When it comes to weeknight dinners, there’s one kind of dish that always wins: comforting, satisfying, and made in just one pot. Say hello to One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta, a dish that brings together the bold, herby flavors of Italy with the ease and convenience that busy households crave.
This hearty, soul-warming meal combines tender chicken breast, pasta, rich tomato sauce, aromatic herbs, and melty cheese—all cooked together in a single pot. The result? A creamy, savory, and downright delicious pasta dinner that tastes like it simmered all day, but comes together in under 40 minutes with minimal cleanup.
What Is One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta?
At its heart, this dish is the perfect marriage of two comfort food staples: Italian pasta and juicy sautéed chicken. But unlike traditional pasta dishes where you have to boil the pasta separately and make the sauce in another pan, everything cooks in one pot, including the pasta, which absorbs all the delicious flavors of the sauce and spices.
The Italian flair comes through in the seasoning—think garlic, onion, oregano, basil, and crushed tomatoes—along with a touch of cream or cheese to make it luxuriously rich. It’s rustic, simple, and endlessly customizable depending on what you have in your pantry or fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic version of One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta to get you started:
For the Dish:
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1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, diced
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
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3 cups chicken broth
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1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
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½ cup tomato sauce or passata
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3 cups uncooked penne, rotini, or fusilli pasta
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½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian blend
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¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
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Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
How to Make One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, salt, pepper, and oregano. Sauté until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Build the Base
Add the chicken back to the pot along with the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine.
Step 4: Add the Pasta
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then stir in the uncooked pasta. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped basil or parsley. Serve hot with a slice of garlic bread or a green salad.
️ Why You’ll Love This Dish
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One Pot = Less Mess: Fewer dishes to wash after dinner.
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Packed with Flavor: Italian herbs and tomatoes make every bite savory and satisfying.
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Versatile: Use whatever pasta or protein you have on hand.
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Kid-Friendly: Creamy, cheesy, and mild enough for picky eaters.
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Meal Prep-Friendly: Tastes even better the next day.
Variations to Try
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Spicy Sausage Swap: Use Italian sausage instead of chicken for a heartier, spicier version.
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Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the simmering stage.
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Cream-Free: Omit the cream for a tomato-forward dish, or replace it with Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
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Cheese Upgrade: Swap in fontina, provolone, or a smoked mozzarella for deeper flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check labels on broth and sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Cool leftovers and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Add a splash of milk or broth before microwaving or reheating on the stove to loosen the sauce.
Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, this dish can be frozen. Freeze in portions, then thaw and reheat slowly to avoid overcooking the pasta.
Pairing Suggestions
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Wine: A glass of Chianti or Pinot Grigio complements the tomato and herbs beautifully.
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Side: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
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Dessert: Tiramisu, panna cotta, or a scoop of gelato.
Final Thoughts
One-Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is the perfect example of how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular. With its creamy tomato base, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a dish that checks every box: easy, delicious, family-friendly, and ideal for busy nights.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just feed a hungry crew with minimal effort, this dish is guaranteed to satisfy. It’s the kind of meal that becomes a staple—requested again and again.
