If there’s one dish that can coax “mmm” from every seat at the table, it’s One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta. Imagine juicy bites of chicken, perfectly tender pasta, and a blend of oozy, melty cheeses that wrap everything in irresistible comfort. This recipe gives you a rich, hearty meal with only one pot to clean at the end — making busy weeknights and relaxed weekends alike a whole lot tastier and much less stressful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part about One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is that it comes together with a handful of everyday staples. Each ingredient brings something special: richness, creaminess, spice, or a pop of fresh color. Here’s exactly what you’ll need for a cheesy, flavor-packed dinner the whole family will love:
- Olive oil: A splash to sear your chicken and build flavor from the very first step.
- Boneless skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick, even cooking and perfectly juicy chicken in every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential fundamentals for building savory depth right from the start.
- Garlic powder and onion powder: These pantry heroes ensure that every forkful bursts with classic, hearty flavor.
- Paprika: A gentle hint of smokiness and color that keeps things interesting.
- Chicken broth: Infuses every bite with savory warmth while making the pasta ultra flavorful.
- Milk: Keeps the sauce creamy without being too heavy, letting the cheeses shine.
- Uncooked penne pasta: Cooks right in the pot, soaking up all the saucy goodness while saving you from extra dishes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds a tangy, stretchy cheesiness that’s just irresistible.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Brings a nutty, salty kick that complements the other cheeses beautifully.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into silky ribbons, giving you those signature cheesy pulls.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top for freshness and beautiful color to finish your masterpiece.
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 heat. When the oil shimmers, add your chicken pieces and sprinkle them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Sauté the chicken, stirring occasionally, until it’s deeply golden and cooked through — about 5 to 6 minutes. Browning the chicken here doesn’t just lock in juiciness; it’s also the secret to building deep, savory flavor that will echo throughout the whole dish.
Step 2: Add the Liquid Ingredients
Pour in your chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits from the pan (those bits are flavor gold!). Stir everything together and allow the mixture to come to a gentle boil. This simmering sauce is what makes the pasta so deliciously creamy in the end.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Add the uncooked penne pasta straight into your bubbling broth and milk. Stir everything well to make sure the pasta doesn’t clump or stick to the bottom. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes. Give it an occasional stir, and keep an eye out: you want the pasta tender and most of the liquid absorbed, setting the stage for optimum cheesiness.
Step 4: Stir in the Cheeses
Take the pan off the heat and immediately add cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Stir until the cheeses melt and create a creamy, luscious sauce that bathes every morsel. This step is pure magic: the heat from the pasta and chicken melts the cheeses without making the sauce greasy or stringy, and suddenly, your kitchen smells like comfort food heaven.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over your One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta for a pop of green and a hint of herbal brightness. Serve it piping hot and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
A flutter of fresh parsley is classic, but you could also try a dusting of extra Parmesan or a few twists of cracked black pepper. For a little kick, scatter on a pinch of red pepper flakes just before serving — it looks gorgeous and perks up the creamy cheese.
Side Dishes
Since One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is so satisfyingly rich, keep sides simple. Think a crisp green salad with a punchy vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. If you’re in the mood for veggies, roasted broccoli or steamed green beans are easy winners here.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning portions into individual mini cast iron skillets for a fun, rustic feel, or pile it up in a big family-style bowl for a cozy dinner. Hosting? Top each serving with a swirl of chili oil or a handful of microgreens for an elevated, bistro-worthy touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors just get cozier as they meld together.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, portion out the cooled pasta into freezer-safe bags or containers. While the texture of the cheese sauce may change slightly upon thawing, a gentle reheat with a splash of milk will bring things right back to creamy perfection. Eat within 2 months for best flavor and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, pop a portion into a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen up the sauce as needed. Stir gently until it’s heated through and creamy again. For microwave reheating, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring each time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! Penne is classic here, but any short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or even fusilli works great in One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta. Just keep an eye on the cook time and add a splash more liquid if needed.
What’s the best cheese combination if I want to switch things up?
The trio of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan is hard to beat, but you can swap in Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a touch of fontina for extra meltiness. Smoked gouda also adds a lovely depth!
Can I add vegetables to make this meal even heartier?
Definitely! Spinach, broccoli, peas, or bell peppers mix in beautifully. Just stir them in during the last few minutes of simmering so they stay vibrant and tender.
Is there a way to make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta a little lighter?
You sure can. Substitute whole milk with low-fat milk, use part-skim mozzarella, or reduce the overall cheese by a half cup. It’ll still be creamy and satisfying.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?
Yes, just add the cooked chicken when the pasta is nearly done, letting it warm through before adding the cheeses at the end. This makes One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta even quicker on busy nights.
Final Thoughts
If you love a dinner that brings everyone running to the table, One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta should absolutely make its way into your weekly rotation. It’s easy, wildly comforting, and loaded with flavor in every bite. Try it soon — you might just find it becomes your family’s new favorite too!
Print
One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and easy one-pot cheesy chicken pasta recipe that is perfect for a quick and comforting meal. Tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and flavorful seasonings come together to create a satisfying dish the whole family will love.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
For the Pasta:
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes.
- Cook the Pasta: Add chicken broth and milk to the pan and stir to combine. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil, then add the uncooked penne pasta. Stir well, reduce heat to medium-low, and cover the pan. Simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the Dish: Remove the pan from heat and stir in cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella until melted and creamy. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, sauté chopped onion or garlic with the chicken.
- You can also substitute the chicken breast with boneless chicken thighs or cooked rotisserie chicken.
- Feel free to mix in vegetables like spinach or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
