Description
This one pot cheesy chicken pasta is a creamy, comforting dish combining tender chicken, penne pasta, and a blend of cheeses with spinach and tomatoes, all cooked together in a single pot for an easy and flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasoning
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 450 g), diced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Pasta & Liquids
- 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
- 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
Cheeses
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season them with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor before cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the same pot and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. If adding optional vegetables, include them now and cook until softened.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and add the undrained diced tomatoes. Bring this mixture to a boil. Then add the penne pasta and Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Melt Cream Cheese & Add Spinach: Stir in the cubed cream cheese until it fully melts into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and add the chopped spinach. Stir until the spinach wilts, blending all flavors together.
- Finish with Cheddar Cheese: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy chicken pasta warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms during the garlic sauté step for added nutrition and flavor.
- Use gluten-free pasta if needed to adapt for gluten intolerance.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
