One-Pot Cheddar and Pea Pasta with Chicken
A quick and simple one-pot pasta combining tender chicken, sweet peas, and sharp cheddar for a wholesome, kid-approved meal. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 30 minutes pairs penne pasta, olive oil, frozen peas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 10 oz penne pasta
- 2 (about 12 oz total), diced into 1/2-inch pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 3 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large deep skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 2 diced boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 12 oz) and sauté for 5-6 minutes until no longer pink and edges are lightly browned.
- Step 2: Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 10 oz penne pasta, 3 cups low sodium chicken broth, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper to the pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Step 4: Remove the lid and stir in 1 cup frozen peas. Continue to cook uncovered for 3-4 minutes until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
- Step 5: Lower heat to low and stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup milk. Stir gently until cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta evenly.
- Step 6: Serve warm, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Cheddar and Pea Pasta with Chicken take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover One-Pot Cheddar and Pea Pasta with Chicken?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pot Cheddar and Pea Pasta with Chicken?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale One-Pot Cheddar and Pea Pasta with Chicken for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with One-Pot Cheddar and Pea Pasta with Chicken?
Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
