One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner

Save this recipe on:

When I want something cozy, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying — but don’t want to dirty every pot and pan in the kitchen — I turn to my One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner. This dish is a lifesaver on busy nights. It comes together quickly, packs a comforting richness, and the best part? Everything simmers together in a single pot, so cleanup is just as simple as the prep.

The creamy sauce clings to every bite of pasta, wrapping around juicy chicken pieces and sweet bursts of cherry tomatoes. It’s all balanced with spinach for a touch of freshness, and a generous sprinkle of parmesan and cracked black pepper to finish it off. Whether I’m cooking for my family or entertaining friends, this dish is always met with empty plates and happy sighs.

---

Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner

This isn’t just any chicken pasta — it’s creamy, hearty, and full of flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen. You’ll love how:

• Everything cooks in one pot — less mess!
• It’s comforting without being heavy.
• It’s easy to tweak with ingredients you already have.
• The cream sauce is velvety and not overpowering.
• It makes amazing leftovers — if there’s any left, that is.

---

What Type of Pasta Works Best for One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta?

You have some flexibility here, but I’ve found that short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work beautifully in this one-pot recipe. They have enough surface area to soak up the creamy sauce and still hold their shape without turning mushy. That said, even fusilli or shells will do the job just fine. If you only have spaghetti or fettuccine on hand, just be sure to stir frequently so they don’t stick together or clump during cooking.

Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can also work, but keep in mind they may need slight adjustments in liquid or cooking time. I usually taste test a minute or two early to make sure everything is on track.

---

Options for Substitutions

This recipe is super forgiving, so don’t be afraid to switch things up based on what’s in your fridge:

• Chicken: Boneless skinless thighs can replace chicken breasts for extra juiciness. Leftover rotisserie chicken works too — just stir it in at the end.
• Cream: No heavy cream? Use half-and-half, full-fat coconut milk, or even evaporated milk in a pinch.
• Pasta: Swap with your preferred pasta shape or use a gluten-free variety.
• Cheese: Parmesan is classic, but you can try Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a mix of shredded Italian cheeses.
• Veggies: Add mushrooms, peas, broccoli, or bell peppers to bulk it up.
• Spinach: Kale or arugula can be great alternatives if you’re out of spinach.

---

Ingredients for This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner

Each ingredient plays a key role in making this dish creamy, flavorful, and well-balanced. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

• Chicken Breast – Lean and quick-cooking, it adds protein and heartiness to the dish. Slice it into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly and quickly.
• Pasta (Penne or Rotini) – These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce well and maintain a satisfying bite without falling apart.
• Cherry Tomatoes – These little bursts of sweetness add brightness and color, balancing the richness of the cream sauce.
• Fresh Spinach – Wilts perfectly into the dish, adding a hint of earthiness and nutrients without overpowering the other flavors.
• Heavy Cream – The key to the luscious, velvety sauce. It thickens beautifully as it simmers with the other ingredients.
• Garlic – Minced fresh garlic adds a foundational layer of savory aroma and depth to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese – Adds saltiness, nutty flavor, and helps thicken the sauce naturally.
• Chicken Broth – Infuses flavor into the pasta as it cooks and acts as the cooking liquid, eliminating the need to boil pasta separately.
• Olive Oil – Used to sear the chicken and garlic, giving them a head start on flavor.
• Salt and Cracked Black Pepper – Simple but essential for seasoning every component in the pot.
• Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that enhances the pasta’s savory profile.

---

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, then sear until golden on the outside. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through — it’ll finish cooking later with the pasta. Remove the chicken and set it aside.

---

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pot, reduce the heat slightly and add a touch more olive oil if needed. Toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant — about 30 seconds. Be careful not to brown it too much; you want it mellow, not bitter.

---

Step 3: Build the Sauce Base

Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot (they’re full of flavor!). Stir in the heavy cream and return the chicken to the pot.

---

Step 4: Add the Pasta

Stir in your dry pasta directly into the broth and cream mixture. Make sure it’s mostly submerged. Cover with a lid and let it cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce starts to thicken — about 12-15 minutes depending on the pasta type.

---

Step 5: Finish with Vegetables and Cheese

Once the pasta is tender and the chicken is cooked through, stir in the cherry tomatoes and fresh spinach. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly.

---

Step 6: Add the Final Touches

Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The residual heat will melt it into the sauce, giving it a final creamy, luxurious texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and freshly cracked black pepper if needed.

---

How Long to Cook the One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner

The entire dish comes together in about 30 minutes from start to finish:

• Searing the chicken: 5–6 minutes
• Sautéing garlic and building the sauce: 2–3 minutes
• Cooking the pasta in the sauce: 12–15 minutes
• Finishing with veggies and cheese: 3–4 minutes

Timing can vary slightly depending on the pasta you use, so always taste-test near the end to check for doneness. The sauce will continue to thicken as it rests, so don’t worry if it looks slightly loose right after cooking.

---

Tips for Perfect One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner

• Use a large, heavy-bottomed pot to prevent sticking and allow even heat distribution.
• Cut chicken into even pieces so they cook at the same rate.
• Sauté garlic briefly — overcooking it can add bitterness to the sauce.
• Stir occasionally while pasta cooks to prevent it from sticking to the bottom.
• Don’t overcook the pasta — it should be al dente and will soften slightly more as it sits in the sauce.
• Add spinach at the end to keep it fresh and vibrant.
• Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken perfectly and cling to every bite.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this dish is fairly simple, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure everything turns out perfectly:

• Overcooking the chicken: When searing the chicken, it’s important not to cook it all the way through before adding the pasta. It will finish cooking in the sauce, and overcooking it at the start can make it dry and tough.
• Letting the pasta dry out: Be sure the pasta is well-covered with liquid. If it looks like the broth is evaporating too quickly, add a splash of more chicken broth or water. Stir often to keep everything from sticking.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly, and once it’s burnt, it turns bitter and ruins the flavor of your dish. Always sauté it on a medium or low heat, and watch it carefully. It should be just fragrant, not brown.
• Not stirring often enough: Since everything is cooking in one pot, it’s important to stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom or clumping together. This also helps ensure the sauce evenly coats the pasta.
• Not seasoning enough: Because the pasta absorbs the sauce as it cooks, be sure to season generously throughout the cooking process. Taste as you go and adjust the salt and pepper levels.

---

What to Serve with One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta?

This dish is filling on its own, but if you’d like to serve it with sides, here are some great options:

Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with a warm, buttery garlic bread. It’s perfect for sopping up any leftover creamy sauce from the pasta.

Caesar Salad

A crisp, tangy Caesar salad adds a nice contrast to the rich pasta and keeps the meal light.

Roasted Vegetables

Roast some seasonal veggies like carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper for a simple, healthy side.

Steamed Broccoli

Broccoli adds a fresh, green element to the meal. You can steam it or sauté it in a little garlic and olive oil for extra flavor.

Mixed Green Salad

A fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette can cut through the creaminess of the pasta and provide a refreshing balance.

Grilled Asparagus

If you’re looking for something a bit fancier, grilled asparagus works wonderfully with the creamy chicken pasta.

Wine Pairing

Pair this dish with a crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a sophisticated touch.

---

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare because this dish is so delicious!), here’s how to store it:

• In the fridge: Store the pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the dish has cooled completely before sealing it in a container to prevent condensation.
• To reheat: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring between, until warm.
• Freezing: While I recommend eating it fresh, you can freeze the dish for up to 2 months. Make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. When ready to reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge and then warm it on the stove with a bit of extra cream or broth to restore its creamy texture.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutrition per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 600–650 kcal
• Protein: 40g
• Fat: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg (may vary based on the broth and cheese used)

This creamy pasta is a hearty meal, but the nutritional breakdown can vary based on substitutions and portion sizes. If you’re looking to make it lighter, you could swap in a lighter cream or reduce the cheese.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other meats besides chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with turkey, pork, or even beef. For a vegetarian option, try using plant-based protein or add extra veggies like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half, full-fat coconut milk, or evaporated milk as a substitute. If you’re looking to lighten it up, try a combination of milk and a little butter for richness.

Can I make this dish in advance?

Yes, this dish holds up well for a few days in the fridge. You can prepare it a day ahead and just reheat when you’re ready to serve. Keep in mind the sauce may thicken as it sits, so adding a splash of liquid when reheating can help.

Can I make this recipe without spinach?

Of course! If you don’t have spinach or prefer not to use it, you can skip it or replace it with other leafy greens like kale or arugula. You could even add other veggies like peas, broccoli, or mushrooms.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the regular pasta with gluten-free pasta, and the recipe should work just as well. Be sure to check the package instructions for any necessary adjustments to cooking time.

How do I get the sauce to thicken?

If your sauce is too thin, let the dish cook for a few extra minutes to allow it to reduce. Stirring in more parmesan cheese also helps thicken it. If it’s still not thick enough, you can add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the sauce.

Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?

While this recipe is designed for the stovetop, you could adapt it for a slow cooker. Brown the chicken and garlic in a pan first, then add everything to the slow cooker (broth, cream, pasta) and cook on low for 3–4 hours. You may need to add a bit more liquid since slow cookers tend to lose moisture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the ingredients if you’re feeding a larger crowd. Just make sure you use a big enough pot, and you may need to cook it for a few extra minutes to ensure the pasta is cooked through.

---

Conclusion

This One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner is the perfect comfort meal that combines rich flavors and easy prep. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress. With just one pot to clean and so many options for substitutions, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll turn to time and time again. I hope it becomes a go-to in your kitchen as it has in mine!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: