Why Make This Recipe
One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is a fantastic meal for busy weekdays. It’s simple, quick, and packed with flavor, making it perfect for the whole family. You can cook the chicken and pasta together in one pot, saving you time on cleanup.
This dish combines tender chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach with creamy sauce, all mixed into al dente linguine. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also a complete meal that feels special, yet is easy enough for any cook to master.
Equipment Needed For One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
To prepare this dish, a large pot or Dutch oven is essential. The pot should have a lid that fits well to help cook the pasta evenly. A good cutting board and a sharp knife are also necessary for chopping the chicken and vegetables.
You will need measuring spoons for the ingredients, as well as a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring. Having a ladle may also make serving simpler. Finally, a pair of tongs can help to toss the cooked pasta and mix everything together nicely.
What You Need to Make One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
Here’s a simple list of ingredients you’ll need to gather before you start cooking:
- 1 pound Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (diced into bite-size pieces)
- 1 Tablespoon Olive oil
- 2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (drained and chopped)
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 16 oz Linguine
- 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
- 4 cups Low Sodium Chicken Broth
- 8 ounces Baby Spinach Leaves (chopped)
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
How to Cook One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta Step by Step
To begin, heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add in the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 3-4 minutes until it’s golden brown on the outside.
Next, add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to the pot. Cook these ingredients together for about one minute, allowing their aromatic flavors to mix beautifully. After that, pour in the chicken broth, and stir in the linguine, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.
Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, then reduce the heat to medium and cover the pot with a lid. Let the pasta cook until it’s al dente, which should take around 7 to 9 minutes. Make sure to toss the pasta occasionally, so it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick together.
Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Then, stir in the chopped spinach, along with the heavy whipping cream and graded Parmesan cheese. Mix everything together until well incorporated, allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce.
Let the dish simmer for one more minute. After that, it will be ready to serve. Simply remove the pot from the heat and scoop out generous portions onto plates. Enjoy the pasta while it’s warm. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days.
How To Make One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
Making One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is a straightforward process that even novice cooks can follow. Start by gathering all your ingredients and equipment beforehand. This will help streamline the cooking process and ensure you don’t forget anything.
Ensuring that the chicken is diced into small pieces will help it cook evenly and quickly. It’s also critical to stir the mixture regularly while the pasta cooks to avoid any sticking and to guarantee that everyone gets a taste of all the flavors combined.
When adding the spinach, make sure it wilts a little but doesn’t overcook; it should still have a slight crunch to it. The heavy cream and Parmesan add richness to the dish, so don’t rush this step.
How To Serve One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
When serving One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta, it’s best to present it directly from the pot for a family-style meal setting. This keeps everything warm and gooey. You can sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top of each serving for an added touch.
Add a few fresh basil leaves or a pinch of fresh herbs as a garnish to make your dish more visually appealing. Using a ladle will help to portion out the pasta easily, ensuring everyone gets a healthy serving.
If you like a kick of heat, serve the pasta with additional red pepper flakes on the side. This allows each person to adjust the heat level to their preference.
What To Serve With One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
To complement this dish, consider serving a simple green salad. A light lemon vinaigrette or balsamic dressing can add a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
Garlic bread also pairs wonderfully with pasta, providing a crunchy texture that balances out the softness of the dish. You might also consider serving some roasted or steamed vegetables on the side for added nutrition.
If you’d like a bit of brightness, some sliced tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and balsamic glaze can elevate the meal further. Don’t forget to offer some extra Parmesan cheese and fresh herbs, so everyone can customize their plates.
How To Store One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
To store your One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta, wait until it has cooled down to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to keep out air, which could cause the pasta to dry out.
You can store the dish in the refrigerator for up to five days. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them on the stovetop or in a microwave. If the pasta seems dry, you can add a splash of chicken broth or a little cream to bring it back to life.
Freezing is also an option, but note that the texture of the pasta may change slightly. If you choose to freeze it, store it in a freezer-safe container and consume it within three months for the best quality.
Tips To Make One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
For the best results, make sure not to overcook the pasta. Checking for that al dente texture is crucial, as it will continue to cook slightly after removing from the heat.
Experimenting with different vegetables is also a great way to put a twist on this dish. You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini along with the spinach for a more veggie-packed meal.
If you’re a fan of more intense flavors, consider marinating the chicken in Italian dressing for about an hour before cooking. This adds an extra dimension of taste to the dish that many will love.
Always taste your food as you cook; this allows you to adjust salt, pepper, and any seasonings to fit your personal preference for the perfect balance of flavors.
Variation
One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta can be easily adapted to fit different diets or tastes. If you’re looking to make it vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based protein.
For a richer flavor, consider using Italian sausage instead of chicken. It adds an extra layer of identity to the dish. If you prefer whole grain pasta, you can substitute linguine with whole-wheat or gluten-free pasta.
Adding different herbs can also create a fresh twist. Fresh basil or parsley at the end can brighten the flavors. Additionally, substituting some of the cream with a lighter alternative like Greek yogurt can reduce calories while maintaining creaminess.
Best Time To Make One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is ideal for a weekday dinner when you’re pressed for time but still want a satisfying meal. It’s quick to prepare and can be on the table in around 30 minutes.
Furthermore, it’s an excellent choice for meal prepping on Sundays. You can make a large batch to enjoy throughout the week, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
If you’re hosting a casual gathering or a family get-together, this dish makes for a comforting and delightful dish that everyone will love.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
One common mistake is not stirring the pasta enough while it cooks. This can lead to clumping and may not achieve the desired al dente consistency.
Another mistake that can happen is overcooking the chicken. It’s essential to sauté just until golden and cooked through; overcooked chicken can turn dry and chewy.
When adding the heavy cream, do not let it boil. This could cause the cream to curdle, ruining the smooth texture of your sauce. Instead, stir gently over low heat to incorporate it smoothly.
Nutritional Notes
One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is not only delicious but can also be a nutritious meal when balanced correctly. The chicken provides a good source of protein while the spinach adds vitamins and minerals.
Using low-sodium chicken broth helps keep the overall sodium level in check. The inclusion of heavy cream and cheese will add calories, so if you are watching your intake, consider lighter options as mentioned in the variation section.
Eating this dish can be part of a balanced diet, especially if coupled with a side of fresh vegetables or a salad.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute linguine with any pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you choose.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare this meal ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to five days. Just remember to refrigerate in an airtight container.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish can be spicy due to red pepper flakes, but those are optional. You can leave them out if you prefer a milder flavor.
Conclusion
One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta is a versatile, delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s an ordinary weekday or a weekend gathering. With its creamy texture and combination of flavors, it’s bound to please everyone.
Taking just one pot means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. So, try making it at home, and experience firsthand how simple yet delightful cooking can be. Enjoy your culinary journey with this comforting and satisfying dish!
One Pot Italian Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the diced chicken, seasoning it with salt and pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Add the minced garlic and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook together for about one minute.
- Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the linguine, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring to a rolling boil, reduce heat to medium, and cover the pot. Cook until al dente, about 7 to 9 minutes, tossing occasionally.
- Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, stir in the chopped spinach, heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until well incorporated.
- Let it simmer for one more minute before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
