There’s something quietly satisfying about a meal that comes together in just one pot. This one pot chicken pasta is that kind of dinner — warm, simple, and just right for a weeknight when you’re juggling too many things at once. The kitchen fills with the rich scent of tomatoes and garlic, and somewhere between stirring and waiting, you realize your hunger is growing faster than the pasta can cook.
I remember the first time I made this, distracted by a phone call and half-watching a show. I overcooked the chicken just a little — not enough to ruin the dish, but enough to make it that much more tender and easy to pull apart. It was a happy accident that added a touch of extra comfort to an already cozy meal. The spinach wilting into the sauce brings that perfect pop of green, and the Parmesan melting in at the end? Pure magic.
- This recipe keeps things straightforward, which means less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your food.
- The flavors balance each other well — the acidity of the tomatoes, the warmth of Italian herbs, and the creamy finish from the cheese.
- It’s flexible — you might find yourself adding different veggies or swapping pasta shapes depending on what’s on hand.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point.
If you’re worried about the pasta sticking or the sauce being too watery, just keep an eye on the simmer and give it a gentle stir now and then. It’s forgiving in a way that makes cooking feel less intimidating.
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One Pot Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and easy one pot chicken pasta recipe with tender chicken, flavorful tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all in one pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups chicken broth
8 ounces uncooked penne pasta
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and chicken broth. Stir to combine.
Add the uncooked penne pasta to the pot and stir to submerge the pasta in the liquid.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir in the fresh baby spinach leaves. Cook for 2 minutes until the spinach wilts.
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
Serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Using just one pot means you don’t need fancy equipment — a large, sturdy pot or deep skillet will do. When serving, I like to add a quick side salad or some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of sauce. Sometimes, I toss in a handful of mushrooms or swap spinach for kale if that’s what’s in my fridge — either way, it works, though I haven’t tested all variations exhaustively.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, leftovers keep well for a few days, and reheating with a splash of broth helps bring the sauce back to life.
What if I don’t have penne pasta? Any pasta that cooks in about the same time should work—just watch closely so it doesn’t overcook.
Is this recipe spicy? Not at all, but you can add red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
When the day is long and you want something that feels like home without the hassle, this one pot chicken pasta is a quiet helper. Give it a try, save the recipe, and keep it close for those nights when you crave comfort without the cleanup.