If you are craving a comforting, creamy, and absolutely scrumptious meal that saves you time and minimizes cleanup, then this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need in your dinner rotation. It combines tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with tender pasta bathed in a luscious cheese sauce, all made in just one pot. This dish is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packed with flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate, making it a guaranteed favorite for busy weeknights and hungry families alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of deliciousness while keeping things simple. From the savory spices to the creamy cheeses, each component contributes taste, texture, and vibrant color to the final dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a perfectly golden sear on the chicken and to bring out the flavors of the aromatics.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces: Provides tender, protein-packed bites that soak up all the creamy goodness.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors and seasons the chicken beautifully.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that complements the cheese and spices.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a deep garlic flavor that infuses throughout the dish easily.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings smokiness and color, making each bite more exciting.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and aroma once sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic punches up the flavor and aroma for an irresistible profile.
- 3 cups chicken broth: Provides the savory liquid base that helps cook the pasta and infuses flavor.
- 2 cups milk: Adds creaminess and helps create the silky cheese sauce.
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rotini): These shapes hold onto the sauce perfectly for a satisfying bite.
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: The star cheese offering a rich, tangy, melty texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharpness and nutty depth to the creamy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): A bright, fresh finish that adds color and a subtle herbal note.
How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Sear the Seasoned Chicken
Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. While the oil heats, toss the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Adding seasonings beforehand ensures every bite bursts with flavor. Once hot, add the chicken to the pot and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and nearly cooked through. This step is essential to lock in juiciness and build a rich base for the sauce.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic
Next, reduce the heat slightly and add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot. Stir everything together and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. This combination adds sweetness and aromatic depth that perfectly complements the chicken.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil so the warming liquids meld with the chicken and aromatics. Once boiling, stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s fully submerged. Then, reduce the heat to a low simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes.
Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
During this simmering time, stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom. The pasta will absorb the flavorful broth, swell with creaminess, and cook to tender perfection. This step is the magic moment when everything melds together into one cohesive dish.
Step 5: Stir in the Cheeses and Finish
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the pot from heat. Immediately stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses until they melt and create a luscious, creamy sauce coating. This cheesy finish is what makes this truly a One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe worth coming back for again and again.
How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
While the dish is heavenly on its own, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds the perfect pop of green and a mild herbal brightness that balances the richness of the cheese. For a little extra flavor, you could also add a dash of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of olive oil just before serving.
Side Dishes
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans. Light and fresh sides help cut through the creamy richness, providing a balanced and complete meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon the pasta into colorful shallow bowls and top with extra shredded cheese or even crispy bacon bits. You could also serve it family-style in the pot it was cooked in, inviting everyone to dig in right away. For special occasions, a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs adds delightful crunch on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, simply transfer any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a great option for next-day lunches or dinners. Just be sure to consume within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness and safety.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to prepare in advance. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly after freezing, but reheating with a splash of milk will bring back much of its creamy goodness.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Adding a little milk or broth while reheating helps loosen the sauce and restore that fresh-from-the-pot creaminess everyone loves. Stir occasionally for even heating and serve piping hot.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or rotini work great because they hold onto the sauce well, you can use other shapes like fusilli, farfalle, or even shells. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes may cook a bit faster or slower.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute the milk with a plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and swap out the cheeses for dairy-free versions. The texture and flavor will vary slightly, but it still makes for a delicious, creamy dish.
Can I add vegetables to the One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Definitely! Adding steamed broccoli, spinach, peas, or bell peppers towards the end of cooking boosts nutrition and adds color without complicating the recipe. Just fold in your veggies before stirring in the cheese.
What can I do to make this recipe spicier?
Try adding crushed red pepper flakes when seasoning the chicken or a dash of hot sauce to the broth before cooking. You can also experiment with spicy cheeses like pepper jack for a flavorful kick.
How do I make this recipe quicker for busy nights?
Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Add shredded chicken to the pot when the pasta is nearly done cooking, then proceed with the cheese step. This saves time without sacrificing any flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly comforting and joyful about sitting down to a warm bowl of cheesy chicken pasta that was made effortlessly in just one pot. This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe blends convenience with rich, satisfying flavors that will quickly earn a place in your family’s favorite meals. Give it a try—and get ready to fall in love with how simple and delicious dinner can be!
Print
One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken pieces are cooked with sautéed onions and garlic, then combined with pasta, chicken broth, and milk to create a creamy base. Finished with melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese, this dish offers rich flavor with minimal cleanup, making it an ideal family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Vegetables
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
Cheese and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Heat and Season Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and mostly cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pot with the chicken and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in the uncooked pasta to evenly distribute it in the pot.
- Simmer the Pasta: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Incorporate Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and immediately stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped parsley on top (if using) and serve the cheesy chicken pasta warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a faster version; add it at the end when pasta is nearly cooked.
- Swap cheddar cheese with mozzarella or pepper jack to vary the flavor.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach at the end of cooking for extra vegetables and nutrition.
