Creamy One Pot Minced Chicken, Veggie & Pasta

If you’re looking for a wholesome, comforting, and nutritious meal that’s quick to prepare, this Creamy One Pot Minced Chicken, Veggie & Pasta is the perfect recipe. It’s packed with flavor, loaded with veggies, and finished with a silky cashew cream sauce that makes it extra delicious without needing heavy cream.

This dish is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even meal prep because it combines protein, veggies, and carbs all in one pot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One Pot Magic – less cleanup, more flavor.
• Creamy but Healthy – thanks to cashew cream instead of dairy.
• Balanced & Filling – protein from chicken, fiber from veggies, carbs from pasta.
• Customizable – swap veggies, herbs, or pasta shapes to suit your taste.

Creamy One Pot Minced Chicken, Veggie & Pasta Ingredient Breakdown

• Pasta of Choice: The base of the dish and main carbohydrate source. Pasta makes the meal hearty and filling, and its neutral flavor allows it to soak up the creamy cashew sauce beautifully. You can use penne, fusilli, spaghetti, or even whole wheat pasta for extra fiber.

• Diced Carrots (Steamed): Carrots bring a natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish. Steaming them ensures they’re tender but still slightly crisp, adding texture and a nutritional boost rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and vitamin A.

• Cooking Oil (Divided): Oil is essential for sautéing and frying. The first half helps soften the onions and toast the cashews to release their nutty flavor. The second half is used for browning the minced chicken, locking in flavor and moisture. Use a neutral oil (like canola, sunflower, or avocado oil) to let the other flavors shine.

• Onions, Diced: Onions form the flavor base of the dish. When sautéed, they become sweet and aromatic, enhancing the savory depth of the cashew cream and minced chicken.

• Raw Cashews: The secret to the creaminess in this recipe. When blended with stock or water, cashews create a smooth, dairy-free cream that mimics heavy cream but with added nuttiness and plant-based nutrients such as healthy fats, protein, and magnesium.

• Water or Stock: Used to cook the cashews and transform them into a luscious cream. Stock (vegetable or chicken) is the better choice for added depth and savory richness, but water works well if you want a lighter, cleaner taste.

• Minced Chicken: The main protein source in this dish. Minced chicken is lean, cooks quickly, and absorbs spices beautifully. It also balances the creamy cashew sauce and the carbs from pasta, making the dish a well-rounded meal.

• Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and warmth to the chicken, giving the sauce more depth and subtle heat. Paprika also enhances the dish’s color.

• Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): The essential seasoning duo. Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish, while black pepper adds mild heat and earthiness. Using sea salt can give a cleaner, more mineral taste than table salt.

• Fresh Cilantro, Parsley, Dill, or Celery Leaves (for garnish): Fresh herbs brighten the dish, balancing out the richness of the cashew cream. Each herb brings its own personality: Cilantro – fresh and slightly citrusy; Parsley – mild and clean; Dill – tangy with a hint of anise; Celery leaves – earthy and bold.

How to Make Creamy One Pot Minced Chicken, Veggie & Pasta

Making this dish is simple and straightforward, with just a few steps to bring everything together in one pot. Here’s how:

• Prep Your Veggies: Dice the onions and carrots. Steam the carrots until just tender, keeping their color and crunch.

• Build the Cashew Cream: Heat half of the cooking oil in a pot or wok. Add the diced onions and sauté until translucent. Toss in the raw cashews and fry for 3–4 minutes to release their nutty aroma. Pour in water or stock, cover, and let it simmer. Once softened, transfer the cashews and liquid to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.

• Cook the Pasta
  In a separate pot, cook your pasta according to package instructions, but remove it 2 minutes before it’s done. Drain, and set aside. Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce later if needed.
• Brown the Chicken
  Using the same pot or wok, add the remaining cooking oil. Once hot, add the minced chicken. Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

• Bring It All Together
  • Lower the heat and stir in the cashew cream with the cooked chicken.
  • Let it simmer for a few minutes, adjusting the seasoning with salt and pepper.
  • If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta water to lighten and loosen it.
  • Add the drained pasta and steamed carrots. Mix everything well until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

• Serve & Garnish
  Top with freshly chopped cilantro, parsley, dill, or celery leaves for a pop of freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy one pot meal!

Tips & Variations

• Extra Veggies: Add peas, spinach, or broccoli for more color and nutrition.
• Spice it Up: Add chili flakes for a mild kick.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Other Pasta Dishes You Might Like

• Easy One Pot Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta
• Sausage & Veggies Pasta Stir Fry
• Easy One Pot Cashew Cream Veggies Pasta

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

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