Are you in the mood for a comforting, delicious meal that requires minimal cleanup? Look no further than this One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta. In just a single pot, you can create a satisfying dish packed with flavor, nutritious ingredients, and creamy goodness, perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Why We Love This One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta Recipe
This recipe embodies convenience without sacrificing taste. It saves you from the hassle of doing multiple dishes, allowing you to prepare a flavorful meal all in one pot. Imagine a creamy sauce enveloping perfectly cooked pasta, tender vegetables, and succulent chicken, all topped off with a crunchy panko breadcrumb topping. Not only does it taste amazing, but it also incorporates a rainbow of vegetables, making it both hearty and nutritious. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it a go-to recipe for your family.
Ingredients about One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta
Gather the following fresh and pantry ingredients to get started on your culinary adventure:
List of ingredients with measurements
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup panko crumbs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (divided)
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 12 ounces dried ziti
- 2 cups mixed fresh vegetables (such as asparagus, matchstick carrots, and sliced onions)
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning blend
- 1 teaspoon chicken-flavored soup base (like Better than Bouillon®)
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken
- 1 cup (packed) chopped fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh basil sprigs for optional garnish
How to Make One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta Directions
- Gather Ingredients: Start by collecting all your ingredients. Having everything prepped and in one place makes your cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
- Prepare Panko: In a Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the panko crumbs along with a pinch of salt. Cook these crumbs until they turn golden brown, roughly about 3 to 5 minutes. Once they achieve that perfect crispiness, set them aside for later.
- Cook the Pasta: In the same Dutch oven, add 3 1/2 cups of water and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Bring the water to a boil, then add the dried ziti. Boil the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally for about 6 minutes, which allows for partial cooking.
- Add Vegetables and Seasonings: Toss in your mixed fresh vegetables, minced garlic, Italian herb seasoning, chicken-flavored soup base, and freshly ground black pepper. Continue boiling until the pasta and vegetables are barely tender, and most of the water has evaporated. This step should take around 4 minutes.
- Incorporate Chicken and Spinach: Add the chopped, cooked chicken and the fresh spinach to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for another minute. This will warm the chicken through and wilt the spinach perfectly.
- Finish with Creaminess: It’s time to create that creamy goodness! Mix in the sour cream and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until everything is well blended and coated.
- Serve It Up: Transfer the pasta mixture to a serving bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle the reserved panko crumbs on top for a delightful crunch, garnish with fresh basil sprigs, and serve warm.
How to Serve One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta
To make the most out of your One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta, consider the following serving suggestions. This dish is fantastic on its own, but it can be even better when paired with a light side salad or some crusty bread. A mixed greens salad dressed in a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of the pasta. For a little extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or some chopped parsley on top for color and zest. This dish is versatile and can suit any dining style, whether it’s a casual weeknight family dinner or a more polished Sunday meal.
Expert Tips: One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh, high-quality vegetables for the best flavor. Seasonal veggies not only taste better but also add a vibrant touch to your dish.
- Cooked Chicken: For the chicken, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time or the protein of your choice. This could be leftover roasted chicken or even shredded turkey if that’s what you have on hand.
- Adjust Creaminess: Feel free to adjust the amount of sour cream based on your creaminess preference. You can even substitute half of it with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor while maintaining a creamy texture.
- Nudging the Seasoning: If you enjoy bold flavors, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of Italian herbs or add a pinch of your favorite spices. It’s about finding the perfect balance for your palate.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, gently reheat it on the stovetop, adding a little water to restore creaminess.
How to Store One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta
To keep your One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta fresh, cooling it to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container is best. Store it in the refrigerator, where it will stay good for up to 3 days. It’s important to let it cool to avoid excess moisture. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat on the stovetop or microwave, stirring to maintain consistency, and adding a splash of water or broth if necessary to avoid it drying out.
Variation of One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta
This dish is incredibly adaptable. You can easily swap out the ziti for a different pasta shape like penne or fusilli, depending on your preference. Want to experiment with vegetables? Try adding broccoli, peas, or bell peppers. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and increase the amount of spinach or add cooked chickpeas for protein. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding spicy sausage or shrimp for a different flavor profile. The options are endless, allowing you the creativity to make this dish your own.
FAQ Section
What is One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta?
One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta is a simple yet delicious dish that combines pasta, chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all cooked together in one pot. It’s a convenient recipe perfect for busy individuals or families.
How long does it take to make One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta?
Typically, you can prepare and serve One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta in about 30 to 40 minutes. The single-pot method helps speed up the process while maximizing flavor.
Can I use different vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute the mixed vegetables with any of your favorites. Broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers would work wonderfully, adapting to your taste and what’s in season.
Is it possible to make One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It reheats well, making it a great meal prep option.
Can I freeze One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish for later use. Just ensure it cools completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw completely before reheating.
This One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta is not only a delightful meal option but also a conversation starter for gatherings, bringing forth the enticing aroma and flavors that encourage a cozy dining experience. Enjoy the ease and satisfaction of creating a dish that your family will adore!
One-Pan Creamy Chicken and Vegetable Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 ounces dried ziti You can substitute with different pasta shapes.
- 2 cups mixed fresh vegetables (such as asparagus, matchstick carrots, and sliced onions) Feel free to use seasonal vegetables.
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon Italian herb seasoning blend Add more for bolder flavors.
- 1 cup packed chopped fresh spinach
Chicken and Creaminess
- 2 cups chopped, cooked chicken Rotisserie chicken works well.
- 1/2 cup sour cream Can substitute half with Greek yogurt.
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Cooking Essentials
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter Used for toasting panko.
- 1/3 cup panko crumbs For topping.
- 3 1/2 cups water For cooking the pasta.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt Divided use between cooking pasta and panko.
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For drizzling before serving.
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by collecting all your ingredients.
- In a Dutch oven, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the panko crumbs along with a pinch of salt, cooking until golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes, and set aside.
Cooking
- In the same Dutch oven, add 3 1/2 cups of water and 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt. Bring to a boil, then add the dried ziti. Boil uncovered, stirring occasionally for about 6 minutes.
- Add the mixed vegetables, minced garlic, Italian herb seasoning, chicken-flavored soup base, and freshly ground black pepper, boiling until the pasta and vegetables are barely tender and most water has evaporated, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped, cooked chicken and fresh spinach, cooking for another minute.
- Mix in the sour cream and Parmesan cheese until well blended.
Serving
- Transfer to a serving bowl, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle reserved panko crumbs on top, garnish with fresh basil sprigs, and serve warm.
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