This One Pot Smoky Chicken Penne is a fuss-free meal that’s rich, hearty, and perfect for a busy weeknights. Plus being cooked in one pot, means there’s just one pot to wash up! The addition of smoky paprika gives this meal a very savoury aroma and the fresh basil provides a wonderful fresh herby taste.
Health benefits
Packed with chicken for protein, this meal also incorporates spinach and basil for added fibre, vitamins, and antioxidants. The olive oil adds healthy fats, and using gluten-free pasta makes it suitable for those with dietary restrictions. Including chicken broth in the sauce adds important minerals and gut support too. Give this one a try next time you need a quick mid-week dinner! There’s approximately 50g protein per serve (if including the cheese) and about 5g fibre.
Ingredients in One Pot Smoky Chicken Penne
Simple ingredients like chicken mince, smoked paprika, tomato passata, and gluten-free pasta come together with fresh basil and optional cheddar cheese for a well-rounded, delicious meal.
How to make this One Pot Smoky Chicken Penne
The best part about this meal is that you don’t need a second pot to boil the pasta, it is cooked in the sauce in the one pan. Start by sautéing the onion and garlic cloves in olive oil, then add chicken mince, breaking it up as it cooks. Stir in paprika, thyme, passata, and broth or stock, then add pasta and simmer. Once the pasta is added the cooking time is just 15 minutes. Fold in baby spinach and basil, and top with grated cheddar cheese (or parmesan cheese) if desired before grilling until bubbly.
Serving suggestions and how to store
Serve with a fresh green salad for a complete meal. Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer in an airtight container, and reheat gently in a low oven until warmed through.
Vary this to suit your dietary needs
Omit the cheese for dairy-free, and for gluten-free, use a gluten-free pasta as listed. Swap penne for macaroni or shells if preferred, and feel free to add extra veggies like carrots or cauliflower. For a tomato-free version, replace passata with a no-tomato sauce substitute. If you don’t like thyme, sub with oregano.
Take a look at the variations (below the main recipe) for suggestions to alter the recipe to suit many specific dietary requirements.
For more easy, healthy dinner recipes, click HERE.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 onion/s – diced
- 4 clove/s garlic – minced
- 800 g chicken mince
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- 700 g tomato passata (puree)
- 500 ml stock or broth
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
- 250 g gluten-free penne pasta – I use Ceres Organic Quinoa Rice Penne
- 60 g spinach leaves – chopped
- 1 bunch/s fresh basil leaves – chopped
- 100 g cheddar cheese – grated, optional
Method
- In a large skillet or pot over medium heat, add olive oil and onion and saute for a few minutes until translucent.
- Add the garlic and chicken mince and saute, breaking up the chicken as it cooks, until almost cooked all the way through.
- Add the paprika, thyme, passata, broth/stock and season well. Stir well and bring to a rapid simmer over a medium-high heat.
- Add the pasta to the pot, stirring every 5 minutes or so, until cooked, approximately 15 minutes. If the sauce is becoming a little dry but the pasta still needs cooking, add a splash of water or extra broth.
- Once the pasta is cooked, take it off the heat and stir in the spinach and basil.
- If you like, you can sprinkle over the grated cheese and pop under the grill (broiler) until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve
- Serve with a leafy green salad.
Make Ahead
- Re-heat in a low oven until just hot.
Store
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.
Variations
Dairy-free
Omit the cheese.Gluten-free
Choose a gluten free pasta.Different pasta
This would be great with a macaroni or shell pasta too.Add vegetables
You can definitely add in any vegetables you’d like – this dish is a perfect blank canvas! Chop any hard vegetables like carrots fairly small, and add with the onion. Softer vegetables like cauliflower or broccoli can be chopped into florets and added with the chicken.Tomato free
Replace the tomato passata with our No (tomato) sauce.What did you think of this delicious One Pot Smoky Chicken Penne…let me know below…
Family Ad
Nicole Amery says
Easy and delish. A hit for adults and kids.
Well Nourished Team says
So glad you love this recipe Nicole 🙂
Alexandra Schrodter says
Easy, delicious comfort food and family friendly – love it!