Description

This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate easy dinner recipe, combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce all in one pot. It’s a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, delivering rich cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses with a hint of Italian seasoning and smoky paprika.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Vegetables & Aromatics

1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Liquids & Dairy

2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cups chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juices)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Dry Goods & Seasonings

2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

Chopped parsley (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5–6 minutes. Remove chicken from the pot and set aside.
Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Add liquids and pasta: Pour in the chicken broth and canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir in the uncooked pasta, bring the mixture to a boil.
Simmer the pasta: Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and cook for about 10–12 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Combine chicken and cheese: Return the cooked chicken to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if desired, and serve the cheesy chicken pasta warm.

Notes

This recipe works great with leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
You can substitute other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for a different flavor profile.
Add a handful of spinach or peas at the end of cooking for extra vegetables and nutrients.