One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Transform your weeknight dinners with this One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta recipe! This comforting dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce all cooked in one pot for effortless cleanup. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe guarantees a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
This One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is a game-changer for busy families.
The Joy of One-Pot Meals
One-pot meals are a game changer for busy families. They not only save time during the cooking process but also make cleanup a breeze. With everything cooked in one vessel, you’ll spend less time scrubbing pots and pans and more time enjoying dinner with your loved ones. This One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta recipe brings all those benefits and adds delicious flavors to the mix, ensuring that your weeknight dinners are both quick and satisfying.
Additionally, one-pot meals encourage you to experiment with different ingredients. Whether you have leftover vegetables in the fridge or want to try a different type of pasta, the versatility is endless. With just a few tweaks, you can personalize this dish to suit your family's taste preferences, making every meal unique and exciting.
Perfect for Family Dinners
Family dinners can often be a juggling act between busy schedules and picky eaters. This One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta simplifies the process by providing a comforting and tasty meal that everyone will love. The creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta create a delightful dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Moreover, involving children in the cooking process can turn meal prep into a fun family activity. Let them help with measuring ingredients or mixing the sauce. Not only does this make the cooking process enjoyable, but it also teaches them valuable kitchen skills that they will carry into adulthood.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
This One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is not only delicious, but it also makes for great leftovers. If you find yourself with extra servings, you can easily store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the dish's creamy texture and flavor.
For those looking to meal prep, you can cook a double batch and portion it out for lunches or dinners throughout the week. This recipe is adaptable, so don't hesitate to throw in any seasonal vegetables or protein options to keep things fresh and exciting. With this dish in your rotation, you'll have quick, ready-to-eat meals that satisfy.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor!
Instructions
Steps
Sauté the Chicken
In a large pot, sauté the diced chicken over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Aromatics
In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
Add Pasta and Broth
Stir in the pasta and chicken broth, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer until the pasta is al dente.
Create the Sauce
Once pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and season with salt and pepper.
Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your one pot meal!
Make sure everything is well combined!
Nutritional Benefits
This One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is not just a comfort food but also a well-rounded meal. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is vital for muscle repair and growth. Coupled with whole grain or legume pasta, you're getting added fiber, which is essential for digestive health.
The inclusion of Parmesan cheese not only adds creaminess but also provides calcium, which is crucial for bone health. The addition of herbs like parsley enhances the dish's nutritional profile, offering antioxidants and vitamins that are often absent in other pasta dishes.
Customizing Your Recipe
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its versatility. If you prefer different proteins, consider swapping out chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Each protein brings its unique flavor and texture, allowing you to tailor the dish to your dietary preferences.
You can also modify the creaminess by adjusting the amount of heavy cream and cheese. For a healthier twist, substitute part of the cream with Greek yogurt or use a plant-based alternative. Adding different fresh herbs or spices can elevate the dish, offering new flavor profiles to explore.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta.
→ How can I make it lighter?
Use whole grain pasta and substitute heavy cream with a lighter alternative.
One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
Transform your weeknight dinners with this One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta recipe! This comforting dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce all cooked in one pot for effortless cleanup. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe guarantees a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
How-To Steps
In a large pot, sauté the diced chicken over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pot, add the onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant and translucent.
Stir in the pasta and chicken broth, bringing to a boil. Reduce heat and let it simmer until the pasta is al dente.
Once pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy and season with salt and pepper.
Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your one pot meal!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fat: 20g