cheese Varieties: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. A sharp cheddar adds a nice tang, while a Monterey Jack or Gruyère will provide a smoother, meltier texture.

Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and herbs.

Keyword chicken pasta, easy dinner, one pot pasta

Did you make this One Pot Chicken and Pasta recipe? We’d love to hear from you! Please leave a rating and a comment below to let us know how it turned out. Your feedback helps us and other readers! 💬