If you’re looking for a meal that combines comfort, simplicity, and total crowd-pleaser status, One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is about to steal your heart (and probably earn a spot in your weekly dinner rotation). Creamy, melty cheese hugs tender chicken and pasta, all mingling together in a flavorful tomato-kissed sauce—best of all, you’ll tackle the whole thing in a single pot, making dinner fast and cleanup even faster. You’ll adore how this dish brings everyone to the table with excited smiles!

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is carefully chosen to add flavor, creaminess, and irresistible appeal, without complicating your shopping list. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need—and a quick tip for getting the most out of each component!

Chicken breast: Tender, bite-sized pieces soak up the sauce and deliver lean protein in every forkful.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for that perfect savory foundation.
Yellow onion: The subtle sweetness from sautéed onion deepens the flavor of the base sauce.
Garlic: Fragrant and bold, garlic wakes up every other ingredient with a burst of aromatic appeal.
Chicken broth: Gives the pasta loads of savory depth as it cooks, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Diced tomatoes (with juices): These bring tang and body to the sauce, making everything saucy without getting too heavy.
Italian seasoning: A blend of dried herbs that delivers that classic, comforting flavor profile.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Adds just a whisper of heat—customize to suit your family’s taste buds!
Uncooked pasta (penne or rotini): The best shapes for catching all that creamy, cheesy sauce.
Heavy cream: This is where your sauce turns dreamy—ultra-silky and rich with every stir.
Shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully, giving you all the gooey, cheesy goodness you crave.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: For perfectly balanced seasoning throughout.
Chopped parsley: Freshens up the finished dish and adds a beautiful touch of green.

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear and Season the Chicken

Start this cozy meal by heating olive oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your chicken pieces, giving them enough space to brown (don’t overcrowd the pan!). Season generously with salt and pepper—these first few minutes are where you build that delicious, savory foundation. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden. Scoop the chicken out and set aside, letting those tasty little bits in the pot work their magic next.

Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic

In the same pot (leave those flavorful brown bits!), toss in your chopped onion. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant. Then, add minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds—it’ll turn aromatic fast, so don’t let it burn! This step brings a mellow sweetness and a punch of flavor that makes One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta so comforting.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Cook the Pasta

Now pour in your chicken broth and the entire can of diced tomatoes, juices and all. Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged. Bring everything to a boil, then lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the pasta cooks evenly and nothing sticks.

Step 4: Add Cream, Cheese, and Chicken

Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, it’s time to stir in the heavy cream and your shredded cheese. The sauce will instantly become creamy, silky, and deliciously gooey. Slide the cooked chicken back into the pot, give everything a thorough stir, and taste to adjust your seasonings. The cheese melts right into the sauce, blanketing every noodle and piece of chicken in that luscious creamy goodness.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Right before serving, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve the One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta family-style, straight from the pot, or scoop generous bowls for everyone around your table. Prepare for utter satisfaction—this dish is pure comfort!

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A final shower of chopped parsley is classic, but don’t stop there—a little extra shredded cheese or a dusting of freshly grated parmesan elevates the dish even more. For a touch of brightness, try a squeeze of lemon or a few cracks of black pepper right before serving. The simplicity of One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta means garnishes can take it from everyday fare to something truly special.

Side Dishes

To round out your table, pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette, or serve alongside steamed green beans for a touch of veggie freshness. Garlic bread is always a hit—perfect for scooping up the last remnants of that ultra-creamy sauce. These sides keep the focus on your main dish while balancing out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Going for a buffet-style spread? Scoop the One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta into ramekins or small baking dishes for a fun individual touch. For a fancier vibe, plate portions and top with a swirl of good olive oil and more herbs. Or, serve right from the skillet at the center of the table, letting everyone dig in and enjoy the comfort-food magic together!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers, simply allow the One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making your next lunch or dinner especially tasty!

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, though for peak creaminess it’s best enjoyed fresh. If you want to freeze, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. While the texture of the sauce may change a bit upon thawing, an extra splash of cream when reheating helps smooth things out.

Reheating

To reheat, place your pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or broth to revive that creamy consistency. Warm slowly, stirring often, until steaming hot. The microwave also works in a pinch—cover loosely and heat in 1-minute bursts, stirring between each until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breast?

Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut. Just skip the initial browning step and add the shredded or chopped rotisserie chicken when you stir in the cream and cheese. It’s a great way to use leftovers and still enjoy all the flavor of One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta.

What other vegetables could I add?

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Stir in baby spinach, frozen peas, or even diced bell peppers when you add the pasta. They’ll cook perfectly in the simmering sauce, adding color and a little extra nutrition to your One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta.

Can I use a different type Main Course

Yes! While penne and rotini work beautifully for catching all that sauce, you can swap in shells, fusilli, or even ziti. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as smaller or larger shapes may vary. The key is making sure the pasta is just tender and has absorbed all those delicious flavors.

What if I want a spicier version?

Amp up the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or using pepper jack cheese in place of cheddar or mozzarella. You can also toss in a chopped jalapeño with the onions. The creamy sauce of One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta helps mellow out the spice, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter spin, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream and use part-skim mozzarella cheese. You could also use whole wheat pasta for more fiber. The results are still creamy, flavorful, and absolutely crave-worthy—in classic One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta fashion.

Final Thoughts

This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is pure everyday magic, and I can’t wait for you to try it! Whether you’re feeding a busy family or craving something warm and cozy just for yourself, this dish delivers comfort and ease in every bite. Grab your pot and prepare to fall in love with a new weeknight classic!

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and creamy one-pot pasta dish featuring tender chicken, gooey cheese, and flavorful Italian seasonings. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Pasta:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small yellow onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups chicken broth
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
8 ounces uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, brown chicken pieces, and set aside.
Saute Onion and Garlic: In the same pot, sauté onion until soft, then add garlic.
Add Ingredients: Pour in chicken broth, tomatoes, seasonings, and pasta. Simmer until pasta is tender.
Finish the Dish: Stir in cooked chicken, cream, and cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning and garnish with parsley.