This one-pan chicken pasta cooks everything in a single skillet, so the pasta soaks up a tomato cream sauce as it simmers. Golden chicken, garlic and onion build the flavor, and a handful of Parmesan finishes it. Serve it warm with a little fresh basil on top.

Table of Contents

Ingredients

To make this delicious one-pan chicken and pasta, you’ll need:

Chicken Breast – 1 pound, cut into bite-sized pieces
Olive Oil – 2 tablespoons
Onion – 1 medium, finely chopped
Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
Pasta – 8 ounces (penne or rotini works best)
Chicken Broth – 2 cups
Crushed Tomatoes – 1 cup
Heavy Cream – ½ cup
Parmesan Cheese – ½ cup, grated
Italian Seasoning – 1 teaspoon
Salt and Pepper – to taste
Fresh Basil – for garnish (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

In the same pan, add the chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

3. Add the Liquids and Pasta

Stir in the chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, and Italian seasoning. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the pasta. Stir to ensure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid.

4. Simmer the Pasta

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the pasta cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

5. Combine with Chicken

Return the cooked chicken to the pan and stir it into the pasta and sauce. Let everything simmer together for 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.

6. Garnish and Serve

Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top. Garnish with fresh basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!

Tips for Success

Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini work best for this recipe.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Keep an eye on the pasta to ensure it remains al dente.
Add Vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make excellent additions.

Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal from the comfort of your home. Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on social media!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pasta works best for one-pan chicken pasta?

Short shapes such as penne or rotini hold up best in this dish. Watch the pan near the end so the pasta stays al dente rather than going soft.

Can I add vegetables to this chicken and pasta?

Yes. Spinach, mushrooms or bell peppers all work well stirred in with the pasta and sauce.

How do I know the chicken is cooked through?

Sear the bite-sized pieces for 5 to 7 minutes until golden brown, and make sure they reach 165 F (74 C) inside before you set them aside. They go back into the sauce later for a few minutes of simmering.

Browse more in our Chicken Recipes collection.

One-Pan Chicken and Pasta in Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe