Creamy Chicken Pasta with Vegetables in One Pot (Print version)
Tender chicken, pasta, and colorful vegetables cook together in one pot, then finish in a creamy parmesan sauce.
# Ingredients:
For the chicken and vegetables
01 -
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
02 -
1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
03 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
04 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
05 -
1 small yellow onion, diced
06 -
1 medium carrot, thinly sliced
07 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1 cup (90 g) small broccoli florets
09 -
1 red bell pepper, diced
10 -
1/2 cup (70 g) frozen peas
11 -
2 cups (60 g) fresh baby spinach
For the pasta and sauce
12 -
12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
13 -
3 cups (720 ml) low-sodium chicken broth
14 -
1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
15 -
4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, cubed and softened
16 -
1/2 cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese
17 -
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
18 -
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Pat the chicken dry, then season it with 1/2 teaspoon salt and the black pepper.
02 -
Heat olive oil in a wide Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring once or twice, until lightly browned on the outside.
03 -
Add the onion, carrot, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens, then stir in the garlic for 30 seconds.
04 -
Stir in the penne, chicken broth, milk, broccoli, and bell pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a steady simmer. Cover and cook for 11-13 minutes, stirring often, until the pasta is almost tender.
05 -
Stir in the peas and spinach. Cook uncovered for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts, the peas are hot, and the chicken reaches 165°F.
06 -
Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in cream cheese, parmesan, lemon juice, and parsley until smooth and creamy. Rest for 3 minutes before serving.
# Good to know:
01 -
Use a wide pot so the pasta cooks evenly in the sauce.
02 -
The sauce thickens as it rests, so serve soon after cooking.
03 -
Add a splash of warm broth if leftovers become too thick.