If you’re on the hunt for a dish that combines comfort, convenience, and big flavor, look no further than One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta. This recipe delivers everything you could want from an easy weeknight dinner: tender bites of chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a lusciously creamy cheese sauce, all bubbling away together in a single pot. Whether you’re cooking for the family or looking for a meal that practically guarantees leftovers, this cheesy, satisfying classic quickly wins rave reviews.

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of kitchen staples (and a couple of options to spice things up), you’ll find One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta impressively simple to make. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing richness, color, or a pop of flavor for that signature irresistible taste.

Chicken breast: Lean, mild, and quick-cooking, these pieces provide hearty protein without overpowering the creamy sauce.
Olive oil: Adds richness while helping the chicken brown beautifully.
Onion: Gives your base a gentle sweetness and depth that makes the whole dish taste homey.
Garlic: A must for classic aromatic flavor; mince it fresh for best results.
Salt & black pepper: Essential seasonings that wake up all the other flavors.
Italian seasoning: Dried herbs amp up the savory vibes with minimal effort.
Chicken broth: The backbone of your sauce—infuses everything with extra chicken-y goodness.
Milk: Makes things creamy without going overboard on richness.
Pasta: Penne, rotini, or shells soak up the sauce beautifully; use what you have!
Diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional): Brings a tangy kick and lovely pops of color to the pot.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a golden, gooey blanket—don’t skimp!
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty notes and extra depth.
Cream cheese (optional): If you crave that ultra-luxurious, silky texture, toss this in at the end.
Fresh parsley (optional): Sprinkle for a finishing touch of color and freshness.

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast pieces and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Let the chicken cook for about 4 to 5 minutes, stirring only occasionally so it gets those lovely golden edges. Browning the chicken here is key—those caramelized bits will deepen the overall flavor later!

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

Once your chicken is cooked through and lightly browned, toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes, just until the kitchen starts smelling amazing and the onions turn translucent. These aromatics will infuse the whole One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta with savory base notes.

Step 3: Add Broth, Milk, Pasta, and Tomatoes

Pour in the chicken broth and milk, then stir in your uncooked pasta and diced tomatoes with green chilies (if you’re feeling adventurous). Give it all a good stir to distribute the ingredients evenly. Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Step 4: Simmer the Pasta

As soon as it boils, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring once or twice along the way. Watch as the pasta absorbs all those delicious flavors and the sauce thickens up—this is when the magic happens! Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid absorbed, you’re ready for final cheesiness.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheeses

Now, toss in the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and that optional cream cheese if you want the extra-velvety experience. Stir well until everything has melted into a smooth, glossy sauce that clings perfectly to the chicken and noodles. Let your One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta rest for a couple of minutes off the heat—it’ll thicken just a tad more, making every bite pure perfection.

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and a hint of freshness that really wakes everything up. If you love heat, a few crushed red pepper flakes or a dusting of extra Parmesan will make your bowl of One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta look and taste restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette to cut the richness, or some buttery garlic bread for true comfort food indulgence. Roasted veggies (broccoli, asparagus, or bell peppers) add color and balance to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Dish up individual servings in cute bowls, or go for a family-style presentation in the same pot you cooked it in for that warm, communal feeling. If you’re entertaining, spoon the One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta into small ramekins, top with extra cheese, and broil for a bubbly, golden finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (and that’s a big “if”), transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but the flavors only deepen and get better!

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta. Cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Keep in mind that cream sauces sometimes change texture after freezing, but a splash of milk on reheating helps restore creaminess.

Reheating

Warm up leftovers gently in a pot over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cheese?

Absolutely! Mozzarella melts beautifully for extra stretch, or try pepper jack for a little spice. Mix and match your favorites—just be sure the total amount is about 2 cups for the perfect cheesy consistency.

What type Main Course

Short shapes like penne, rotini, or medium shells are ideal. They hold on to the rich sauce and cook evenly. You can experiment with gluten-free or whole wheat pasta if you prefer.

Can I make this recipe with pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Fold in cubed or shredded cooked chicken when you add the cheeses, and heat through just until everything is hot and blended together. It’s a great way to use up leftovers.

Is this dish spicy with the diced tomatoes and green chilies?

It has just a gentle kick when you use the canned tomatoes with green chilies, but it’s not overly spicy. If you’re serving kids or anyone who prefers milder flavors, simply use plain diced tomatoes or skip them altogether.

How can I add extra veggies to One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta?

Feel free to stir in spinach, steamed broccoli, or frozen peas during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. They’ll blend right in, adding nutrients and freshness without fuss.

Final Thoughts

Once you try making One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta, it will quickly earn its place among your favorite comfort meals. It’s fuss-free, flavor-packed, and endlessly adaptable—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends at home. Gather your ingredients and treat yourself and your loved ones to a crowd-pleasing classic tonight!

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 7 reviews

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

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Description

A comforting and creamy one-pot chicken pasta dish loaded with cheese and flavors, perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Pasta:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
3 cups chicken broth
2 cups milk
12 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (optional)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons cream cheese (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, add chicken, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned.
Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until fragrant.
Add Ingredients: Pour in broth, milk, pasta, and tomatoes. Bring to a boil.
Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar, Parmesan, and cream cheese until creamy.
Rest and Serve: Let it rest for a few minutes to thicken. Garnish with parsley.