If there’s one dish that embodies comfort, ease, and downright irresistible flavor, it’s One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta. This deeply satisfying meal is a weeknight lifesaver: juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a trio of melty cheeses mingling in a creamy sauce, all tossed together in a single pan. Not only is this a no-fuss recipe, but every bite is loaded with richness and just a hint of tang from tomatoes and a touch of aromatic spice, making it impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or just want leftovers to look forward to, One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta will become your new favorite cozy dinner in less than 40 minutes.

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh basics come together for such spectacular results. Each ingredient plays a starring role, building layers of flavor, texture, and color in this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta masterpiece.

Chicken breasts: Lean, hearty, and perfect for soaking up flavor, use bite-sized pieces for fast, even cooking.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps everything sauté beautifully—don’t skip it!
Yellow onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and lovely depth to the sauce.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses every bite with a gentle, savory kick.
Chicken broth: The foundation of your sauce, it keeps the pasta extra flavorful and moist.
Diced tomatoes (with juices): The hint of acidity brightens everything and balances the richness of the cheese and cream.
Penne or rotini pasta: These short shapes hold onto every bit of the luscious sauce for maximum comfort in each bite.
Italian seasoning: Adds that familiar, herby aroma we all crave in cozy pasta dishes.
Paprika: Offers a subtle smoky warmth that ties all the flavors together.
Salt and black pepper: No good pasta is complete without these essential flavor boosters—season to taste!
Cheddar cheese: Brings a sharp, tangy melt and that irresistible orange hue.
Mozzarella cheese: For fantastic stretch and creaminess—think pizza vibes in your pasta bowl.
Parmesan cheese: The salty, nutty finish that elevates the entire one pot cheesy chicken pasta.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce velvety smooth and downright decadent.
Chopped parsley: Adds a fresh, bright pop of color just before serving.

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Chicken

Start by grabbing your favorite deep skillet or Dutch oven—this whole adventure takes place in one magical pot. Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces. Shake on the salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning, giving everything a good toss. Sauté the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Once the chicken is beautifully golden, scoop it onto a plate and keep it close by for the next round.

Step 2: Get That Aromatic Base Going

In the same pan (no need to wash—that’s pure flavor in those drippings!), add the diced onion. Stir and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is soft and just starting to turn golden. Add the minced garlic and stir for another 30 seconds, letting that delicious aroma fill your kitchen. This little step sets the stage for everything that’s about to happen.

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta

Next, pour in the chicken broth and the can of diced tomatoes (don’t drain those juices—they help create the sauce). Stir in the uncooked pasta and crank the heat up to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat, cover, and let it all simmer for 12 to 14 minutes. Stir every couple of minutes to make sure nothing sticks. The pasta will soak up all that goodness and become perfectly tender.

Step 4: Bring Back the Chicken & Add the Cheese

Add your cooked chicken right back into the pan. Pour in the heavy cream, sprinkle in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, and stir lovingly as everything melts together. Keep stirring as the cheeses blend and the sauce turns velvety and thick—this is the heart of One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta! Let the mixture cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, uncovered, until hot, gooey, and absolutely dreamy.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and scatter chopped parsley over the top for a burst of freshness and color. Give the pasta one last gentle toss and serve warm, right out of the pot. Everyone will come running for a scoop!

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of more freshly grated Parmesan or a few extra shreds of cheddar is always a good idea. Chopped parsley or basil takes it up a notch, and a twist of black pepper right before serving adds a little kick. If you’re feeling decadent, drizzle just a hint of olive oil on top—total chef’s kiss!

Side Dishes

This dish is a star on its own, but serving it with a simple green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette keeps things fresh and balanced. Warm, crusty bread (maybe even a homemade garlic bread) is perfect for mopping up every bit of that dreamy sauce. For a heartier spread, roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers make fantastic, colorful add-ons.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta family-style right from the skillet in the center of the table—nothing builds anticipation like that first steamy scoop. Or portion it into shallow bowls and top each with an extra flourish of herbs and cheese for a restaurant-worthy look. Kids love it served in baked bread bowls, and for a weeknight party, you can ladle the pasta into mini ramekins for individual servings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftover One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta completely, then spoon it into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—just long enough to make lunch or a second dinner feel like a treat. The flavors somehow get even cozier as they meld!

Freezing

This pasta freezes surprisingly well, though the texture is creamiest when fresh. Let the pasta cool, portion into freezer-safe bags or containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results. If you know you’ll freeze a batch, consider undercooking the pasta just a smidge so it stays al dente after reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back that silken, saucy texture. If microwaving, cover loosely and stir halfway through heating for even creaminess. Avoid high heat—low and slow helps the cheese melt beautifully without getting grainy.

FAQs

Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Absolutely! Thighs work beautifully in One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta, adding extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust the cook time so the chicken is cooked through before removing it from the pan in Step 1.

Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

For a lighter take, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk, and use reduced-fat cheeses. The sauce will still be creamy but a bit less rich—it’s a great option for those watching calories.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely! Stir in baby spinach, mushrooms, or chopped bell peppers during the pasta simmering step. They’ll cook down perfectly in the one pot, soaking up all the flavors along with the pasta and chicken.

What other cheese combinations work well?

Feel free to mix things up—Monterey Jack, Gouda, or Fontina all melt beautifully and bring different flavors to the table. You can even use whatever odds and ends of cheese you have in the fridge for a custom blend!

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes, and it’s a great shortcut for busy nights! Simply skip Step 1 and add the shredded or cubed rotisserie chicken in Step 4, warming it through in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself to pure, cheesy, weeknight comfort, give One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta a try. It’s quick, satisfying, and downright delicious—just the kind of recipe that makes you look like a dinner hero without breaking a sweat. The best part? You’ll only have one pot to clean at the end, making this a keeper for both taste and convenience. Gather your family, grab those ingredients, and dig in!

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a delicious and creamy pasta dish that comes together in just one pot. Tender chicken, flavorful seasonings, three kinds of cheese, and pasta cooked in a savory broth make this a perfect family dinner option. This easy skillet meal is comforting and satisfying, making it a great choice for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Pasta:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juices
8 oz penne or rotini pasta, uncooked
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Chicken: In a large skillet, cook seasoned chicken until browned. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
Add Ingredients: Pour in broth and tomatoes, then add pasta. Simmer until pasta is tender.
Finish Dish: Return cooked chicken to the pan, add cream and cheeses. Simmer until creamy.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.