Hearty One-Pot Chicken Pasta Dish (Print version)

Tender chicken, pasta, vegetables, and a creamy Parmesan sauce cooked together in one pot for a cozy family dinner.

# Ingredients:

For the chicken

01 - 1 1/2 lb (680 g) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
03 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the pasta and vegetables

06 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
07 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
09 - 3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
10 - 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) whole milk or half-and-half
11 - 1 cup (115 g) diced carrots
12 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
13 - 2 cups (180 g) small broccoli florets
14 - 1 cup (140 g) frozen peas

For the creamy finish

15 - 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, cubed and softened
16 - 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
17 - 1 cup (110 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
19 - Warm broth or milk, as needed to loosen

# Instructions:

01 - Pat the chicken dry. Toss with 1/2 teaspoon salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
02 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in one layer and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning once, until lightly browned. Transfer to a plate.
03 - Lower the heat to medium. Add onion and cook for 3 minutes, scraping up browned bits. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
04 - Add pasta, chicken broth, milk, carrots, bell pepper, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes.
05 - Return the chicken and any juices to the pot. Stir in broccoli and peas. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes more, until the pasta is tender and the chicken reaches 165°F.
06 - Turn off the heat. Stir in cream cheese until smooth, then add Parmesan and mozzarella. Loosen with a splash of warm broth or milk if needed.
07 - Let the pasta rest for 3 minutes so the sauce thickens. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.

# Good to know:

01 - Best served right after cooking while the sauce is creamy.
02 - Use a wide pot or deep skillet so the pasta cooks evenly.
03 - Add more warm broth or milk if the pasta absorbs liquid before it is tender.

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