I just cannot run away from one-pot dishes. But then again, why would I want to, right?
I had a really busy week. Year-end examinations are approaching and that means I have a ton of work to do.
That also translates to quick and no fuss dinners because I simply just do not have the time to fiddle around.
Today I wanted to cook something with chicken – chicken is easy, and everyone likes chicken – and I also wanted to use up the tub of Parmesan cheese I had in the freezer.
Hence the idea to coat the chicken in the cheese and cook it then add it to a tomato-based pasta.
Sounds good?
It was!
And here are the steps on how to cook this amazingly easy one-pot dish.
Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Add Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine.
Cook the chicken, in batches, in a casserole (I used my Le Creuset Oval French Oven *totally love*) in a little olive oil until brown and cooked through.
Set the chicken aside.
In the same casserole, saute the onion for a minute to soften them. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 30 seconds.
Add the chopped tomatoes and water (or chicken stock – see here for my notes on chicken stock).
Bring this to a boil.
Add the pasta – I used instant spaghetti – and lower the heat. Cover and cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes (time will vary so keep an eye on the pasta), stirring once ever so often, until the pasta is al dente.
When the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and add more Parmesan. Toss until well-combined.
Season with salt (if needed) and black pepper.
Ladle the pasta into a serving bowl, top with chicken, chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley and chili flakes if you like.
Serve immediately.
Do I need to describe how tasty this was?
NOM. NOM. NOM.
๐
I love my Le Creuset cast iron cook ware. If you are new to Le Creuset cast iron products, they are really easy to care for. Just follow these tips and your pot can last for many generations!
Cleaning tips:
1. Always cool a hot pan for a few minutes before washing.
2. Do not plunge a hot pan into cold water. While Le Creusetโs enamel is designed to be the most durable on the market, thermal shock may still occur, resulting in cracking or loss of enamel.
3. If there are food residues, fill the pan with warm water and let soak for 15 to 20 minutes before washing. A brush can be useful for removing small food deposits, or for cleaning between the ribs on grills. Do not use scourers or abrasive cleaners on the cooking surface. Nylon or soft abrasive pads or brushes can be used to remove stubborn residues. To avoid damaging the enamel, do not use metallic pads or harsh abrasive cleaning agents.
4. Light stains or metal marks caused by metal tools can be removed with Le Creuset cookware cleaner.
5. Never store pans while they are still damp. Store pans in a dry cupboard or airy space away from steam.
- 500g chicken breast (or thigh), skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (411g/14.5oz) chopped tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups (360ml) low-sodium chicken stock or water
- 350g pasta - I used instant spaghetti
- 1/2 cup Parmesan (freshly grated)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Italian flat-leaf parsley, chopped
- Chilli flakes, optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian herbs
- 2-3 tablespoons Parmesan (powdered)
- Season the chicken with salt and black pepper. Add Italian herbs and Parmesan cheese. Toss to combine.
- Cook the chicken, in batches, in a casserole, in a little olive oil until brown and cooked through.
- Set the chicken aside.
- In the same casserole, saute the onion for a minute to soften them. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 30 seconds.
- Add the chopped tomatoes and water (or chicken stock).
- Bring this to a boil.
- Add the pasta โ I used instant spaghetti โ and lower the heat. Cover and cook the pasta for about 8-10 minutes (time will vary so keep an eye on the pasta), stirring once ever so often, until the pasta is al dente.
- When the pasta is cooked, turn off the heat and add more Parmesan. Toss until well-combined.
- Season with salt (if needed) and black pepper.
- Ladle the pasta into a serving bowl, top with chicken, chopped Italian flat-leaf parsley and chili flakes if you like.
- Serve immediately.
Hi There
Thank you so much for sharing this…. Cooked it tonight and it was fantastic as it was easy to prepare!!!!!!
With appreciation
Chris
That was quick!! Am glad you liked it! ๐
What’s the instant spaghetti you are using? Was that angel hair spaghetti?
It’s labelled Instant Spaghetti. It cooks faster than regular spaghetti. You can use any pasta you like.
What is the brand of instant spaghetti you are using coz I tried to look for it at NTUC can’t find… can u post a picture of the package here. Thanks
http://www.fairprice.com.sg/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?urlRequestType=Base&catalogId=10051&categoryId=13599&productId=74992&errorViewName=ProductDisplayErrorView&langId=-1&top_category=13501&parent_category_rn=13547&storeId=10001
Can’t paste the photo but here’s the link.
Thanks so much will look for it. U are the best! Working mommies cooking inspiration.
Hi Diana
Thks for the recipe I like one pot meal too.
May I know which model Le crueset pot you use? I know now there’s is good offer in town would like to grap one.
Hi Suzie
I use http://www.lecreuset.com.sg/products/castiron/casseroles/buffet_casserole#.Vc2Db_mqpBc and http://www.lecreuset.com.sg/products/castiron/casseroles/oval_french_oven#.Vc2DcfmqpBc.
Fantastic quality – definitely worth getting! ๐
Hi,
Can I use grated morezella cheese instead of Parmesan?
HI Christ not really. :S
Hi Diana,
Can I marinate the chicken pieces with the1/2 cup Parmesan, Salt, Black pepper, overnight?
Thank you
Hi Anne, yes sure if you want to.
Thank you, Diana.
Hi, can i replace chicken with minced beef? And also the tomatoes+ water with pasta sauce? Asking coz i have these ingredients with me and should like to use them 1st before buying others. Thanks!
Hi Sue yes sure you can.
Thanks! Hope i succeed!
I tried the recipe tonite. Added diced capsicum for added colour. I totally love this dish. Husband say he prefers more saucy spaghetti as this is a dry version but i prefer this. And since I’m the one cooking, i guess he gota love it like i do.
Haven’t tried cooking spaghetti in one pot. Its easy n save time. Will sure try cooking like that, thanks.
Hi!!
What is the difference btw powdered and freshly grated Parmesan and why? I noted that you used both kinds here. Will there be flavours difference if I used the same kind? Thank you!
Hi! Diana,
Thank you for sharing! Taste Great! My family love it!