This one-pot creamy chicken pasta brings together tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and hearty penne in a rich, velvety sauce. By cooking everything in a single skillet, you save time on cleanup while allowing the flavors to meld perfectly together. It is an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying, restaurant-quality meal without the stress of managing multiple pans.
List of ingredients
- 1/2 lb. penne pasta
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1 lb. chicken breast, cubed
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 15oz. can diced tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (stems removed)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
step-by-step instructions
- Step: Add oil and butter to a large deep skillet over medium heat.
- Step: Once the skillet is hot, add diced chicken and onions and cook for about 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and onions are soft.
- Step: Add remaining ingredients to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Step: Bring to a low simmer and cook for about 20 minutes or until penne is al dente.
- Step: Remove pasta from heat, stir, and let sit a couple minutes before serving.
- Step: Serve with fresh grated parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Practical cooking strategies
Managing consistent heat during the simmer
Maintaining a steady, low simmer is crucial for ensuring the pasta cooks thoroughly without the sauce evaporating too quickly. If the liquid seems to be disappearing before the pasta is tender, you can add a tiny splash of extra broth or water. Keep a lid nearby to trap steam if the noodles remain firm during the final stages of the process.
Importance of cutting chicken evenly
Consistent, bite-sized cubes ensure that every piece of chicken reaches the same internal temperature at the same time. This prevents some pieces from becoming tough or overcooked while others remain raw. Aim for uniform pieces roughly one inch in size for the most reliable results in this one-pot method.
Refining flavors and textures
Achieving a silky sauce consistency
Using softened cream cheese is the secret to a lump-free, velvety sauce that coats every piece of penne. Before adding it to the pot, let it sit on the counter for a few minutes or microwave it for ten seconds to make it pliable. Whisking it into the hot pasta liquid allows it to melt instantly, creating a luxurious mouthfeel without any grainy bits.
Selecting the right pasta shape
Penne is the ideal choice for this recipe because its hollow center traps the creamy tomato sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. If you find yourself without penne, rigatoni or ziti are excellent alternatives that provide a similar structural integrity. Avoid very thin or delicate noodles like angel hair, as they may turn mushy during the 20-minute simmering phase.
Common ingredient substitutions
Balancing acidity and sweetness
If you prefer a milder flavor profile, you can swap the yellow onion for a sweeter variety, such as Vidalia. For those who find canned tomatoes too acidic, a pinch of sugar added while sautéing the onions helps neutralize the sharp edge. This simple adjustment ensures the tomato base complements the cream cheese rather than overpowering it.
Adapting greens for your palate
While fresh spinach adds a beautiful color and nutritional boost, you can swap it for chopped kale if you prefer a heartier bite. If you use kale, ensure it is chopped very finely to avoid tough stalks. Swiss chard is another wonderful alternative that wilts nicely into the hot, creamy sauce during the final minutes of cooking.
Serving and storage recommendations
Pairing for a complete meal
This dish is robust enough to serve as a standalone main course, but it benefits from a crisp side. A fresh salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the cream sauce beautifully. Toasted crusty bread or garlic-rubbed crostini are also perfect for mopping up any extra sauce left at the bottom of the bowl.
Managing leftovers effectively
When storing leftovers, allow the pasta to reach room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container to maintain its freshness. Because cream-based sauces can thicken significantly in the refrigerator, you may notice the sauce has tightened up by the next day. Place the container in the fridge for up to two days for the best quality and flavor profile.
Answers to frequent queries
Can I make this dish using heavy cream instead of cream cheese?
While heavy cream will provide a rich flavor, it will not thicken the sauce in the same way as cream cheese. Cream cheese contributes body and stability to the sauce that prevents it from becoming too runny. If you choose to use heavy cream, you may need to reduce the amount of broth to ensure the sauce coats the noodles properly.
How do I reheat this without breaking the sauce?
The best way to reheat this pasta is on the stovetop over low heat with a small splash of broth or water added to the pan. Gently stir the mixture to loosen the sauce and incorporate the added moisture. Avoid using high heat, which can cause the dairy components to separate and lead to an oily texture.
Is it possible to prepare the chicken base ahead of time?
You can certainly cook the chicken and onions in advance and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to prepare the pasta. When you are ready to eat, simply heat the chicken base in your skillet and proceed with adding the liquid and dry pasta. This workflow is a great way to save even more time on hectic evenings.
Why did my pasta stick to the bottom of the pan?
One-pot pasta requires occasional stirring to prevent the starch released by the noodles from causing them to bond with the pan. Ensure you are using a heavy-bottomed skillet or an enameled pot, which distributes heat more evenly than thin metal pans. If you notice it sticking early on, give it a vigorous stir and slightly reduce your burner temperature.
Print
One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: High Protein
Description
Penne pasta with sautéed chicken, spinach and tomatoes in a creamy sauce all cooked in one pot.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. penne pasta
- 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tbsp butter
- 1 lb. chicken breast, cubed
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 1 15oz. can diced tomatoes
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (stems removed)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 3/4 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 4 oz. cream cheese
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
Instructions
- Step: Add oil and butter to a large deep skillet over medium heat.
- Step: Once the skillet is hot, add diced chicken and onions and cook for about 8-10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and onions are soft.
- Step: Add remaining ingredients to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Step: Bring to a low simmer and cook for about 20 minutes or until penne is al dente.
- Step: Remove pasta from heat, stir, and let sit a couple minutes before serving.
- Step: Serve with fresh grated parmesan, red pepper flakes, and fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
To store your pasta: Place completely cooled pasta in an airtight storage container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg