One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

This One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is everything a busy home cook dreams of—simple, fast, and irresistibly flavorful. It’s loaded with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich tomato-based sauce that clings to every bite, all infused with aromatic Italian herbs. And the best part? It all comes together in one single pot, which means fewer dishes and more time to enjoy your evening. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just need a cozy solo dinner, this dish is a guaranteed hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Cleanup: Just one pot—no juggling pans or scrubbing multiple dishes.
• Big on Flavor: Garlic, tomatoes, herbs, and cheese make every bite burst with comforting Italian flavor.
• Weeknight Friendly: Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for hectic evenings.
• Customizable: Great as-is, but easy to adapt with whatever protein, pasta, or veggies you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

this Recipe

Here’s what makes this dish shine, and why each ingredient matters:

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs—adds hearty protein and soaks up all the delicious flavors.
• Pasta: Short pasta like penne, rotini, or fusilli works best—it cooks evenly and catches the sauce perfectly.
• Olive Oil: A must for sautéing and building that rich, savory base.
• Garlic: Don’t skimp—fresh garlic gives this dish its signature Italian depth.
• Onion: Adds a sweet, savory backbone to the sauce.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Forms the rich, tangy base of the sauce—use a high-quality brand if possible.
• Chicken Broth: Helps cook the pasta right in the pot while adding flavor (no draining necessary!).
• Italian Seasoning: The classic blend—oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary—for that unmistakable Italian aroma.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional, but a pinch adds the perfect gentle heat.
• Parmesan Cheese: Stirred in at the end for a salty, nutty finish that ties it all together.
• Fresh Basil or Parsley: For a fresh pop of color and brightness just before serving.

Variations

Want to put your own spin on it? Here are a few tasty ideas:

• Add Veggies: Toss in baby spinach, chopped zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• Different Protein: Try Italian sausage, ground turkey, or shrimp instead of chicken.
• Make It Creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a scoop of mascarpone cheese at the end for a luscious finish.
• Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—just keep an eye on cooking time and liquid absorption.

How to Make One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, and a little Italian seasoning. Cook until golden and just cooked through, then transfer to a plate.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

In the same pot, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion until soft, then add the garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Liquid Ingredients

Pour in the crushed tomatoes and chicken broth. Stir in more Italian seasoning, then bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add your dry pasta directly into the pot. Stir well, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 5: Return Chicken & Finish

Add the cooked chicken back to the pot. Stir in grated parmesan and adjust seasoning as needed. Simmer for a few more minutes until everything is heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with fresh herbs and an extra sprinkle of cheese. Serve hot!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on it—it’ll keep cooking a little after the heat is off, so aim for just shy of al dente.
• Use a Large Pot: Everything cooks in one vessel, so give your ingredients room to breathe.
• Season in Layers: Add a little salt and seasoning at each step—it makes a big difference in flavor depth.
• Grate Your Own Cheese: Freshly grated parmesan melts better and has way more flavor than pre-shredded.

How to Serve

This dish is a complete meal on its own, but you can take it to the next level with these serving ideas:

With Bread:

Serve alongside warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette to mop up every bit of that savory sauce.

With Salad:

A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness and balance.

Wine Pairing:

Pour a glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio to complement the rich tomato and herb flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen even more overnight!

Freezing:

Yes, you can freeze it! Let it cool completely, then freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating:

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to loosen up the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Absolutely. Just skip the sauté step and add it in during the final few minutes to heat through. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here.

Can I use tomato sauce instead of crushed tomatoes?
Yes, tomato sauce works in a pinch. It’ll create a smoother, slightly richer sauce—just watch the salt level, as some brands can be more seasoned.

Is this recipe spicy?
Not by default. The red pepper flakes give a subtle heat, but you can easily adjust the amount or leave it out entirely.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your pot is large enough, and you may need to extend the cooking time slightly for the pasta.

Final Thoughts

One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that makes home cooking feel joyful and rewarding. It’s warm, hearty, packed with flavor, and so simple that you’ll want to make it again and again. Whether you stick to the original or try a few creative twists, this pasta is bound to become a go-to in your weeknight dinner lineup. Give it a try—you’re going to love it!

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