Hey y'all! Craving a hearty, nutritious meal that doesn't leave a mountain of dishes behind? This one-pot healthy chicken pasta is your answer for cozy weeknights, meal prepping, or impressing guests without any stress. Juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, tender pasta, and a light creamy sauce come together in just one pot for a satisfying, healthy twist on classic comfort food. Let’s get cooking!

Why You'll Love This

Everything cooks in one pot for super easy clean-up.
Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and whole-grain pasta for balanced nutrition.
Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
Creamy, flavorful, and kid-approved!
Endlessly customizable to suit your family’s taste buds.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
2 cups whole wheat penne pasta (uncooked)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, chopped
2 cups baby spinach
1 medium zucchini, sliced
1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) diced tomatoes, undrained
3 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
½ teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1: Sauté Chicken and Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Add diced chicken breast. Season with ¼ teaspoon salt and black pepper. Cook, stirring, for 4-5 minutes until lightly browned and just cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
Add onion to the pot and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook Vegetables & Pasta

Add bell pepper, zucchini, Italian herbs, remaining salt, and a bit more black pepper. Stir and cook for 2-3 minutes until veggies begin to soften.
Return chicken to the pot. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and chicken broth; stir to combine.
Add uncooked whole wheat pasta. Stir well, scraping up any bits from the bottom.
Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and let simmer for 12-14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.

Step 3: Finish with Spinach & Creamy Sauce

Stir in baby spinach, letting it wilt for 1-2 minutes.
Remove from heat and quickly stir in Greek yogurt and half the Parmesan until creamy and combined.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh basil.

Notes

For extra flavor, brown the chicken well—color means more taste!
If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.
Swap Greek yogurt for light sour cream for a tangier finish.

Variations

Spicy Southwest: Add 1 teaspoon smoked paprika and 1 chopped jalapeño in Step 1 for a zesty kick.
Vegetarian: Replace chicken with canned chickpeas and use veggie broth.
Mediterranean: Use artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives instead of zucchini and bell pepper.

Required Equipment

Large Dutch oven or deep nonstick skillet with lid
Chef’s knife & cutting board
Wooden spoon or spatula
Measuring cups and spoons

Storage Instructions

Store cooled one-pot healthy chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Freezing is not recommended, as the pasta may become mushy.

Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations

Serve with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette.
Add warm, crusty whole-grain bread for dunking.
Pair with chilled sparkling water with lemon or a light white wine for adults.

Pro Tips

Chop all your veggies and chicken before you start for a smoother cooking experience.
Stir frequently during simmering so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.
Add the Greek yogurt off the heat to prevent curdling and keep the sauce creamy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?: Yes, just adjust the cooking time as needed—short pasta shapes work best for even cooking.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?: Absolutely! Stir in shredded rotisserie chicken during the last few minutes of simmering to warm through.
How can I make this dairy-free?: Omit the Parmesan and Greek yogurt, or substitute with dairy-free versions; use a splash of coconut milk for creaminess if desired.

Prep Time & Total Time

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes