Okay, so you know those nights? The ones where you’re juggling homework, soccer practice, and you *swear* you just saw a tumbleweed roll through the kitchen because dinner plans are non-existent? Yeah, me too. That’s exactly why I practically live by this One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio. It’s become my absolute lifesaver for feeding my crew without breaking a sweat. Seriously, after years of experimenting, this recipe is the one I always come back to for a guaranteed win. It’s simple, hearty, and makes everyone happy!
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
This dish is a weeknight superhero! It’s:
- Quick and Easy Preparation: Seriously, you’re looking at minimal effort for maximum deliciousness.
- Minimal Cleanup: Just one pot to wash? Yes, please! More time for *you*.
- Family-Approved Flavor: Picky eaters and grown-ups alike gobble this up. It’s a total crowd-pleaser!
Gathering Your Ingredients for the One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
Alright, let’s snag everything we need for this fantastic One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio. It’s pretty straightforward, mostly pantry staples with a few fresh bits. You’ll need about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces. Then grab one medium onion, chopped, and a couple of garlic cloves, all minced up nice and fine. These are the flavor powerhouses!
Chicken and Aromatics
First up, we’ve got our chicken! Grab about a pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts and chop them into bite-sized pieces – easy peasy. Then, find yourself a medium onion and chop it up, and don’t forget two cloves of garlic, which you’ll want to mince nice and fine. These guys are the flavor foundation!
Canned Goods and Liquids
Now for the magic from the pantry! You’ll need one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain them, we want all that juice!), plus one can of condensed cream of mushroom soup and one can of condensed cream of chicken soup. These make the sauce so creamy and rich. And of course, two cups of chicken broth to get everything simmering perfectly.
Seasonings and Pasta
Don’t forget those little flavor boosters! We’re talking one teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning, plus some salt and black pepper to taste – you know how I love to adjust that myself. And for the pasta, you’ll need about 8 ounces. Penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni work like a charm here.
Optional Topping
And if you’re feeling a little extra fancy, have about half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese ready to go. It’s totally optional, but it adds a nice little cheesy finish!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
Alright, let’s get this amazing One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio cooking! It’s super straightforward. First, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a big pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Then, add your bite-sized chicken pieces and cook them until they’re nicely browned all over. Once they’re good to go, scoop them out and set them aside for later.
Browning the Chicken
Get your biggest pot or Dutch oven hot with a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in your chicken pieces and let them brown up nicely on all sides. Just pop them out and hold onto them for a bit!
Sautéing the Aromatics
Now, throw your chopped onion into that same pot and let it get soft and sweet, usually takes about 5 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for just one more minute until you can really smell it. Yum!
Building the Sauce Base
Time to make the sauce! Stir in your undrained diced tomatoes, both cans of condensed soup (mushroom and chicken!), the chicken broth, and that teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Give it all a good stir and bring it up to a gentle simmer.
Combining and Simmering
Okay, now add your uncooked pasta and the browned chicken back into the pot. Make sure everything is submerged in that yummy sauce. Cover the pot, turn the heat down low, and let it simmer for about 15 to 20 minutes. You want the pasta perfectly tender and the sauce nice and thick. Just give it a stir every now and then so nothing sticks!
Tips for Perfecting Your One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
To really nail this One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio, a few little tricks go a long way. It’s all about making sure everything cooks just right.
Pasta Cooking
Make sure your pasta is totally covered in liquid before you put the lid on. Give it a stir halfway through to make sure it doesn’t stick to the bottom, and check for tenderness!
Sauce Consistency
If your sauce seems too thin when it’s done, just uncover it and let it simmer for a few extra minutes to thicken up. If it’s too thick, a little splash of chicken broth or milk will loosen it right up.
Flavor Adjustments
Always taste and adjust your seasoning at the end! A little more salt, pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes can really make this dish sing.
Variations for Your One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
This One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio is fantastic as is, but you know me, I love to play with it! It’s so adaptable, which is one of the best parts.
Adding Vegetables
Want to sneak in some extra goodness? Toss in a cup of frozen peas, some chopped carrots, or broccoli florets right along with the pasta. They cook up perfectly in the sauce!
Spice Level
If your family likes a little kick, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes when you add the Italian seasoning. It gives it a lovely warmth without being too overpowering.
Serving and Storing Your One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
This hearty One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio is fantastic on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce. If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for about 3-4 days. To reheat, just give it a gentle warm-up in the microwave or on the stovetop, maybe with a tiny splash of broth or water if it seems a bit thick.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is pretty much a meal in itself, but a simple side salad or some warm, crusty bread makes it even better. Perfect for dipping!
Storage Instructions
Leftovers are gold! Store any remaining One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of liquid if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions about One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
Got questions about my famous One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio? I’ve got answers! It’s such a versatile dish, and I love hearing how you all tweak it.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Oh, absolutely! Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta. Just make sure it’s a shape that cooks relatively quickly in the sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian?
You sure can! Just skip the chicken and add extra veggies like broccoli, peas, or even some chickpeas. It’s delicious either way!
How do I make the sauce creamier?
For an extra creamy sauce, just stir in a splash of milk, heavy cream, or even a dollop of sour cream right at the end. It makes it so rich!
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it’s fantastic for meal prep! It holds up really well in the fridge, making it perfect for lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Nutritional Estimate for One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
Just a heads-up, these numbers are estimates, but a serving of this delicious One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio usually comes in around 550 calories, with about 35g of protein, 60g of carbs, and 20g of fat. Perfect for a satisfying family meal!
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Amazing One-Pot Family Chicken Pasta Trio
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and satisfying one-pot chicken pasta dish perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
- Add chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the uncooked pasta and the browned chicken to the pot.
- Stir to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid.
- Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot, topped with shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can add other vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli florets along with the pasta.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference.
- For a creamier sauce, you can add a splash of milk or cream at the end.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 1200mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: one-pot, chicken, pasta, family meal, easy dinner, weeknight meal