One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta is a super quick and easy dinner made with chicken and shells in a creamy Italian tomato sauce. Ready in less than 30 minutes!
If you’re looking for a quick and easy chicken dinner with few ingredients, you’re going to love this creamy chicken pasta recipe! You cook the chicken and pasta together in one pot for easy clean-up, and the entire meal is done in under 30 minutes.
I’ve been getting requests to turn my Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta into a one-pot meal, and you guys, here it is! Usually, I convert one pot dinners to Instant Pot recipes, so this was a little bit different for me.
But I know not everyone has an electric pressure cooker, and this easy chicken recipe is something anyone can make! Seriously, even my pickiest eaters think this is one of the BEST chicken pasta recipes out there!
How to Make Creamy Italian Chicken Pasta
Start out by cutting 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts into large cubes. Then, cook the chicken in a large pot until it’s no longer pink.
I used simple seasonings here — just salt, pepper, garlic powder and Italian seasoning blend. I also used chopped onions, but you can leave them out if you want.
Next, add your shell pasta, marinara sauce and water. Give it a quick stir, cover the pot, and let it all cook together until the pasta starts to get soft.
You do have to keep an eye on the pasta and chicken and stir it from time to time. When the pasta starts to soften, add your heavy cream.
Leave the lid off to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken. When the pasta is cooked al dente, you can stir in some grated Parmesan cheese.
I usually throw in a little fresh parsley, but this is optional. It adds such a pretty pop of color, though, and it adds a little bit of freshness to this creamy one pot pasta dish.
The pasta might seem a little saucy, but it will thicken up as it cools off. If you want it thicker, you can add more Parm.
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One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe
One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- .5 cup chopped onions
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut up
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 16- ounces medium shell pasta uncooked
- 24- ounces marinara sauce
- 3 cups water
- .5 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- fresh parsley, optional chopped
Instructions
- Heat a Dutch oven or large pot until warm, then add the olive oil and onions, and cook until onions are just soft
- Add the chicken to the pot, then add the Italian seasoning, sea salt, garlic powder and pepper, and cook over medium high heat until chicken is no longer pink, stirring frequently
- Stir in the pasta, marinara sauce and water, then cover with lid, and cook until pasta starts to soften, stirring frequently to make sure pasta doesn't stick to the bottom
- Remove lid, and stir in heavy cream, and cook uncovered until pasta is al dente. Stir in Parmesan cheese, top with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve
Notes
Nutrition
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Ali says
Made this recipe for my wife. Usually our pasta meals are bland and boring. This pasta was full of so much flavor. I’d definitely recommend this to anyone looking for an easy dinner recipe.
Dee says
Thank you so much, Ali. I’m glad you both enjoyed it!
Kenzi says
Need comfort food? Something super easy and flavorful? This recipe will not disappoint!
Dee says
Thank you so much, Kenzi! I’m glad you liked it!
Alex says
Made this last night, it’s delish! I changed a few things though-
Instead of the pasta you used, I changed this to lenguine
Added some mushrooms and a handful of spinach
Dee says
That sounds delicious! So glad you enjoyed it!
Tineke says
Just made it. At first, when reading the recipe and amounts of ingredients, I thought….wow, that’s a lot. Then I saw it’s 10 servings. As I’m living alone I used half of everything. I just tasted it and it’s great! A pity I have to wait several hours before it’s dinner time LOL. I added a can of garden peas for the needed veggies 😉 I think it’s nice with a green salad on the side too.
Thanks for this recipe!!
Dee says
So glad you enjoyed the recipe! It freezes and reheats well, so it works for leftovers too. Thanks so much!
Allyson Zea says
Ohhhhh! This looks SO SO delicious! I can’t wait to make it for dinner!
Dee says
Hope you get a chance to try it soon, Allyson.
James says
Great dinner last night. Loved the meal and the easy clean up. Kids want to have it again already!
Dee says
Thanks, James! I’m so happy you guys liked it!
Catalina says
This pasta looks so creamy and inviting! I can’t wait to try it!
Dee says
Thanks! Hope you enjoy the pasta. 🙂
Katerina @ diethood .com says
Oh my, this looks incredibly delicious!! My family would LOVE it!!
Dee says
Mine loved it! Thanks, Katerina — hope you get a chance to try it!
Chrissie Baker says
Love a one pot meal! Especially one as creamy as this one!
Dee says
One pot meals are the best! Yes, this one is super creamy!
Dorothy Reinhold says
That looks so creamy and delcious. Love how it comes together easily and in one pot.
Amanda says
What’s not to love about this recipe. Thank you so much for sharing!
Dee says
You’re so very welcome, Amanda. Thanks!
Stephanie says
This was amazing! I just loved how creamy it was. Definitely a keeper.
Dee says
That’s wonderful, Stephanie! Thanks so much!