One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a creamy, cheesy pasta dish to comfort your soul after a long day. One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta brings all of the richness and warmth of a classic pasta dish, but with the added bonus of minimal cleanup.

It combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a cheesy, creamy sauce that coats every bite. Best of all, this entire meal is made in a single pot, making it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.

This recipe is not only simple but also incredibly flavorful. The creamy cheese sauce, combined with savory chicken, garlic, and herbs, creates a dish that is satisfying and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a group of friends, this dish is sure to be a hit. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with different vegetables, proteins, and cheese varieties.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. One-Pot Wonder: No need for multiple pots and pans. Everything cooks in one pot, which means less mess and fewer dishes to clean up.
2. Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
3. Comfort Food: The creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken make it the ultimate comfort food.
4. Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, adjust the spice level, or swap in a different cheese to make this recipe your own.
5. Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a family favorite, perfect for feeding both kids and adults alike.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

1. Prep the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and smoked paprika (if using). You can either slice the chicken into bite-sized pieces or leave it whole, depending on your preference.
2. Cook the Chicken: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces (or whole breasts). Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side if sliced into pieces, or 7-10 minutes per side if leaving it whole, until it’s fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions and Garlic

1. Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Add the Liquids: To the onions and garlic, pour in the chicken broth and milk, then bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta (or your choice of pasta) and a pinch of salt.
2. Cook the Pasta: Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should absorb most of the liquid and become tender. If the liquid evaporates too quickly and the pasta is not yet tender, add a bit more milk or broth as needed to finish cooking the pasta.

Step 4: Add the Cheese and Chicken

1. Shred the Chicken: While the pasta is cooking, take the cooked chicken and either shred it using two forks or cut it into bite-sized pieces, depending on your preference.
2. Add the Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan, mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses (if using). Continue stirring until the cheeses melt completely, creating a creamy and cheesy sauce that coats the pasta.
3. Add the Chicken: Stir the shredded or chopped chicken back into the pot, mixing it with the cheesy pasta. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat the chicken through and allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Finish with Butter: If you want an extra rich and creamy finish, add another tablespoon of butter to the dish and stir until it melts completely into the sauce.
2. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to spice things up.
3. Serve: Serve the One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta immediately, paired with a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.

Tips for Success

1. Use Chicken Thighs for More Flavor: If you prefer a richer flavor, you can swap out the chicken breasts for boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They have more fat, which helps keep the chicken juicy and flavorful.
2. Adjust the Creaminess: If you like a richer, creamier sauce, add more cream or half-and-half instead of milk. You can also increase the amount of cheese for an ultra cheesy sauce.
3. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: One of the benefits of this recipe is that the pasta absorbs the flavors from the broth and milk. Keep an eye on the pasta to ensure it doesn’t overcook and turn mushy. You want it al dente for the best texture.
4. Make It Spicy: For a spicy kick, add chopped jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or a drizzle of hot sauce to the pasta.
5. Use Pre-Cooked Chicken for Faster Prep: If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked chicken (like rotisserie chicken) to speed up the cooking process. Simply shred it and add it in when you mix the cheese into the pasta.

Variations

1. Vegetarian Version: Make the dish vegetarian by swapping the chicken for vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and spinach. Sauté them with the onions and garlic before adding the broth and pasta.
2. Add Bacon: For a smoky, savory twist, cook some bacon in the same pot before the chicken. Once crispy, remove the bacon, crumble it, and stir it into the pasta at the end.
3. Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Make a Buffalo chicken version by adding Buffalo sauce to the chicken before mixing it into the pasta. Top with a drizzle of ranch dressing for a classic combination.
4. Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta: Add extra garlic butter for a more decadent dish. Simply melt some butter, sauté extra garlic, and stir it into the pasta before adding the cheese.
5. One Pot Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta: Spice things up with Cajun seasoning. Add Cajun spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme to the chicken for a Southern-inspired dish.

Conclusion

This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe is a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and pasta, all made in one pot. Whether you’re cooking for a family or making dinner for yourself, this meal is quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. With endless possibilities for customization, you can make it your own with different seasonings, vegetables, or even spices. And best of all, the easy cleanup means you can enjoy a delicious meal without the hassle. Enjoy your cheesy, comforting bowl of pasta tonight!

Yield: 4

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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There's nothing quite like a creamy, cheesy pasta dish to comfort your soul after a long day. One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta brings all of the richness and warmth of a classic pasta dish, but with the added bonus of minimal cleanup. It combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a cheesy, creamy sauce that coats every bite. Best of all, this entire meal is made in a single pot, making it a great option for busy weeknights or meal prep.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or any short pasta)
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken
   Heat the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat.
   Add the diced chicken and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.
   Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
   
2. Sauté the Aromatics
   In the same pot, add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes, until softened.
   Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
   
3. Cook the Pasta
   Add the uncooked pasta to the pot along with the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together to combine.
   Bring the mixture to a simmer, then cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to low.
   Cook for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, stirring occasionally.
   
4. Add the Cheese
   Once the pasta is cooked, return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine.
   Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
   Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
   
5. Serve
   Garnish with fresh parsley or basil, if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

Pasta Type: You can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini, but make sure it cooks quickly since the recipe uses a one-pot method.

Creamy Variation: For extra creaminess, you can add a little extra heavy cream or use half-and-half instead.

Vegetable Add-ins: Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the dish for more flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them with the onions before adding the garlic.

Chicken Options: You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts or even use rotisserie chicken to save time.