This one pan meal that is easy and delicious is guaranteed to have happy plates all around! And the clean up is almost zero.
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One-Pan Chicken Pasta: A Weeknight Dinner That Practically Cooks Itself
Let’s be honest—weeknight dinners can feel like an Olympic event. You’re racing against the clock, trying to make something that isn’t frozen pizza (again), while simultaneously answering emails, letting the dog out, and wondering why the laundry never seems to do itself.
Enter: One-Pan Chicken Pasta—your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish is the perfect solution for busy nights when you want a home-cooked meal without the sink full of dishes. It’s creamy, flavorful, and—best of all—it only requires one pan. That’s right, one single pan to cook both your protein and pasta. If that isn’t kitchen magic, I don’t know what is.
So grab a skillet, pour yourself a drink (optional, but highly recommended), and let’s dive into why this dish is about to become your new weeknight go-to.
Why One-Pan Meals Are the Best Thing Since Sliced Bread
If you’re like me, you love cooking but absolutely despise doing dishes. That’s why one-pan meals are an absolute game-changer. They save time, effort, and your sanity. Here’s why this one deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation:
✔ Less Cleanup: One pan = fewer dishes. It’s simple math, and I’m here for it.
✔ Fast & Efficient: No need to cook the pasta separately—everything simmers together for maximum flavor and minimal effort.
✔ Packed with Flavor: Cooking everything in the same pan means the pasta soaks up all those rich, savory flavors. No bland noodles here!
✔ Family-Approved: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or a crowd that loves seconds, this dish has universal appeal.
Let’s Talk Ingredients
You don’t need anything fancy to make this dish work—just a handful of pantry staples and some fresh ingredients.
Here’s What You’ll Need:
• Chicken breasts – The star of the show. Juicy, tender, and packed with protein.
• Olive oil – Because every good dish starts with a little sizzle.
• Onion & garlic – The dynamic duo of flavor. If you don’t have fresh garlic, use garlic powder (but fresh is always better).
• Chicken broth – Adds richness and keeps everything from drying out.
• Pasta – Choose your favorite, but short pasta like penne or rotini works best here.
• Heavy cream – The secret to that luscious, creamy sauce.
• Parmesan cheese – Because cheese makes everything better.
• Spinach – Sneaky greens for a little color and extra nutrients.
• Salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning – Simple, classic, and essential for that perfect seasoning balance.
Now that you’ve got everything ready, let’s get cooking!
How to Make One-Pan Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Season your chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then let it sizzle until golden brown on both sides. You’re not cooking it all the way through yet—just getting that nice, crispy exterior. Once browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan (because we’re not about to dirty another one), toss in your chopped onions and garlic. Let them cook until they’re fragrant and slightly golden—this is where the flavor magic starts to happen.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Pasta
Pour in your chicken broth, making sure to scrape up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring it to a simmer, then add the uncooked pasta. Yes, that’s right—no separate pot needed! The pasta will cook right in the broth, absorbing all that rich, savory goodness.
Step 4: Reunite with the Chicken
Slice your browned chicken into bite-sized pieces and add it back into the pan. Everything is starting to come together now! Let it simmer gently while the pasta continues to cook.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Once the pasta is perfectly al dente (fancy word for “not mushy”), stir in the heavy cream and a generous handful of Parmesan cheese. Watch as the sauce transforms into a rich, velvety masterpiece.
Step 6: Add the Greens
Right before serving, toss in a handful of spinach and stir until it wilts. Not only does this add a pop of color, but it also makes you feel super healthy—even if you’re on your second bowl.
Step 7: Serve & Enjoy
Dish it up, sprinkle on extra Parmesan (because why not?), and dig in!
Tips for the Best One-Pan Chicken Pasta
✔ Use the Right Pan: A large skillet with high sides works best so you don’t have pasta flying everywhere.
✔ Adjust the Liquid: If your pasta absorbs too much broth before it’s done cooking, just add a splash more to keep things saucy.
✔ Don’t Skip the Cheese: Parmesan adds depth and saltiness, so be generous!
✔ Make It Your Own: Add sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
What to Serve with One-Pan Chicken Pasta
While this dish is a complete meal on its own, you can elevate it even more with:
• A crisp side salad with balsamic dressing
• Garlic bread (because carbs deserve a friend)
• Roasted veggies like asparagus or Brussels sprouts
• A glass of wine—because you deserve it
Common Questions About One-Pan Chicken Pasta
Can I Use a Different Protein?
Absolutely! Swap the chicken for shrimp, turkey, or even sausage.
Can I Make This Dairy-Free?
Yes! Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to keep it saucy.
Can I Use Gluten-Free Pasta?
Yes, but keep an eye on it—it tends to cook faster and might need less broth.
Final Thoughts: The One-Pan Wonder You Need in Your Life
If you’ve ever wanted a meal that’s easy, delicious, and doesn’t leave your kitchen looking like a tornado hit it, this One-Pan Chicken Pasta is it. It’s comforting, flavorful, and so simple you’ll wonder why you ever made pasta any other way.
So the next time you find yourself staring into the fridge wondering what to cook, remember this recipe. And when you do make it, leave a comment below—I’d love to hear how it turned out for you!
Now go forth and make dinner like the kitchen boss you are. Happy cooking!
