Easy One-Pot Chicken Pasta Dinner

Looking for a quick, delicious meal that can be prepared in one pot? Try this One-Pot Chicken Pasta Dinner. This hearty and satisfying dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you’re looking to whip up something flavorful without too much hassle. The preparation time is approximately 25 minutes, and it serves four generous portions.

Ingredients needed include chicken breast, whole wheat pasta (penne works well), onion, garlic cloves, canned tomatoes or tomato sauce, carrots, zucchini, green peas, salt, pepper, olive oil, and fresh parsley. This recipe will satisfy your taste buds while being nutritious and comforting at the same time.

Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Chop the onion into small pieces and mince the garlic cloves. Peel and slice carrots diagonally on a slight angle; dice zucchini lengthwise. Boil water in a large pot, add pasta, stir well, then cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

While the pasta is cooking, prepare your chicken breast by seasoning with salt, pepper, and olive oil. In another large bowl or Dutch oven, combine cooked pasta with tomatoes or tomato sauce, carrots, zucchini, green peas, and chopped garlic. Mix well to ensure that all vegetables are evenly distributed.

Now add the seasoned chicken over the pasta mixture and pour about 1/2 cup of water into the pot to help release flavors from the chicken. Cover tightly with an oven-safe lid or foil. Place in your preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, checking halfway through if the chicken is cooked thoroughly.

Once done, remove the dish from the oven carefully as it may be hot and use tongs to flip pieces of chicken so that they are fully browned on both sides. Add fresh chopped parsley over everything just before serving for added freshness and color.

This One-Pot Chicken Pasta Dinner is incredibly versatile too. You can experiment with different types of pasta like fusilli or bow tie, try substituting ground turkey instead of chicken breast, use any kind of vegetables you prefer such as bell peppers or mushrooms, or even add some cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.

For those who love to have their meals spiced up, feel free to incorporate red pepper flakes into the dish. Adding more spices like cumin, paprika, or chili powder could transform this classic pasta dish into something truly extraordinary. You can also drizzle extra virgin olive oil on top for a richer taste if desired.

Serving suggestions go beyond just enjoying it as is. This meal pairs wonderfully with garlic bread or crusty French bread for dipping. A fresh tossed salad adds freshness and nutrients to complement the richness of the pasta and chicken.

The nutritional value per serving includes approximately 300 calories, 25g carbs, 15g protein, 7g fat (of which less than 4g is saturated), with only 400mg sodium. It’s a balanced meal that satisfies both your hunger and health goals.

This dish not only caters to busy weeknight dinners but also serves as an excellent option for family gatherings or casual dinner parties due to its simplicity and versatility. Plus, having most ingredients readily available makes it easy to adapt depending on what you have at home. With minimal effort, this One-Pot Chicken Pasta Dinner becomes a staple in many households.

Remember, cooking shouldn’t be a chore; instead, it should be an enjoyable experience that brings people together. So why not give this recipe a try? Whether you're looking for comfort food or something new to experiment with, this dish promises a delightful taste and satisfying meal every time!