If there’s a dish I could happily make (and devour) any night of the week, it’s One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta. We’re talking about tender chicken pieces, perfectly cooked pasta, and gooey cheese, all wrapped up in a simple, flavorful tomato sauce. The best part? It all comes together in a single pot, saving you from a sink full of dishes without skimping on comfort or flavor. This is the kind of recipe that brings families running to the table, fills your kitchen with inviting aromas, and makes dinnertime feel like a cozy, delicious event.

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

I love how the ingredient list for One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta strikes the perfect balance between pantry simplicity and flavor-packed results. Each component has a purpose, whether it’s building a savory base or supplying those indulgent, melty cheese pulls.

Chicken breast: Tender and lean, it soaks up flavors beautifully and cooks quickly, making it the perfect protein for a one-pot meal.
Pasta (penne or rotini): Choose shapes that hold sauce well; penne or rotini keep every bite cheesy and satisfying.
Olive oil: Just a swirl in the pan gives your chicken a golden sear and helps the flavors bloom.
Garlic: Aromatic and punchy, it sets a crave-worthy foundation for the dish.
Onion: Diced onion adds sweetness and helps create a deeply savory undertone.
Chicken broth: Cooking the pasta right in broth infuses every piece with extra savory goodness.
Crushed tomatoes: These create a saucy, vibrant backbone for the dish—canned or boxed both work great.
Italian seasoning: A classic blend that brings herby notes and ties all the flavors together.
Salt and pepper: Don’t forget to season at every stage for a well-balanced final flavor!
Mozzarella cheese: Give yourself permission to go extra cheesy for maximum melt and stretch factor.
Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and a salty finish—grate it fresh if you can.
Fresh basil or parsley (optional): A sprinkle of herbs before serving brightens everything up beautifully.

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating your olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the diced chicken breast, season well with salt and pepper, and let it cook until both sides are golden brown. Try not to fuss with the pieces too much; letting them sit for a minute or two before stirring helps develop that irresistible sear.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Once your chicken is browned (it doesn’t have to be fully cooked through yet!), scoop it to one side and add the onion and garlic to the pan. Sauté for a minute or two, letting the onion soften and the garlic become fragrant. This step is key for building a flavor base that anchors the whole One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, and Italian seasoning, then stir to combine with the chicken and sautéed aromatics. Scrape up any golden bits stuck to the bottom of your pan—they’re pure flavor! Let the sauce come up to a simmer so everything melds deliciously.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Stir in your dry pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the sauce. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 10–12 minutes. Give it a stir every few minutes to prevent sticking and make sure the pasta cooks evenly, soaking up all those fantastic flavors.

Step 5: Assemble the Cheesy Magic

When your pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, turn off the heat and sprinkle in the mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Stir gently until everything’s melted and outrageously creamy. The chicken should be cooked through, and you’ll have a glorious, spoonable, cheesy pasta ready to dish up!

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A shower of freshly chopped basil or parsley just before serving is absolutely transformative. That little burst of green not only brightens the entire plate but adds a freshness that pairs beautifully with all the cheesy, savory goodness underneath.

Side Dishes

For a well-rounded meal, pair your One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta with a simple green salad—something peppery like arugula with a lemony vinaigrette works wonders. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is a must for sopping up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Don’t be afraid to spoon this pasta into individual crocks and pop them under the broiler for two minutes to get those golden, bubbly cheese tops. Or try serving family-style in your prettiest Dutch oven—let everyone go in for seconds straight from the pot for that cozy, communal feel.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, and the flavors often deepen after a day’s rest, making those next-day lunches even more tempting.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze extra portions, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep its texture and flavor for up to a month. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, just microwave individual portions or warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water to revive the sauce. Give everything a good stir and, if you feel like it, top with a bit more cheese!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is super flexible. Short shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or even shells will work just as well, though you may need to adjust the cook time slightly.

Is it possible to make this with leftover cooked chicken?

Definitely! Just skip the searing step, add your shredded or chopped cooked chicken with the sauce, and continue from there. It’s a great way to use up rotisserie or leftover roast chicken.

How can I make it spicier?

Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the aromatics or stir in a spoonful of Calabrian chili paste to the sauce for a gentle kick that’s sure to warm things up.

What vegetables can I add?

Feel free to stir in some baby spinach, diced bell peppers, or sliced mushrooms along with the aromatics or sauce. It’s a wonderful way to boost color, flavor, and nutrition without complicating things.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes! Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta—just be mindful to check its package instructions for cook time, and keep an extra splash of broth handy in case it needs a bit more liquid.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a meal that brings maximum comfort with minimum hassle, One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta deserves a spot in your weekly rotation. Just one bite will convince you: this is the kind of dinner that makes ordinary nights feel special. Give it a try soon—your kitchen (and everyone around your table) will thank you!

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe