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
Scale
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
