One-pot creamy chicken pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner solution. It's quick, easy, requires minimal cleanup, and delivers a creamy, comforting meal the whole family will love. This recipe focuses on simplicity and flavor, achieving restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Forget complicated recipes and endless dishes – let's dive into this incredibly satisfying one-pot wonder!
What Makes This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta So Special?
This recipe triumphs over other pasta dishes due to its efficiency and flavor. By cooking everything in a single pot, you reduce cooking time, minimize cleanup, and maximize flavor. The chicken simmers in the creamy sauce, absorbing its richness, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat. Furthermore, the pasta cooks directly in the sauce, absorbing all the delicious creamy goodness, leading to a perfectly coated and satisfying dish.
Ingredients You'll Need:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
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Sauté the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
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Sauté aromatics: Add the onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), chicken broth, heavy cream, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
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Add pasta and chicken: Stir in the uncooked pasta and the cooked chicken. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Serve: Serve immediately, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley (if desired).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use different types of pasta?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with many pasta shapes, including penne, rotini, farfalle, fusilli, and even smaller shapes like ditalini. Choose your favorite!
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking.
How can I make it spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the sauce for a spicier kick.
Can I make this ahead of time?
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare it ahead of time and reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The sauce might thicken slightly upon reheating, so you may need to add a little more chicken broth or water to adjust the consistency.
What kind of chicken broth should I use?
Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the salt content of the dish. You can easily adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Can I use different types of cream?
Heavy cream provides the best richness and creaminess, but you can substitute with half-and-half or even milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
This one-pot creamy chicken pasta is a versatile and delicious meal that's perfect for busy weeknights. Enjoy!
