One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Vegetable Pasta Bake

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, single-pot pasta dish with tender chicken, seasonal vegetables, and a rich cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection. This American-inspired one-pot recipe, ready in about 55 minutes, pairs Penne pasta, Chicken breasts, Olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 American cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat 2 tbsp (30ml) olive oil in a large oven-safe pot over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb (450g) cubed chicken and cook for 5 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium onion (150g), chopped, and 2 medium carrots (100g), diced, to the pot. Cook for 5 minutes until softened. Stir in 1 medium zucchini (150g), diced, and 3 cloves (15g) minced garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 8 oz (225g) penne pasta, 2 cups (480ml) chicken broth, 1/2 tsp (2.5g) salt, 1/4 tsp (1g) black pepper, and 1 tsp (2g) dried oregano. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is almost tender.
  4. Step 4: Return chicken to the pot. Stir in 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream and 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan. Cook for 3 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Pasta should be tender but not mushy.
  5. Step 5: Transfer to oven and bake for 15 minutes until bubbly. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup (25g) shredded mozzarella and bake for 2 more minutes until melted. Rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pot Creamy Chicken & Vegetable Pasta Bake take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 min prep + 35 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 Creamy Chicken & Vegetable Pasta Bake?

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 Creamy Chicken & Vegetable Pasta Bake?

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 Creamy Chicken & Vegetable Pasta Bake 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 Creamy Chicken & Vegetable Pasta Bake?

American one pot 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.

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