Okay, let’s talk about dinner when you’re wiped out but still want something amazing. I’ve perfected this One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio over the years, and honestly, it’s my go-to for those nights when the kids are buzzing and I just need a win. My specialty is making meals that *look* like they took hours but are secretly super simple. This dish is proof! It’s all about getting that delicious, creamy pasta with tender chicken, and the best part? It all cooks in *one* pot. Seriously, it’s a game-changer for busy families.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
You’re going to be obsessed with this dish, trust me! It’s got all the good stuff that makes dinner time a breeze:
- Super Speedy: We’re talking 10 minutes of prep and about 20 minutes of cooking. That means dinner on the table in practically no time at all, perfect for those crazy weeknights when you’ve got a million things going on.
- Minimal Cleanup: This is the holy grail, right? Only one pot to wash means more time for you and less time scrubbing. Your sink (and your sanity) will thank you!
- Kid-Approved Flavors: Seriously, even the pickiest eaters devour this. The creamy sauce and the fun shapes of the pasta trio make it a total winner. It’s just genuinely tasty, satisfying comfort food.
- The Pasta Trio Magic: Using penne, rotini, *and* farfalle isn’t just for fun (though it is fun!). Each shape holds the sauce a little differently, giving you different textures and bursts of flavor in every single bite. It’s a little something extra that makes this dish feel special.
- Versatile and Easy: Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is incredibly forgiving. You can easily tweak the seasonings or even swap out veggies if you’re feeling adventurous. It’s designed to be easy and delicious every single time.
Gathering Your Ingredients for the One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
Alright, let’s get down to business with what you’ll need for this amazing One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio. The beauty of this recipe is that it uses pretty standard stuff you probably have in your pantry or can grab easily. We’re talking good quality ingredients that come together without any fuss. The chicken broth is going to be the base of our creamy sauce, giving it that savory depth, and the heavy cream? Well, that’s the secret to making it super luscious and rich. It’s all about simplicity and flavor here, setting us up for a truly satisfying meal.
The Essential Ingredients for Your One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
Here’s exactly what you’ll need to pull off this deliciousness:
- 2 cups diced chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 1-inch cubes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (or about 1 teaspoon if you’re using pre-minced)
- 1 medium bell pepper (any color you like!), diced
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup penne pasta
- 1 cup rotini pasta
- 1 cup farfalle pasta (those cute little bow ties!)
- 1 teaspoon salt (or more, to your taste!)
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
Step-by-Step Guide to Making the One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
Alright, let’s get this deliciousness happening! Making the One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio is honestly so straightforward, it feels almost too easy. But trust me, it works like magic every single time. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dinner on the table before you know it.
Initial Sautéing and Building Flavor in Your One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
First things first, get a nice big pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. We want it warm enough to sizzle! Add that tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s shimmering a bit, toss in your diced chicken. You want to cook it until it’s nicely browned on all sides, which usually takes about 5 minutes. Don’t worry if it’s not cooked all the way through yet, we’ll finish that later. The browning adds so much flavor! Next, toss in your chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper. Give that a good sauté for about 3 minutes. You’re just looking to soften them up and get them nice and fragrant. This is where all that amazing flavor base for our pasta really starts to build!
Combining and Cooking the Pasta in the One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
Now for the fun part! Pour in your chicken broth and bring the whole thing to a rolling boil. This is exciting because it means we’re getting closer! Once it’s bubbling away, it’s time for the pasta. Add all three types – the penne, the rotini, and the farfalle – right into the pot. Give everything a good stir to make sure the pasta is submerged in the liquid and doesn’t clump together. Let it cook for about 10 minutes. You’ll want to stir it every so often to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot. We’re aiming for the pasta to be just about al dente, meaning it’s cooked but still has a slight bite to it.
Finishing Touches for Your Delicious One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
Okay, almost there! Reduce the heat to low. Now, pour in that glorious heavy cream. Add your salt, pepper, and dried basil. Stir everything gently to combine it all. Let it simmer for about 5 more minutes. What you’re looking for is the sauce to thicken up slightly. It’ll get nice and creamy, coating all that pasta and chicken beautifully. Once it’s reached that perfect consistency, it’s ready to go! Ladle it into bowls and serve it up hot. It’s seriously that simple!
Tips for Success with Your One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
Want to make sure your One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio is absolutely perfect every time? I’ve got a few little tricks up my sleeve! First off, if you’re really pressed for time, using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a total lifesaver. Just shred it and toss it in when you add the veggies, and you’re golden. Also, don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning! Everyone’s salt and pepper preferences are different, so give it a little taste before you serve and add more if you think it needs it. And a big one: make sure your pot is truly large enough. Trying to cram everything into a pot that’s too small is a recipe for pasta sticking and a messy stovetop, and we definitely don’t want that with this easy dish!
Frequently Asked Questions About the One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
Got questions about whipping up this amazing One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio? I totally get it! Here are some common ones I get asked:
- Can I use different kinds of pasta? Absolutely! While I love the trio for the texture and fun, feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand. Just keep in mind that different shapes have different cooking times. Thicker shapes might need a few extra minutes, so keep an eye on them to make sure they’re al dente. It’s still a fantastic easy chicken pasta, no matter the shape!
- What if I don’t eat chicken? Can I make it vegetarian? You sure can! To make this a vegetarian delight, just skip the chicken and add extra veggies like broccoli florets, zucchini, or mushrooms when you add the onion and garlic. It’s a super adaptable family dinner recipe!
- How long do leftovers last? This dish keeps really well! Store any leftover One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be good for about 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Can I make the sauce richer or lighter? For a richer sauce, you can add a splash more cream or even a tablespoon of butter at the end. If you want it a little lighter, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or even a bit more chicken broth to thin it out.
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
Let’s chat about some of the stars in this One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio! The heavy cream is really what makes that sauce so wonderfully rich and creamy, coating everything in pure comfort. If you’re looking for a slightly lighter version, you *can* try using half-and-half, but it won’t be quite as decadent. For a dairy-free option, a good quality full-fat coconut milk (the kind in the can, not the carton) can work, though it will add a subtle coconut flavor. When it comes to the chicken, diced breast is great because it cooks quickly and evenly, but you could totally use thighs too if you prefer! Just make sure they’re cut into similar bite-sized pieces. And about that pasta trio – feel free to mix and match! If you only have penne, or maybe some fusilli in the pantry, go for it! The key is just getting about 3 cups total of pasta.
Serving and Storing Your One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
This One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio is fantastic all on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is perfect. Some crusty bread for soaking up any extra sauce is also a great idea! When it comes to leftovers, just pop any remaining pasta into an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for about 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, a quick warm-up on the stove or in the microwave works beautifully. Easy peasy!
Estimated Nutritional Information for the One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for this One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio is an estimate, okay? It can totally change depending on the exact brands you use and how you might tweak things. But generally, one serving is about:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Sodium: 600mg
It’s a pretty balanced meal, packed with protein and flavor!
Print
Amazing One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio Winner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A simple, one-pot pasta dish with chicken and three types of pasta for a family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced chicken breast
- 1 cup penne pasta
- 1 cup rotini pasta
- 1 cup farfalle pasta
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
- Add onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté for 3 minutes.
- Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil.
- Add all three pasta types and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and basil.
- Simmer for 5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Use pre-cooked chicken for faster preparation.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: one-pot, chicken pasta, family meal, easy dinner