# One Pot Chicken Pasta: A Go-To Weeknight Delight
One pot chicken pasta is the type of straightforward, soothing meal that combines everything in one pot for a go-to weeknight delight. This recipe is not only tasty but also time-efficient, making it ideal for hectic nights.
## Reasons to Prepare It
– **Fewer Dishes**: The pasta simmers in the sauce, reducing cleanup.
– **Swift Preparation**: It comes together in under 30 minutes.
– **Tasty**: Creamy, garlicky, and loaded with chicken, tomatoes, and cheesy pasta.
## Ingredient Alternatives
– **Extra Ingredients**: Add spinach at the end for extra nutrition or use pre-cooked chicken to speed things up.
– **Time-Efficient**: Choose pre-chopped onion, pre-grated cheese, and leftover cooked chicken for even quicker prep.
## Serving Ideas
Serve this dish with:
– [Garlic Bread](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/homemade-garlic-bread/)
– A [Crisp Salad](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/super-summer-salad/)
– [Roasted Broccoli](https://www.spendwithpennies.com/parmesan-roasted-broccoli/)
## Ingredients for Chicken Pasta
– **Chicken**: Dice chicken breast into small, uniform pieces for rapid cooking. Chicken thighs or rotisserie chicken make excellent alternatives.
– **Italian Herbs**: Use either store-bought or homemade. For added spice, incorporate red pepper flakes or swap with Cajun seasoning.
– **Canned Tomatoes**: Drain to maintain a thick sauce. Fire-roasted tomatoes enhance flavor complexity.
– **Pasta**: Short pasta varieties like penne, ziti, rotini, or shells are best.
– **Cheese**: Mozzarella offers a gooey topping. Provolone or an Italian mix can be utilized as substitutes.
## One Pot, Complete
1. Season and cook chicken in a large pot. Put aside.
2. Sauté onion and garlic, then mix in broth, tomatoes, cream, parsley, and seasonings.
3. Combine pasta and simmer until tender.
4. Stir in parmesan cheese and cooked chicken. Garnish with mozzarella, then broil until golden.
### Success Tips
– **Even Cooking**: Chop chicken into uniform pieces.
– **Prevent Sticking**: Maintain a gentle simmer for the pasta and stir frequently.
– **Soft Pasta**: Add extra broth if needed near the end.
– **Creamy Sauce**: Shred cheese from a block for optimal melt.
– **Incorporating Leftover Chicken**: Mix in cooked chicken right before adding cheese on top.
– **Ideal Consistency**: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes to thicken.
## Store for Later
Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for as long as 2 months. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of broth, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce.
## Repeated Easy Pasta Nights
This one pot chicken pasta recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite in your weeknight dinner lineup. Savor the comforting flavors and the simplicity of preparation that this dish provides.