Some evenings, you just want dinner to show up without the fuss. This one pot pasta and chicken recipe is like a quiet friend who knows exactly what you need: something warm, filling, and easy to throw together. It’s the kind of dish that smells like home as it simmers on the stove—garlic mingling with Italian herbs, the tang of tomatoes blending into tender chicken and pasta soaked in rich broth.
I remember the first time I made this, the clock was creeping past 7 PM, and I was halfway distracted by a buzzing phone call that I only half-followed. Somehow, the pasta was just a little softer than I usually like, but the spinach wilted perfectly, and the Parmesan melted into the sauce just right. It wasn’t perfect, but it was exactly what I needed after a long day. I grabbed a fork, sat down with a sigh, and that little imperfection didn’t matter at all.
- Everything cooks in one pot, which means minimal cleanup—a total win when you’re exhausted.
- The flavors are cozy and familiar but never boring; the tangy tomatoes and cheese add just enough brightness.
- It’s straightforward—no complicated steps or fancy ingredients, just real food you can trust.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. Sometimes you want dinner without the drama.
If you’re worried about timing or juggling too many pans, this recipe has your back. It’s forgiving if you get called away mid-cook or if your pasta edges a little softer than planned.
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One Pot Pasta and Chicken
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
A quick and easy one-pot pasta and chicken recipe that combines tender chicken, pasta, and flavorful ingredients for a delicious, comforting meal with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 medium onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
12 ounces uncooked penne pasta
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
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 the chicken from the pot and set aside.
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently to release the aromas.
Add the uncooked penne pasta, chicken broth, and diced tomatoes with their juice to the pot. Stir to combine.
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 grated Parmesan cheese and chopped spinach.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Using just a large pot or deep skillet makes this meal feel manageable, even on busy nights. While it’s cooking, you can set the table or sneak a quick scroll on your phone without worrying about juggling dishes. For a little extra comfort, try pairing it with a crisp green salad or some crusty bread to mop up the sauce. If you want to mix things up, tossing in mushrooms or swapping spinach for kale could work—though I haven’t tried all those swaps myself. Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a gentle kick, but that’s just me.
FAQ
Can I use a different pasta shape? Probably! Penne works well because it holds the sauce, but other shapes might need slightly adjusted cooking times.
Can I prep this ahead of time? You can chop ingredients earlier, but I usually cook it fresh to keep textures just right.
What about leftovers? They keep well in the fridge for a few days; just warm gently to avoid drying out the pasta.
When dinner feels like a race against the clock, this one pot pasta and chicken offers a little pause—a warm, filling plate that’s ready with minimal fuss. Save it, print it, and come back when you need that familiar comfort again.