Creamy One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Delight Recipe for Families

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering one-pot cheesy chicken pasta that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.

Creamy, cheesy goodness blends perfectly with tender chicken and al dente pasta in a single skillet.

The magic happens quickly, melding rich flavors without creating a mountain of dishes to wash afterward.

Home cooks adore how effortlessly this recipe comes together on busy weeknights.

Each bite delivers a symphony of cheesy, savory notes that dance across your palate.

Weeknight dinner solutions don’t get much better than this simple yet incredibly delicious meal.

You’ll want to grab a fork and dive right in.

Tools You’ll Use for Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Large Pot or Dutch Oven: Essential for cooking the entire one-pot meal, with enough space to sauté chicken, cook pasta, and melt cheese.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients, mixing pasta, and preventing sticking without scratching the pot.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure marinara sauce and water for consistent results.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for dicing chicken and chopping optional herbs.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for precise cutting of chicken, onions, and garnishing herbs.
• Plate: Useful for setting aside cooked chicken during initial preparation stages.

How to Cook One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Ease

• Chicken Awakening Sizzle the chicken with a splash of olive oil in a large pot, seasoning it with zesty spices until it turns golden and nearly cooked.
• Aromatic Foundation Toss in finely chopped onions and garlic, letting them dance and soften in the same pot, releasing their magical fragrance.
• Liquid Symphony Pour marinara sauce and a jar of water, bringing the mixture to a bubbling celebration that promises rich flavors.
• Pasta Fusion Introduce chicken and uncooked pasta into the pot, stirring gently and letting everything mingle and cook under a cozy lid until pasta reaches perfect tenderness.
• Cheese Magic Swirl in Parmesan and a handful of mozzarella, watching them melt and create a creamy wonderland.
• Final Flourish Sprinkle remaining mozzarella on top, letting it transform into a golden, gooey blanket. Optional herbal confetti of parsley or basil adds the perfect finishing touch.

Tips for a Creamier Chicken Pasta

• Replace chicken with ground turkey, shredded beef, or plant-based alternatives for a different flavor profile and dietary preference.
• Toss in fresh spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms during the last few minutes of cooking to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors.
• Kick the heat by adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for those who enjoy a spicy twist on this comforting dish.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like fontina, provolone, or sharp cheddar to create unique and personalized flavor experiences.

How to Plate and Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Serve With Fresh Greens: Complement the rich, cheesy pasta with a crisp side salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy texture.
• Pair With Crusty Bread: Grab a warm, crusty Italian bread or garlic toast to soak up the delicious sauce and add a satisfying crunch to your meal.
• Create a Family-Style Feast: Bring the pot directly to the table for a casual, inviting dinner experience that encourages sharing and creates warm memories.
• Top With Extra Herbs: Sprinkle fresh chopped basil or parsley just before serving to add a burst of color and fresh, aromatic flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Storings from One-Pot Pasta

• Batch Cook and Freeze: Prepare a double batch of this chicken pasta and freeze individual portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Perfect for busy professionals or families wanting convenient dinner options.
• Refrigerate Strategically: Store leftovers in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep the pasta separate from additional garnishes to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or extra marinara to restore moisture. Microwave as a quick alternative, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
• Customize Meal Prep: Transform leftover pasta into a lunch salad by chilling and adding fresh herbs, diced vegetables, or a drizzle of olive oil. Experiment with different cheese blends or protein variations to keep meals exciting and versatile.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Ingredients

• Chicken: Lean protein that provides a hearty base, choose boneless skinless chicken breasts for consistent texture and easy cutting.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp, aged cheese that adds deep umami flavor and creamy richness to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a robust flavor profile, select fresh firm bulbs with no soft spots or sprouting.
• Italian Seasoning: Blend of herbs that infuses Mediterranean warmth, look for a mix with balanced oregano, basil, and thyme.

• Marinara Sauce: Vibrant tomato base that adds moisture and tangy sweetness, choose a high-quality jarred sauce with minimal preservatives.
• Water: Essential for cooking pasta and creating perfect sauce consistency.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Mild, stretchy cheese that melts beautifully, creating irresistible cheesy strands.
• Olive Oil: Smooth cooking fat that prevents sticking and adds subtle fruity undertones.

Dreamy One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Savory one-pot cheesy chicken pasta delight promises comfort and convenience for busy home cooks. Creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta blend seamlessly for a satisfying meal you will crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2–3 boneless skinless chicken fillets, diced into bite-sized pieces
• 16 oz (454 g) dried short-cut pasta, e.g., rigatoni
• 24 oz (680 g) jar of marinara sauce, e.g., Newman’s Own
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 medium yellow onion, minced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Additional dried Italian seasoning, optional
• Water to fill the empty marinara sauce jar
• Fresh parsley and/or basil, minced

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Thoroughly coat chicken with a harmonious blend of salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, and garlic powder, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.
2. Chicken Searing: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat, then expertly sear chicken pieces until they develop a golden-brown exterior, creating a flavorful foundation for the dish.
3. Aromatic Base: In the same pot, sauté onions and garlic until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence, infusing the cooking surface with rich, savory notes.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour marinara sauce into the pot, using the empty jar to add water, creating a robust cooking liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, establishing a flavor-packed cooking environment.
5. Pasta and Chicken Fusion: Reintroduce the seared chicken to the pot, add uncooked pasta, and stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are perfectly distributed and coated with the sauce.
6. Cooking Process: Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and allow the pasta to simmer for 10-12 minutes. Occasionally stir to prevent sticking and guarantee uniform cooking, transforming the ingredients into a cohesive dish.
7. Cheese Incorporation: Once pasta reaches al dente perfection, fold in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until they melt completely and create a creamy, luxurious texture.
8. Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella across the top of the dish, allowing it to melt into a golden, bubbling surface that promises irresistible flavor.
9. Garnishing Finale: Optional – Elevate the dish’s presentation and taste by scattering additional Italian herbs and fresh chopped parsley or basil, adding a vibrant, aromatic finishing touch.

Notes

• Chicken Prep Tip: Season chicken thoroughly before cooking to ensure deep, layered flavor infusion throughout the entire dish.
• Searing Technique: Allow chicken to develop a golden-brown exterior for maximum taste and texture, which locks in moisture and creates delicious caramelization.
• Pasta Cooking Hack: Stir pasta frequently during one-pot cooking to prevent sticking and guarantee even, perfect al dente texture without excess liquid.
• Cheese Melting Secret: Add cheese gradually and off direct heat to achieve smooth, creamy consistency without causing cheese to become grainy or separate.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 73 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg