The Ultimate One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting a mouthwatering one-pot Italian chicken pasta recipe feels like unleashing culinary magic in your kitchen.

Weeknight dinners just became incredibly simple and delicious.

Creamy sauces blend perfectly with tender chicken and al dente pasta strands.

Every bite promises a symphony of robust Italian flavors that dance across your palate.

Minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time scrubbing dishes.

Home cooks will adore how quickly this dish comes together with basic ingredients.

The secret lies in layering complementary tastes that surprise and delight you.

Grab your favorite skillet and let’s create something spectacular that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Variations to Customize One-Pot Pasta

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternatives, using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a complete vegetarian version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase chili flakes or add diced jalapeños for extra heat, or incorporate hot sauce for those who love intense spiciness.
• Mediterranean Remix: Incorporate kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and swap Italian seasoning with oregano and fresh mint for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute with penne, rigatoni, or rotini. Just ensure cooking times remain similar to the original recipe.

• Is this dish spicy?

The chili flakes add a mild heat, but you can reduce or omit them for a milder version. Adjust according to your spice preference.

• Can I make this recipe with other proteins?

Absolutely! Swap chicken with shrimp, ground beef, or even tofu for a different protein option. Adjust cooking times accordingly.

• Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?

No, add the entire can with its juice. The liquid helps create the sauce and cook the pasta, adding more flavor to the dish.

One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Made Easy

• Prepare a delicious meal without juggling multiple pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze and saving precious kitchen time.
• Infused with Italian seasoning, chili flakes, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, this dish delivers a bold and satisfying taste experience that will excite your taste buds.
• Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings, this one-pot wonder appeals to both kids and adults with its hearty and comforting profile.
• From start to finish, this recipe requires minimal prep work and cooking skills, making it an ideal choice for home cooks of all levels who want a hassle-free meal.

Ingredients Needed for One-Pot Pasta

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the main protein of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth base for cooking and adds rich flavor.
• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic base that builds depth and complexity in the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that adds classic Italian flavor profile.
• Chili Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the pasta.

• Pasta: Uncooked pasta that will absorb the flavors and create a hearty meal.
• Diced Tomatoes: Provides moisture and tangy base for the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Adds liquid and creates a flavorful cooking medium for the pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheese that adds richness and savory depth.
• Fresh Basil: Bright, fresh herb used as a garnish for added aroma and color.

Cooking Instructions for Italian Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Warm olive oil in a spacious pot over medium-high heat.

Drop in the chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook the chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown, creating delicious caramelized edges that lock in flavor.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Toss in the chopped onions and minced garlic.

Stir and cook until the kitchen fills with an irresistible aroma and the vegetables become soft and translucent.

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

• Uncooked pasta
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Italian seasoning
• Chili flakes

Stir everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated and mixed with the other ingredients.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer.

Cover the pot and let it cook, stirring occasionally.

Watch as the pasta becomes tender and the sauce transforms into a creamy, rich consistency.

This should take about 12-15 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and give everything a final stir.

Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a pinch of salt or pepper to perfect the flavor.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Scoop the steaming pasta into bowls and top with fresh basil leaves.

The vibrant green will add a pop of color and a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor to your one-pot wonder.

Tips for Flavorful One-Pot Pasta Meals

• Add an extra pinch of Italian seasoning or fresh herbs like oregano and thyme to enhance the dish's aromatic profile.
• Stir the pasta frequently during cooking and ensure enough liquid covers the pasta to avoid clumping or uneven cooking.
• Swap chicken with turkey, shrimp, or plant-based protein alternatives like tofu for dietary preferences or variety.
• Adjust chili flakes according to personal heat tolerance, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing for desired spiciness.
• Make this dish ahead and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating with a splash of broth to maintain moisture and texture.

Storing and Reheating One-Pot Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little chicken broth or water to prevent sticking and maintain the pasta's creamy texture. Stir frequently to distribute heat evenly.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the dish's original flavor and texture.

Best Pairings for Italian Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Enjoy a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complements the dish's Italian flavors and cuts through the richness of the chicken and Parmesan.
• Serve with Garlic Bread: Create a perfect sidekick with toasted Italian bread rubbed with garlic and drizzled with olive oil to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture.
• Complement with Fresh Salad: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the hearty pasta and provide a refreshing, zesty contrast to the main dish.
• Match with Sparkling Water: Refresh your palate with a bubbly mineral water like San Pellegrino, which cleanses the taste buds between bites and enhances the meal's overall enjoyment.

One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy one-pot Italian chicken pasta brings Mediterranean comfort straight to dinner tables. Hearty ingredients meld together effortlessly, creating a delightful meal perfect for weeknight family gatherings. You’ll savor each comforting bite of this simple yet satisfying dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Proteins:

• 2 chicken breasts, diced

Carbohydrates:

• 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or fusilli)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 ounces / 400 grams) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil for garnish

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Instructions

1. In a spacious skillet, warm olive oil over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling base for the chicken.
2. Introduce diced chicken to the pan, seasoning generously with salt and pepper, and sear until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic, allowing them to dance and release their aromatic essence until translucent and fragrant.
4. Cascade uncooked pasta into the skillet, followed by diced tomatoes, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, and a whisper of chili flakes, stirring to create a harmonious blend.
5. Elevate the mixture to a vigorous boil, then immediately reduce to a gentle simmer, covering and allowing the ingredients to meld for 12-15 minutes at low heat.
6. Periodically stir the contents, ensuring even cooking and preventing pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
7. When pasta reaches perfect tenderness and sauce thickens to a luxurious consistency, sprinkle Parmesan cheese and gently fold to integrate.
8. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
9. Transfer to serving dishes, crowning with fresh basil leaves for a vibrant finishing touch.
10. Serve immediately while piping hot, inviting diners to savor the rich, comforting flavors.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili flakes for mild or spicy preferences.
• Choose gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly without compromising flavor.
• Keep stirring occasionally to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Break pasta in half before adding to pot for easier mixing and more uniform texture.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg