Say hello to the creamy, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta that has everyone coming back for seconds. Imagine tender chicken, perfectly al dente pasta, and loads of melty cheese, all cozied up together in a single pot—this is the definition of delicious simplicity. This recipe’s secret is in its effortless prep and knockout flavor, with every ingredient working in harmony to make a dish that feels gourmet but is secretly an absolute breeze. Whether you’re wrangling a busy weeknight or just want something to indulge your cheese cravings, this pasta is about to become your new go-to!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is all about a smart selection of kitchen staples that bring big flavors and colors to your table. Every ingredient pulls its weight, building layers of savory goodness that ensure each bite is memorable, cheesy, and crave-worthy.

Olive oil: Gives a savory start and helps brown the chicken, adding richness and depth.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up all the other flavors in the pot.
Salt: Essential for amplifying all the savory notes—don’t skimp!
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
Paprika: Brings color and a warm, smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with the cheese.
Garlic: Gives the dish an irresistible aromatic base—don’t be shy here.
Chicken broth: Deepens the savory profile and helps the pasta soak up that chicken-y essence.
Diced tomatoes: A can keeps things quick, breezy, and adds a hit of bright acidity.
Heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, velvety sauce you’ll want to scoop out with a spoon.
Short pasta: Penne or rotini are ideal; they capture the cheesy sauce in every nook and cranny.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers bold cheesy pull and creamy melt—you’ll watch it disappear into the sauce.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity that balances the cheddar.
Fresh spinach (optional): Sneaks in some greens and extra color without overpowering the dish.
Fresh parsley for garnish: Brings a pop of fresh flavor and the prettiest finishing touch.

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sauté and Season the Chicken

Start by heating up a generous swirl of olive oil in your largest, deepest skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season your chicken generously with salt, pepper, and paprika—this trio wakes up the chicken and lays flavor on every piece. Let the chicken sizzle for 4 to 5 minutes; you want golden edges, but no need to cook it all the way through yet. Trust me, those toasty bits at the bottom are the flavor MVPs in this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta.

Step 2: Fragrant Garlic Lift

Now, toss in the minced garlic. Stir and let it bloom for just a minute, until your kitchen smells incredible and the garlic is fragrant. This is where the flavor jumps into high gear! Don’t let the garlic brown—just a quick sizzle is all you need.

Step 3: Build the Sauce and Cook the Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth, diced tomatoes (juice included), and luscious heavy cream. Sprinkle in your uncooked pasta and give it all a good stir. Crank up the heat to bring everything to a gentle boil, then dial it back to medium-low, cover, and let the magic happen. In about 12 to 15 minutes, your pasta will be perfectly tender and the chicken will finish cooking, all while absorbing that savory, tomato-cream sauce.

Step 4: Make It Cheesy and Add Greens

Once the pasta is just right, turn off the heat and add the shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and spinach if you’re using it. Stir until the cheese melts into silky submission and the spinach wilts. The result? An irresistibly creamy, gooey, emerald-flecked pot of goodness that just begs to be served immediately.

Step 5: Finish and Garnish

Spoon the steaming One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta into bowls and crown it with a vibrant sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. It’s the finishing touch that adds freshness and that “just like at a restaurant” wow factor.

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

Right before serving, shower your pasta with fresh chopped parsley for herbal zip, or add a light flourish of grated Parmesan for extra savoriness. If you like a little kick, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of good olive oil makes this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta sing.

Side Dishes

For the ultimate meal, serve this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or pair it with garlicky roasted broccoli. A slice or two of crusty bread (if you’re not gluten-free) is perfect for catching every drop of creamy sauce. Simple roasted vegetables or steamed green beans on the side also keep things light but satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle the One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta into oven-safe bowls, sprinkle with a little extra cheese, and run them under the broiler for a melted, bubbly top. Or serve family-style in a big, beautiful pot in the center of the table—let everyone scoop their own and top as they please. For a fun twist, portion it into smaller ramekins for individual servings, especially if you’re entertaining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The pasta might soak up some sauce as it sits, but a quick splash of broth or cream when reheating brings everything back to creamy perfection.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta, though the sauce will thicken after thawing. Just cool it completely, pack into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of broth, milk, or cream (if you like) to loosen the sauce. Warm gently over medium heat on the stove, stirring often, until hot and creamy again. The microwave works too—cover and heat in short bursts, stirring each time to avoid dryness or hot spots.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?

Absolutely! Simply stir in cooked, shredded rotisserie chicken with the cheeses, after the pasta is done cooking. This cuts down the prep even more and is perfect for using up leftovers.

Can I make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta gluten-free?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free short pasta. Some gluten-free brands absorb a bit less liquid, so keep an eye on the texture and add more broth if needed.

What other vegetables can I add?

Feel free to toss in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas with the broth and tomatoes. The recipe is flexible, so you can use up whatever’s in the crisper drawer.

Is it spicy?

Only a little, thanks to the paprika. For heat-seekers, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño when sautéing the chicken, or simply let everyone spice their own bowl.

Can I swap cheddar cheese for something else?

Definitely! Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a smoky gouda are all wonderful alternatives. Just ensure whatever you use melts well for that signature creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited to dig into this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta as I am to share it with you! When you want maximum comfort for minimum effort, this dish is a true weeknight winner. Gather your ingredients, grab your favorite pot, and treat yourself—and maybe someone special—to a bowl of pure, cheesy goodness. Trust me, it’s destined to be a repeat request in your kitchen!

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A delightful and easy-to-make one-pot meal, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish loaded with tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and flavorful seasonings. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Pasta:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon paprika
3 cloves garlic, minced

Additional Ingredients:

3 cups chicken broth
1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 cup heavy cream
12 ounces short pasta (penne or rotini)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Prepare Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet, brown chicken seasoned with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Cook Aromatics: Add garlic, cook until fragrant.
Add Ingredients: Pour in broth, tomatoes, cream, and pasta. Simmer until pasta is cooked.
Finish Dish: Stir in cheeses and spinach. Garnish with parsley before serving.