One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful dinner that comes together in no time, you’re going to love this One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, al dente pasta, creamy sauce, and those irresistible Italian flavors—all cooked in a single pan for easy cleanup and maximum yum.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Minimal cleanup: Since everything cooks in one pot, you spend less time scrubbing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.
Rich and creamy flavor: The combination of heavy cream, parmesan, and sun-dried tomatoes makes this dish incredibly decadent yet balanced.
Perfect for busy weeknights: Takes less than an hour from start to finish, making it ideal when you want homemade without the hassle.
Customizable and crowd-pleasing: Easily adjust veggies or seasonings to suit your taste, and it’s sure to be a hit with friends and family alike.

Ingredients & Substitutions

The magic of this One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role—chicken adds protein and heartiness, mushrooms bring earthiness and texture, and a blend of Italian seasonings gives the dish its signature flavor and inviting aroma.

• Chicken breast: Using boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures lean protein that cooks quickly and stays tender.
• Mushrooms: White or cremini mushrooms add a lovely umami touch and soak up all the delicious sauce.
• Olive oil: A staple in Italian cooking, it helps brown the chicken and build flavor right from the start.
• Penne pasta: This shape holds sauce beautifully, but feel free to swap in rigatoni or farfalle based on your preference.
• Chicken broth: Using broth instead of water intensifies the taste, making every bite richer.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix of herbs that brings those classic Italian notes to life.
• Baby spinach: Adds a pop of color and a healthy dose of greens without overpowering the dish.
• Heavy cream: Creates that smooth, luxurious finish everyone loves in a creamy pasta.
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Offer a tangy sweetness that cuts through the creaminess.
• Parmesan cheese: For that salty, nutty richness you can’t resist.

How to Make One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Chicken

Start by cubing your chicken breast into bite-sized pieces—this helps everything cook evenly. Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat, then toss in the chicken. Season it well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let it brown beautifully on all sides for about 6 to 8 minutes. This step lays the flavorful foundation for the entire dish.

Step 2: Add Pasta and Broth, Then Simmer

Pour in the chicken broth along with the Italian seasoning, then add your uncooked penne pasta. Crank the heat back up until everything comes to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce to medium heat and cover with a lid. This is where the magic happens: the pasta cooks right in the flavorful broth, absorbing all those wonderful tastes. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom.

Step 3: Finish with Cream, Veggies, and Cheese

When your pasta reaches al dente perfection, it’s time to add the sliced mushrooms, baby spinach, heavy cream, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir everything together and let it gently simmer for about a minute to blend all those flavors. Finally, remove from heat and sprinkle in plenty of parmesan cheese—stirring until it melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce. Yum!

How to Serve One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate this dish even further, sprinkle some freshly chopped basil or parsley on top for a fresh herbal pop. A crack of black pepper and an extra dusting of parmesan never hurt either. If you love a little heat, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes will add a subtle kick that perfectly cuts through the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This one pot wonder pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness. Garlic bread or warm focaccia makes for an indulgent accompaniment, perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini add a healthy and colorful side that complements Italian flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta in small individual bowls garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for a pop of color. Try layering the pasta in clear glass bowls to show off the creamy sauce, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Hosting a casual dinner? Set up a pasta bar with various toppings like olives, extra cheese, and fresh herbs so guests can personalize their plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated promptly. This pasta holds up well for up to 3-4 days, making it great for meal prep or next-day dinners. The flavors meld even more after sitting overnight—if you can resist that long!

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, although cream-based pasta sauces sometimes change texture when thawed. If freezing, use a freezer-safe container and plan to enjoy within 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain creaminess and avoid separating.

Reheating

Reheat your One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems too thick. Alternatively, use the microwave in short intervals, stirring between each, to prevent uneven heating and keep the sauce luscious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe is a true kitchen gem—combining ease, flavor, and comfort in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a satisfying meal with minimal fuss, give it a whirl. I promise it’ll become one of your favorite go-to dinners in no time!

One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 64 reviews

• Author: Susan
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

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Description

This One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, mushrooms, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes all cooked together with penne pasta in a creamy Parmesan-infused sauce. It’s a convenient and delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners, combining savory Italian seasoning with creamy textures in a single skillet.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Vegetables

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed into 1-inch pieces
• 8 ounces white or cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup baby spinach
• 1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes

Dry Ingredients & Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning
• 16 ounces penne pasta

Liquids & Dairy

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese or grated

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Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Cube the boneless skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized, 1-inch pieces. Slice the white or cremini mushrooms and set aside for later use.
2. Cook Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large 12-inch deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and season with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 2 teaspoons garlic powder. Cook the chicken until it begins to brown, about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
3. Add Pasta and Broth: Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth along with 2 tablespoons of Italian seasoning. Add the uncooked 16 ounces of penne pasta to the skillet. Increase heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and cover the skillet with a lid. Allow the pasta to cook in the broth until al dente, following the cooking time indicated on the pasta package. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
5. Add Vegetables and Cream: After the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to a low simmer and stir in the sliced mushrooms, 1 cup of baby spinach, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1/4 cup of finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Mix well to combine all ingredients and let the mixture simmer for one minute to meld the flavors.
6. Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Serve: Serve the Italian chicken pasta hot, garnished as desired. Enjoy this easy and delicious one-pot meal perfect for any occasion.

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Notes

• Use chicken broth with low sodium if you want to control salt intake.
• For extra flavor, you can add a splash of white wine when adding the broth and pasta.
• Adjust heavy cream quantity for a lighter sauce if preferred.
• Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking to the pan.
• This recipe works well with other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.