Description
This one pot cheesy chicken pasta is a quick and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender diced chicken breasts are browned and then simmered with penne pasta, garlic, diced tomatoes, and fresh spinach in a flavorful chicken broth. Cream cheese and shredded cheddar melt through the dish, creating a rich and creamy sauce that coats every bite. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty and comforting pasta dish serves four and makes cleanup easy with just one pot.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb or 450 g), diced
- 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta
Cheese and Dairy
- 4 oz (113 g) cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables and Herbs
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz or 410 g) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Liquids and Oils
- 4 cups (950 ml) chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken: Dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season with salt and pepper to enhance their flavor.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic to the same pot and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. If you choose to add optional vegetables, add them now and cook until softened.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and add the undrained diced tomatoes. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the penne pasta and Italian seasoning. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender.
- Melt Cream Cheese and Combine: Stir in the cubed cream cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce. Return the cooked chicken to the pot and add the chopped spinach. Stir gently until the spinach wilts and incorporates into the dish.
- Add Cheddar Cheese and Final Seasoning: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy chicken pasta warm, optionally garnished with fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
Notes
- For extra vegetables, consider adding bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini when sautéing garlic.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better control the salt level.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute penne pasta with gluten-free pasta.
