One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

One afternoon, as the comforting aroma of garlic and herbs wafted through my kitchen, I prepared a dish that would soon become a family favorite: One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta. This simple yet satisfying recipe takes just about 30 minutes to cook and minimizes cleanup by utilizing only one pot. The creamy texture combined with the tender chicken and flavorful ingredients makes it a true delight.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings with friends and family. If you’re looking to meal prep, you can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later enjoyment.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s a quick, one-pot meal that cuts down on cleanup.
• The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta, creating a rich texture.
• Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition.
• It’s versatile and allows for various ingredient substitutions.

What You’ll Need

Gather your ingredients to create this delicious one-pot dish!

For the Pasta

• 1/2 lb. penne pasta

For the Chicken and Base

• 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp butter
• 1 lb. chicken breast, cut into cubes
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

For the Sauce

• 1 15oz. can diced tomatoes
• 2 3/4 cups chicken broth
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 4 oz. cream cheese
• 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated

For Serving

• 2 cups spinach, chopped, stems removed

For added creaminess, you can use low-fat cream cheese.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Chicken breast can be replaced with shrimp or tofu.
• Penne pasta can be swapped for any pasta type.
• Fresh spinach can be substituted with kale.
• Cream cheese can be swapped with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

How to Make It

Follow these steps to create a flavorful meal in no time.

Heat oil and butter

Add oil and butter to a large deep skillet over medium heat until melted. Once the skillet is hot, add diced chicken and onions. Cook for about 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and onions are soft.

Combine ingredients

Next, add the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, salt, black pepper, dried basil, cream cheese, mozzarella cheese, and spinach to the skillet. Stir to combine and bring to a low simmer.

Cook and serve

Cook for about 20 minutes or until the penne is al dente. When you reach this point, remove pasta from heat, stir, and let sit a couple of minutes before serving.

Garnish and enjoy

Serve pasta with fresh grated parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy!

How to Store It

Fridge: Store for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, pasta texture changes when frozen.
Reheat: Use the microwave for 2-3 minutes or until warm.

Tips for Best Results

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor impact.
• Adjust the cream cheese quantity to control creaminess.
• Stir occasionally during simmering to prevent sticking.
• For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes during cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair it with a light green salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Serve alongside garlic bread for a hearty meal.
• Great for casual family dinners or meal prepping!