Craving a cozy, wholesome dinner that’s full of flavor and light on cleanup? One Pot Chicken Pomodoro is a weeknight hero — combining tender chicken, a savory tomato-based sauce, fresh herbs, and pasta all cooked together in one pot. This dish brings the warmth of Italian cooking right into your kitchen, using everyday ingredients in the most efficient way possible.
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What is Chicken Pomodoro?
Chicken Pomodoro is a rustic Italian-style dish featuring juicy chicken simmered in a rich tomato sauce. The term “pomodoro” simply means “tomato” in Italian. The base of this dish includes tomatoes, aromatic ingredients like garlic and onion, fresh herbs, and extra virgin olive oil — all slowly blended into a simple yet flavorful sauce.
When transformed into a one-pot version, the pasta cooks right in the sauce with the chicken, creating a deeply satisfying and convenient meal with fewer dishes.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
This recipe is straightforward and uses common pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp ground black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning blend
- 1 tbsp olive oil for browning
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ medium yellow onion, diced finely
- A pinch of crushed chili flakes (optional, if you like a mild kick)
- 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes (or one 15 oz can of crushed tomatoes)
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- ¼ cup white wine (optional, great for lifting the flavor from the bottom of the pot)
- ½ tsp sugar (optional, to mellow the acidity of the tomatoes)
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) short-cut pasta such as penne, shells, or rotini
To Finish:
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ⅓ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped or torn by hand
- A drizzle of olive oil before serving (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions (One Pot Chicken Pomodoro Recipe)
1. Brown the Chicken
Start by warming 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, sturdy pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear until golden on the outside, about 5–6 minutes. Don’t overcrowd the pan — do this in batches if necessary. Remove the browned chicken and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sauté Onion, Garlic & Spice
In the same pot, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the diced onions and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until translucent. Add the minced garlic and a pinch of chili flakes. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds to release their aroma without letting them brown.
3. Add Tomatoes and Deglaze
Toss in your halved cherry tomatoes (or crushed tomatoes) and cook for 5–6 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices. Press lightly on a few tomatoes with a wooden spoon or spatula to help them break down and thicken the sauce. Pour in the white wine and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot for extra flavor.
4. Simmer with Chicken and Pasta
Add chicken broth, sugar (if using), and season with additional salt and pepper to your taste. Return the chicken to the pot and stir in the uncooked pasta. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for about 12–14 minutes, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash more broth or water.
5. Finish the Dish
Once the pasta is tender and the chicken is fully cooked, turn off the heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and fresh basil. Taste and adjust seasoning. Drizzle with a little olive oil if desired and serve hot.
Easy Variations & Additions
This dish is versatile and works well with a few creative adjustments:
- Creamy Pomodoro: Stir in ¼ cup of cream during the last few minutes of cooking for a richer sauce.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers with the tomatoes.
- Cheesy Topping: Before serving, top with fresh mozzarella and cover for a few minutes to melt.
- Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for heat lovers.
Best Side Dishes to Serve
Although this is a full meal in a pot, it pairs wonderfully with light sides like:
- A crisp salad with mixed greens, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon
- Classic garlic knots or homemade breadsticks
- Roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli on the side
Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Let the dish cool completely before storing. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a bit of broth or water if the sauce has thickened. You can also microwave in 60-second bursts, stirring in between.
Freezing:
If you’re prepping ahead, freeze just the sauce portion (without the pasta) in a sealed container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and combine with freshly cooked chicken and pasta when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (One Pot Chicken Pomodoro Recipe)
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of cherry tomatoes?
Absolutely. Crushed canned tomatoes make a great substitute and offer a heartier texture. Just adjust seasoning since canned versions vary in saltiness and acidity.
What kind of pasta is best?
Short pasta like penne, shells, fusilli, or elbow macaroni works great because they absorb the sauce well and cook evenly in one pot.
Can I make this dish without chicken?
Yes — for a vegetarian version, leave out the chicken and add hearty vegetables or canned chickpeas for protein.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! It stores and reheats well, making it a great option for packed lunches or easy dinners.
Final Thoughts
One Pot Chicken Pomodoro is the perfect example of how a few wholesome ingredients can come together to create something special. With bold tomato flavor, juicy chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish is both comforting and efficient. It’s flexible enough for weeknights but elegant enough to serve guests.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy winter meal or a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this one-pot recipe has you covered.
For more creative ideas, check out this Tuscan Chicken Soup Recipe.
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