Name: 30-Minute One-Pot Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 tbsp neutral oil (or olive oil); 1 large onion, peeled and chopped; 2 large skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size chunks; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced; 1 tbsp tomato purée (tomato paste in the US); 1 red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped; 300 g (approx. 4½ cups) dried pasta (e.g., spiralli); 1 tsp dried oregano; ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce; 2 x 400 g (2 x 14 oz) cans chopped tomatoes; 300 ml (1¼ cups) chicken stock (made with hot water + 2 stock cubes); 120 ml (½ cup) milk (semi-skimmed or whole); 20 sugar snap peas or snow peas, roughly chopped; 100 g (1 packed cup) grated mature/sharp cheddar cheese; 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Make dinner easy with this 30-minute one-pot chicken pasta recipe. Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and vegetables simmer together in a rich tomato sauce with melted cheddar cheese — all cooked in a single pan. Perfect for busy weeknights, this quick and creamy chicken pasta is family-friendly, packed with flavor, and made with simple pantry ingredients. Ideal for anyone looking for a fast, comforting, and hearty meal with minimal cleanup.

A quick and comforting family-friendly dinner made with juicy chicken, tender pasta, vibrant vegetables, and a cheesy tomato sauce — all cooked in one pan for easy cleanup!

Ingredients

1 tbsp neutral oil (or olive oil)
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
2 large skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size chunks
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 tbsp tomato purée (tomato paste in the US)
1 red bell pepper, deseeded and chopped
300 g (approx. 4½ cups) dried pasta (e.g., spiralli)
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 x 400 g (2 x 14 oz) cans chopped tomatoes
300 ml (1¼ cups) chicken stock (made with hot water + 2 stock cubes)
120 ml (½ cup) milk (semi-skimmed or whole)
20 sugar snap peas or snow peas, roughly chopped
100 g (1 packed cup) grated mature/sharp cheddar cheese
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Sauté the onion:
Heat the oil in a large frying pan or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 minutes, until it starts to soften and become translucent.
Add chicken and seasoning:
Stir in the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook for another 3–4 minutes until lightly browned (they won’t be fully cooked yet).
Add aromatics and pasta:
Stir in the minced garlic, tomato purée, and red bell pepper. Add the dry pasta and mix everything well.
Add liquids and seasoning:
Pour in the oregano, Worcestershire sauce, chopped tomatoes, chicken stock, and milk. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan with a lid or foil and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through.
Add snap peas:
Uncover and stir in the chopped sugar snap peas. Cook for 1–2 minutes to keep them crisp-tender.
Add cheese and broil:
Sprinkle the top with grated cheddar. Place the pan under the grill (broiler) for 2–3 minutes, just until the cheese melts and bubbles.
Garnish and serve:
Finish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.

Tips

Stir the pasta once or twice during simmering to prevent sticking.
Cut the chicken into evenly sized pieces for even cooking.
Use a deep frying pan or large skillet with a lid to ensure everything cooks evenly.
If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of hot water or extra stock.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein: Swap chicken for turkey, sausage, or leftover cooked chicken.
Vegetarian version: Omit the chicken and use veggie stock. Add mushrooms, spinach, or courgettes.
Cheese: Substitute cheddar with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a mix of cheeses.
Pasta shapes: Penne, fusilli, or macaroni all work well in place of spiralli.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

FAQs

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I freeze it?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it. Allow to cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly.

What if my pasta isn’t cooked after 15 minutes?
If needed, add a little more hot water or stock and simmer for a few more minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with a fresh green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Sprinkle extra cheese on individual portions for extra indulgence.
Pair with a glass of crisp white wine or a sparkling lemonade.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & easy: Ready in just 30 minutes with minimal prep.
One-pan cleanup: Everything cooks in a single pan — less mess, less fuss.
Kid-approved: Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Customizable: Easy to adapt to what you have in the fridge or pantry.
Hearty & wholesome: A balanced meal with protein, veggies, and carbs.