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
Scale
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
