If you are on the lookout for a comforting and effortless dinner that delivers big on flavor, the One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines tender, juicy chicken with a creamy, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, all cooked in one single pot to save you both time and cleanup. It’s a delightful weeknight meal that feels indulgent but comes together in under 40 minutes. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or craving a cozy plate of pasta after a busy day, this recipe hits all the right notes with simple ingredients that blend into an irresistible, hearty dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each plays a crucial role in building the rich and balanced flavors of this hearty meal. From the tender chicken to the creamy cheeses, every component adds texture and taste you’ll love.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and easy bites.
- Olive oil: Adds depth and helps brown the chicken beautifully, enhancing flavor.
- Onion: Diced small to melt into the sauce, creating a sweet base.
- Garlic: Minced for that essential aromatic punch that wakes up the dish.
- Italian seasoning: A herb blend that brings an herby warmth and complexity.
- Paprika: Just a touch for mild smoky undertones and color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and highlight flavors.
- Chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the pasta and chicken with savory goodness.
- Diced tomatoes (canned with juices): Adds a juicy, bright dimension to the sauce.
- Uncooked pasta (penne or rotini): Perfect shapes to cradle the cheesy sauce and catch every bite.
- Heavy cream or half-and-half: For a luscious, velvety texture that turns this into a true comfort meal.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: The star of cheesy flavor with a sharp, creamy finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, nutty richness for depth.
- Fresh parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that lifts and enlivens the dish’s appearance and flavor.
How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Add them to the hot oil and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about five to six minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside. This step locks in juicy flavor and builds a savory base for the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics
In the same pan, toss in the diced onion. Cook it for three to four minutes until it softens and begins to turn translucent, releasing its natural sweetness. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant. This aromatic base is key to layering in flavor and aroma that elevates the entire recipe.
Step 3: Simmer the Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and diced tomatoes with their juices, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s evenly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is perfectly al dente and has absorbed the rich broth.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Return the cooked chicken to the pot, stirring it through the pasta. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream along with both the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Stir continuously until all the cheese melts into a luxuriously creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thin, simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reach your desired consistency. This stage transforms the dish into that irresistible, cheesy comfort food everyone loves.
How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finish your dish with a sprinkling of freshly chopped parsley. Not only does it add a pop of color, but the fresh herbaceous notes cut through the richness, making each bite feel bright and balanced. A little extra grated Parmesan on top is always welcome for those who can’t get enough cheese.
Side Dishes
This cheesy pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the creaminess. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus on the side add color and a nutritional boost without competing with the main flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this dish in individual oven-safe ramekins and broiling the top to create a golden, bubbly cheese crust. Alternatively, spoon it over a bed of sautéed greens for a heartier presentation. These simple ideas turn an everyday dinner into something special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. The One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe holds up well for up to three days, making it perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners later in the week.
Freezing
This dish freezes best without the fresh parsley garnish. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags and freeze for up to two months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir gently until heated through and creamy once again. Microwaving works too—just cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to avoid drying out.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut, especially on busy nights. Add the shredded cooked chicken during the final step just before mixing in the cheese and cream, and you’ll save precious time without compromising flavor.
What pasta shapes work best in this recipe?
Penne and rotini are ideal because their curves and hollow centers hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every forkful is full of cheesy goodness. However, other short pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle also work well.
Can I add vegetables to the One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Definitely! Fresh spinach, broccoli florets, or peas stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking add lovely color, texture, and nutrition. Just make sure the veggies have enough time to cook through but remain vibrant.
Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?
Yes, half-and-half can be used for a lighter yet still creamy texture. Keep in mind that the sauce might be a little less rich, but it will still taste delicious and satisfy that comfort food craving.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you love some heat, try adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes either when cooking the chicken or stirring in the cheese. You can also sprinkle diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about a meal that comes together effortlessly and delights every time, and this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly that kind of recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with comforting flavors that make you feel right at home. So don’t hesitate—grab your ingredients and whip up this cozy dish tonight. You’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!
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One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
A creamy and comforting one pot cheesy chicken pasta that’s perfect for a quick and easy family dinner. Tender chicken pieces are browned and combined with flavorful seasonings, simmered together with pasta, diced tomatoes, and chicken broth, then finished with rich cream and melted cheeses for a delicious, cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
- 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
Dairy and Cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Sauté the aromatics: In the same pan, add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Simmer pasta and liquids: Pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes with juices, stirring to combine. Add the uncooked pasta to the pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Add creamy cheeses and chicken: Stir the cooked chicken back into the pan along with the heavy cream (or half-and-half), shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Final simmer and serve: If the sauce is too thin, simmer uncovered for an additional 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve hot.
Notes
- For a time-saving option, substitute cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking raw chicken.
- Add extra veggies like spinach or broccoli in the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrition and color.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
- This dish reheats well and can be stored for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
