If you’re looking for a meal that feels like a warm, cheesy hug on a busy night, this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce—all made in one pot for ultimate convenience without sacrificing flavor. This dish is not only comforting and satisfying, but it’s also a lifesaver when you want something hearty without spending hours in the kitchen. Seriously, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to for cozy dinners that everyone will rave about.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet pack a ton of flavor and texture into every bite. Each one plays a critical role in building that rich, creamy, and cheesy profile that defines this dish.
- 2 cups penne pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto all that luscious sauce and cheese.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Provides tender, protein-packed bites throughout the pasta.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the chicken beautifully and adding a subtle richness.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with warm and aromatic notes.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend that brightens the dish with herbs like oregano and basil.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors perfectly without overpowering.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle kick and balance to the dish.
- 4 cups chicken broth: The cooking liquid that infuses the pasta with savory goodness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Turns the broth into an indulgent, silky sauce.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts seamlessly for gooey, cheesy pockets throughout.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish: A bright, fresh touch that lifts the entire dish visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Chicken
Start by dicing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them thoroughly with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This seasoning blend is the backbone of flavor for the chicken, making each bite fragrant and inviting.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook it until it’s beautifully browned on all sides—around 5 to 7 minutes. This step locks in juiciness and develops complex flavors that you’ll taste in every spoonful.
Step 3: Add the Broth and Bring to a Boil
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. This flavorful liquid will cook your pasta and help everything meld together perfectly.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
Stir in the penne pasta, making sure it’s fully submerged in the broth. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the pasta simmer for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s cooked to al dente perfection.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Once the pasta is ready, pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for a few minutes. This turns the broth into a rich, silky sauce that clings wonderfully to the pasta and chicken.
Step 6: Add the Cheeses
Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Watch as the cheeses melt into the sauce, creating a luscious, cheesy coating that truly makes this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
Step 7: Final Seasoning and Serve
Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed—adding a pinch more salt or pepper to suit your taste. Serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a beautiful and flavorful finishing touch.
How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley isn’t just pretty; it adds a bright, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the cheese. Feel free to sprinkle some red pepper flakes if you want a hint of heat or add a dusting of extra Parmesan for that cheesy punch.
Side Dishes
This comforting pasta pairs perfectly with a simple crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables to add color and crunch. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are also excellent choices to mop up every bit of that cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a drizzle of good quality olive oil and a few basil leaves. You can also bake it briefly under the broiler with extra cheese for a bubbly, golden crust that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate them. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days, making it a great option for meal prep or quick weekday dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta, but because of the cream and cheese, the texture might change slightly. Freeze in individual portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. Stir often to avoid the cheese clumping and to bring back that silky smooth texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne holds the sauce beautifully, other shapes like rotini, fusilli, or rigatoni work just as well and are delicious alternatives.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free cheese substitutes. The texture will be a bit different but still tasty and creamy.
Can I substitute chicken breasts with another protein?
Definitely! Chicken thighs, turkey, or even plant-based chicken substitutes can be used. Just adjust the cooking time if necessary to ensure the protein is fully cooked.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and comforting by default, but you can add crushed red pepper or cayenne to spice it up to your liking.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the cooking process is a great way to boost nutrition and add more color and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is a true gem that combines ease, comfort, and incredible flavor all in one dish. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or cooking for yourself, this recipe promises a cozy, cheesy meal that’s as satisfying as it is simple. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to it time and time again.
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One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a hearty and comforting meal that combines tender diced chicken, perfectly cooked penne pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. Made entirely in one pot, it’s a quick and easy dinner option that requires minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
Proteins and Dairy
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Liquids
- 2 cups penne pasta
- 4 cups chicken broth
Seasonings and Others
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Dice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and season evenly with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat the pot: In a large pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken to the pot and sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Add broth and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Stir in the penne pasta, ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover with a lid.
- Simmer pasta: Allow the pasta to cook for 10-12 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Add cream: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to integrate the flavors.
- Incorporate cheeses: Mix in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until they melt completely and create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Final seasoning: Taste the pasta and adjust salt and pepper as needed for your preferred flavor balance.
- Serve: Dish out the creamy cheesy chicken pasta while hot, garnishing with fresh parsley for a bright touch of flavor and color.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- To make this dish lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat milk option, but be aware the sauce may be less rich.
- If you prefer a spicier version, add crushed red pepper flakes during the seasoning phase.
- Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in broth before covering to prevent uneven cooking.
- This recipe can be adapted with other pasta shapes such as fusilli or rigatoni depending on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
