If you’re hunting for a crowd-pleasing, comfort food recipe that’s quick enough for a weeknight and delicious enough for company, look no further than One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta. This dish brings together juicy chicken, lush strands of pasta, and a luxuriously creamy, melty cheese sauce—all bubbling together in just one pan. There’s basically no easier way to treat your family to a warm, satisfying dinner while only making a single mess in the kitchen. Friends will be begging for seconds, and the leftovers (if you have any) reheat like a dream. This cheesy, savory, seriously irresistible meal is about to become your new favorite way to shake up dinnertime.

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta starts with everyday ingredients you already know and love. Each element has a delicious purpose, from flavor boosters to that signature creamy finish—so don’t skip a thing!

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless and cut into bite-sized pieces, they’re quick to cook and soak up all those cheesy, saucy flavors.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and veggies and adding just a touch of richness.
Onion: Diced for sweet, savory undertones that build the perfect flavor base.
Garlic: Minced and aromatic—this pumps up the savory factor in every bite.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a pop of color; try smoked paprika for extra depth.
Italian Seasoning: Brings a familiar herby finish that pairs perfectly with tomato and cheese.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and pulling all the flavors together.
Chicken Broth: The liquid that cooks the pasta and infuses every bite with savory goodness.
Diced Tomatoes: Adds acidity, color, and little tomatoey bursts in the final dish.
Heavy Cream: The key to that ultra-creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting.
Short Pasta (Penne or Rotini): These shapes hold the sauce perfectly—try whole wheat for more fiber.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce, bringing creaminess and cheesy flavor throughout.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: For a salty, nutty finish that balances out the richness.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top—it adds color and a hint of freshness.

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes without moving too much—you want a bit of golden sear on the outside, but they don’t need to be fully cooked yet. This step is crucial because those browned bits will add big flavor to your dish.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Add your diced onion right to the pan and sauté for around 3 minutes, or until it softens and begins to turn translucent. Next, toss in the minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let these cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently. Soon you’ll notice the kitchen smells absolutely incredible—garlic and spices blooming together is the secret base for bold, savory flavor.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (including their juices), and heavy cream. Give everything a big stir to combine, making sure to scrape any brown bits from the bottom of the pan—that’s all flavor! Stir in your uncooked pasta, nestling it in so it’s mostly submerged. Bring the mixture up to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pan. Let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will soak up all those delicious liquids, turning soft and infused with cheesy, tomatoey goodness. You’ll know it’s ready when the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed—it should look creamy, not soupy.

Step 5: Stir in Cheeses

Now for the best part! Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheeses. As you mix, you’ll see the cheese melt right into the pasta, forming a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to every bite. Take a taste—if you want it even cheesier, feel free to sprinkle in a little extra cheddar at this point.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Scatter the chopped fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and bright, herby flavor. Give everything a quick toss and serve your One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta piping hot. It’s now officially impossible to resist.

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Before you bring your steaming skillet to the table, take a moment to add some simple but show-stopping garnishes. Fresh parsley is a classic, lending fragrance and a pop of green. You can also sprinkle on extra Parmesan, a dash of black pepper, or even a drizzle of good olive oil for a glossy finish. If you love a little spice, a pinch of red pepper flakes does wonders too.

Side Dishes

This is an ultra-comforting standalone dinner, but sides can really round out the meal. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette is a natural choice, lightening things up between bites of creamy pasta. Garlic bread or a rustic baguette is perfect for mopping up the sauce, while simple roasted vegetables (like broccoli or asparagus) add color and crunch. Keep it laid-back or dress it up—it’s totally up to you.

Creative Ways to Present

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a natural crowd-pleaser at family dinners, but don’t stop there. Try spooning it into individual oven-safe gratin dishes, topping with a sprinkle of extra cheese, and broiling quickly for bubbly, golden tops. Or divide into jars or bowls for grab-and-go lunches the next day. However you present it, you’re guaranteed to get “oohs” and “aahs” at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, and it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. The sauce may thicken slightly as it sits, but that just makes it even more luscious when reheated.

Freezing

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta actually holds up remarkably well in the freezer. After cooling, pack portions into freezer-friendly containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Just know that the pasta might soften a bit after thawing, but the amazing flavor will still shine through.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual servings in the microwave on medium power, stirring every minute for even warmth. If reheating a large batch on the stovetop, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, and stir gently over low heat until hot and creamy. A sprinkle of extra cheese before serving is never a bad idea!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs bring a bit more flavor and stay juicy even after simmering. Just cut them into bite-sized pieces, and proceed as you would with chicken breasts in the One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe.

Is it possible to make this dairy-free?

You can! Swap in your favorite non-dairy cream (like cashew cream or unsweetened oat milk) and use a vegan cheese alternative. While the texture may change slightly, you’ll still get plenty of creamy, cheesy comfort.

What pasta shapes work best?

Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, rigatoni, or shells are perfect because they hold the sauce so well. Avoid very small or delicate shapes, as they may overcook before the chicken is done.

Can I add vegetables to this?

Definitely. Bell peppers, spinach, peas, or broccoli are all great additions. Stir them in with the broth (for peppers and broccoli) or at the end (for spinach and peas) so they stay bright and tender.

How can I add extra flavor?

Try smoked paprika in place of regular, toss in some cooked bacon, or sprinkle in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of kick. Mixing in a bit of mozzarella alongside the cheddar also makes the One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta even more gooey and satisfying.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something heartwarming about a dish like One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta—it’s quick, easy, and absolutely guaranteed to make any night feel special. I hope you give it a spin in your own kitchen soon, and that it becomes one of your go-to comfort food favorites. Enjoy every cheesy, creamy bite!

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken pieces, this easy one-pot meal is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
3 cups chicken broth
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
1/2 cup heavy cream

Pasta:

12 ounces short pasta (penne or rotini)

Cheese:

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add chicken and cook until browned.
Prepare Sauce: Add onion, garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook until fragrant. Pour in broth, tomatoes, and cream.
Add Pasta: Stir in pasta, bring to a boil, then simmer until pasta is tender.
Melt Cheese: Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until creamy. Garnish with parsley.