If you are searching for a comforting, flavorful meal that comes together with minimal fuss, you are going to love this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Dinner Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and perfectly cooked penne pasta, all simmered in one pot for ultimate ease and flavor. This recipe brings together the richness of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses with the warmth of Italian seasoning and garlic, creating a dish that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special family dinner, this recipe guarantees both satisfaction and simplicity from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Dinner Recipe has a role in making the dish irresistibly tasty and easy to prepare. From the olive oil that helps cook your chicken to perfection, to the creamy cheeses that bring velvety texture and rich flavor, these essentials are the foundation for success.
- Olive oil: A good quality olive oil helps brown the chicken beautifully while adding a subtle fruity note.
- Diced boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and protein-packed, the chicken forms the heart of the dish.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the chicken and pasta, making every bite well-seasoned.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle kick and balances the richness of the cheeses.
- Minced garlic: Provides a classic aromatic base that elevates the entire dish.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that infuses the chicken and sauce with Mediterranean charm.
- Chicken broth: This savory liquid cooks the pasta and adds depth, replacing the need for heavy cream alone.
- Penne pasta: Perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce in every bite with its tube shape.
- Heavy cream: Brings luscious creaminess, ensuring the sauce is indulgently smooth.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create stretchy, gooey textures that everyone loves.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Contributes a sharp, nutty flavor to round out the cheesy sauce.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a bright pop of green color and fresh flavor as a garnish.
How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Before starting, have all your ingredients measured and ready. Dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces, mince your garlic, and shred or grate your cheeses. This prep work makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until all pieces turn opaque and golden, about 6 to 7 minutes. This step ensures your chicken is flavorful and perfectly seared before adding other ingredients.
Step 3: Add Garlic for Flavor
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant. The aroma should fill your kitchen, signaling the beautiful blend of flavors to come in the final dish.
Step 4: Combine Broth and Pasta
Pour the chicken broth into the pot and add the penne pasta. Stir gently to submerge the pasta completely, allowing it to cook evenly in the flavorful liquid.
Step 5: Simmer Until Pasta is Al Dente
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat to let it simmer uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente and most of the broth has absorbed. This stage brings all the ingredients together in one harmonious pot.
Step 6: Enrich with Heavy Cream
Once your pasta is perfectly cooked, stir in the heavy cream until it’s fully incorporated. This step makes the sauce luxuriously creamy, balancing savory and smooth textures.
Step 7: Melt in the Cheeses
Remove the pot from heat, then fold in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of pasta and chicken.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top if you like a burst of color and fresh herbaceousness. Then, scoop the One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Dinner Recipe into bowls and serve it warm. Every bite offers cheesy goodness with a comforting, homemade feel.
How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Dinner Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a simple yet vibrant garnish that adds a fresh contrast to the richness of the pasta. You might also add a light drizzle of olive oil, extra Parmesan, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes to add a subtle heat and depth.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with crisp side salads or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The freshness of greens balances the creamy pasta wonderfully without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the cheesy chicken pasta in hollowed-out mini bell peppers or ramekins for portion control and visual appeal. Alternatively, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs on top for extra crunch, turning this ultimate comfort meal into a textural delight.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply place any leftover One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Dinner Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a treat to look forward to.
Freezing
While this pasta is best fresh, you can freeze leftovers by transferring them into freezer-safe containers. Use them within 1-2 months for best quality. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating thoroughly.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally until warmed through to keep the texture creamy and smooth.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully, you can substitute with fusilli, rotini, or even macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time depending on your pasta choice.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can try replacing the heavy cream with coconut cream and using dairy-free cheese alternatives. The taste and texture will differ slightly but it will still be deliciously creamy.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes, adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can boost nutrition and add extra flavor. Just toss them in during the simmering stage for best results.
What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?
No worries! You can create a simple blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary to mimic the flavor. Fresh herbs work great too if available.
How do I know when the pasta is cooked perfectly?
Check the pasta by tasting it near the end of the simmering time; it should be tender but still have a slight bite, known as al dente. This ensures it won’t get mushy once you add the cheese and cream.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Dinner Recipe is exactly the kind of dish I’m always excited to have on repeat. It combines simplicity, comforting flavors, and quick cleanup, making it a wonderful go-to for busy nights or casual get-togethers. I encourage you to give it a try and experience how a handful of humble ingredients can come together to create something truly special and satisfying.
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One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a delicious and comforting dinner recipe that combines tender diced chicken, creamy cheeses, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all in a single pot. It’s an easy-to-make meal that delivers rich flavors and a cheesy sauce, ideal for a hassle-free weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids & Dairy
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Pasta & Cheese
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Heat Olive Oil: In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook Chicken: Add the diced chicken to the heated pot. Season it with 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken until it is no longer pink, approximately 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant to enhance the flavor base.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in 3 cups of chicken broth and add 12 ounces of penne pasta to the pot. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Stir in Cream: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream until evenly mixed for a rich, creamy texture.
- Add Cheese: Remove the pot from heat and fold in 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheeses melt and create a creamy sauce.
- Garnish: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a touch of color and freshness.
- Serve Warm: Ladle the cheesy chicken pasta into bowls and enjoy your hearty, one-pot meal.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
- You can swap penne pasta for any other short pasta like rotini or fusilli.
- Cook pasta covered if you prefer softer pasta, just adjust the simmer time accordingly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently over low heat.
- Adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can boost the nutritional value and add variety.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
