One Pan Italian Chicken and Tri-Color Pasta is a lifesaver on hectic weekdays. Juicy marinated chicken, colorful pasta, and creamy mozzarella come together easily in single pan. This recipe is delicious as it is nutritious–the perfect family meal!
As the days grow longer and the weather warms up, I find myself craving fresh and simple meals that reflect the vibrant energy of spring. This One-Pan Italian Chicken and Tri Color Pasta is one of my family’s all-time favorite recipes to welcome in the much needed sunshine!
This dish is a lifesaver on hectic weekdays, combining juicy marinated chicken, colorful pasta, and creamy mozzarella in a single pan. My kids often request this meal, and I love how it sneaks in the nutrition and protein they need. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep, so you can enjoy easy dinners throughout the week.
Let’s get started with this deliciously simple recipe!
why your family will love this easy Italian chicken and Tri-Color pasta recipe
- Quick and Easy. Perfect for busy weeknights, this one-pan meal comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Kid-Approved. The colorful pasta and cheesy goodness make it a hit with the little ones.
- Nutritious and Delicious. Packed with protein and flavor, it’s a sneaky way to get some nutrition into your kids’ diet.
- Minimal Cleanup. One pan means less time washing dishes and more time with your family.
- Versatile. Italian chicken and pasta is easily adaptable to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs.
ingredients
To make this easy one pan Italian chicken and pasta recipe you’ll need a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online!
Here’s what we are working with:
- chicken breasts
- 1 packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
- olive oil
- fresh salsa
- chicken broth
- tri color pasta – or your favorite pasta
- fresh mozzarella log
- fresh basil, optional for garnish
substitutions for this recipe
Protein: Swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs, turkey breast, shrimp, or tofu (for a vegetarian option).
Veggies: Feel free to add or substitute the fresh salsa with diced tomatoes with chopped onions and bell peppers, or canned diced tomatoes with green chilies if that is what you have on hand.
Tri-Color Pasta: While tri-color pasta adds a fun and vibrant touch, you can certainly use any pasta you have on hand. Whole wheat, gluten-free, or regular pasta will all work beautifully in this dish. You can even use zucchini noodles for a low-carb option!
Cheese: Instead of using a fresh sliced mozzarella log, use shredded mozzarella, provolone, Monterey Jack cheese if that is what you have available. For a dairy-free option substitute with vegan cheese.
Italian Dressing Seasoning Packet Substitutions:
If you don’t have an Italian dressing seasoning packet, you can make a quick homemade version with the following ingredients:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a bit of heat)
Mix these spices together and use them to season your chicken as you would with the packet. This blend will give you a similar flavor profile to the store-bought seasoning.
*An additional option is to marinate the chicken breasts with about 1/4 cup of Italian dressing if that is what you have on hand and season with salt and pepper to taste.
how to make one-pan Italian chicken and tri-color pasta
Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts with the Italian dressing seasoning mix and about 1 tbsp olive oil. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Pasta: In the same skillet, add fresh salsa and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the pasta, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente.
Combine and Melt Mozzarella: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan. Top with sliced fresh mozzarella. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and additional fresh salsa if desired.
storage and meal prep
This dish is perfect for meal prep! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a quick and easy meal. For an extra burst of flavor, add a handful of fresh spinach or arugula to the pasta just before serving. It will wilt slightly and add a lovely freshness to the dish.
Italian chicken and pasta is great for making in big batches so you have an easy, delicious, and nutritious dinner option waiting for you when you get home from a stressful day. The flavors in this recipe pair so well together and get better day after day.
This one pan meal recipe will have you looking forward to lunch each day. It’s so yummy! You will want to assemble into 4 meal prep containers and get ready for one tasty week!
This one pan Italian chicken and tri-color pasta has easily become a favorite in our household. It’s a fresh and bright recipe that brings the family together, satisfies our cravings, and makes life just a little bit easier. I hope your family enjoys it as much as we do!
We hope you enjoy this easy and delicious recipe as much as we do. It’s definitely one of those recipes worth saving. There’s nothing better than having what looks and tastes like a gourmet meal on the table, but one that saves you time behind the scenes.
Please leave us a star review and comment if you make this family loved recipe.
If you have any questions or comments, feel free leave them below. I answer every single question as quickly as I can.
Happy cooking! And thanks for being part of our tribe, The Tasteful Tribe!
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recipe video
Italian Chicken and Tri-Color Pasta (Easy One-Pan Weeknight Meal!)
- LCLow Carb
- SFSugar Free
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless, skinless
- 1 (0.7oz) packet Italian dressing seasoning mix
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups fresh salsa, plus extra, optional for serving
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 8 oz tri color pasta – or your favorite pasta
- 1 (8 oz) fresh mozzarella log, sliced
- fresh basil, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Coat the chicken breasts with the Italian dressing seasoning mix and about 1 tbsp olive oil. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. When the skillet is hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 4 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Pasta: In the same skillet, add fresh salsa and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer. Stir in the pasta, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente.
- Combine and Melt Mozzarella: Slice the cooked chicken and return it to the pan. Top with sliced fresh mozzarella. Cover and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil and additional fresh salsa if desired.
Equipment
Nutrition
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