If you love meals that are rich, comforting, and come together with minimal fuss, then you are going to adore this One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious cream sauce all infused with fresh vegetables and herbs. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or hosting friends for a casual dinner, this recipe delivers hearty satisfaction without the pile-up of dirty dishes. Let me walk you through making this simple yet irresistible dinner that never fails to impress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and pantry-friendly, each playing an essential role in building the dish’s depth of flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant colors. From the savory chicken seasoned just right to the fresh spinach that adds a pop of green, every element complements one another perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Provides a flavorful base for browning the chicken and sautéing garlic.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and helps develop a silky sauce texture.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed: The main protein that becomes tender and juicy with seasoning.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for enhancing all the flavors in the dish.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant herbal aroma that ties the whole recipe together.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a punch of savory depth, perfectly balancing the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Offers bright bursts of sweetness and a pleasing color contrast.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Creates the flavorful liquid base to cook the pasta and infuses the dish with savory notes.
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream: The heart of the luscious, creamy sauce making every bite indulgent.
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini recommended): Holds the sauce beautifully thanks to their shape, perfect for capturing every bit of creaminess.
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped: Adds freshness, nutrients, and a lovely vibrant green color.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a salty, umami finish that elevates the entire dish.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil and butter together in a large pot over medium heat until the butter is melted and shimmering. Season your cubed chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then add them to the pot. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside—this allows the chicken to develop a flavorful crust without overcooking.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Tomatoes
In the same pot, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Immediately add the halved cherry tomatoes and let them cook down for a couple of minutes until they start to soften and blister. This step releases the juices from the tomatoes and gives a subtle sweetness to the base of your sauce.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Base
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pot. Those browned pieces are pure flavor gold that will enrich your sauce. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to meld together into a creamy, savory base for your pasta.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce
Stir in your pasta of choice—penne or rotini work beautifully here because their ridges catch the sauce so well. Cover the pot and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the creamy broth, soften completely, and thicken the sauce to a luscious consistency.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Greens
Return the seared chicken pieces to the pot, along with the chopped spinach or kale. Stir these in and let the greens wilt while the chicken reheats. Finally, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts seamlessly into the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed for that perfect balance.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
To make this dish extra special, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top before serving. A light dusting of additional grated Parmesan not only adds visual appeal but also pumps up the cheesy flavor factor. For a touch of brightness, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice right on the plate can really highlight the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner Recipe is filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette or toasted garlic bread work beautifully. Both provide a contrast in texture and help balance the richness of the pasta with fresh, crunchy elements.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this creamy chicken pasta in shallow bowls so the sauce stays visible and inviting. You can also add a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who like a little heat. For a cozy dinner party, present it family-style on a large platter with extra Parmesan and herbs scattered on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits, so it will thicken—simply add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen it up.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may change slightly after thawing. Store it in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with a bit of added liquid to restore creaminess.
Reheating
Reheat the One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner Recipe on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a little milk, cream, or chicken broth keeps the sauce smooth and prevents sticking. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the sauce may separate or become unevenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne and rotini are recommended because they hold the sauce well, you can use other short pasta shapes such as fusilli, rigatoni, or even small shells. Just be sure to adjust cooking times as needed.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a dairy-free cream alternative, and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a similar flavor.
Can I use leftover cooked chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Yes, you can add leftover cooked chicken in step 5 to warm it through. Since it’s already cooked, just reduce the initial searing step or skip it entirely.
How can I make this recipe more vegetable-packed?
Feel free to add other veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the tomatoes in step 2. Just sauté them until tender before adding your liquids.
What wine pairs well with this One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner Recipe?
A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs wonderfully, as their acidity cuts through the richness of the cream sauce and complements the herbs and chicken perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about a dinner that can come together in one pot, delivering comfort, flavor, and convenience all at once. This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner Recipe has become a personal favorite when I want to impress without stress, and I hope it becomes one of yours too. Go ahead, try it out and enjoy all the cozy, creamy goodness that this dish brings to your table!
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One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner is a flavorful, comforting meal that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and hearty pasta all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish features a savory blend of garlic, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
Dairy
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Produce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale, chopped
Pantry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
Instructions
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large pot over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the pot and cook until browned and cooked through, then remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Sauté garlic and tomatoes: In the same pot, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook until they blister slightly, releasing their juices.
- Add liquids and bring to simmer: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, using a spoon to scrape up and incorporate any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Cook pasta: Stir in the pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the liquid. Cover the pot and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish the dish: Add the cooked chicken back into the pot along with the chopped spinach or kale. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- You can use any short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Make sure to stir occasionally when cooking pasta to prevent it from sticking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
