If you love the idea of comfort food with the least amount of cleanup, then One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is destined to become your new weeknight go-to. This irresistibly creamy, flavorful skillet meal captures everything you crave: juicy chicken, tender pasta, rich cheese, and sweet peppers, all simmered together in a single pot. Packed with color, kid-approved flavors, and cheesy goodness, it’s a true dinner hero for busy nights, family gatherings, or whenever you need that perfect blend of homey and hearty.

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These everyday ingredients combine to deliver layers of robust flavor and that oh-so-melty cheese pull in every bite of your One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta. Best of all, each one is easy to find and effortlessly brings something special to the dish!

Olive oil: Adds a rich, savory base flavor while ensuring the chicken doesn’t stick.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cook up tender and juicy, soaking in the flavors of the sauce.
Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and depth to the overall taste.
Garlic: Delivers a fragrant punch that makes every bite more delicious.
Red bell pepper: Pops of color and subtle sweetness elevate both the dish’s look and flavor.
Uncooked penne pasta: Perfect for soaking up the cheesy sauce and keeping everything satisfyingly hearty.
Chicken broth: Infuses the pasta and chicken with savory depth while helping to cook the noodles right in the pot.
Canned crushed tomatoes: Provides tang, moisture, and a rustic richness to bind the sauce together.
Italian seasoning: A medley of dried herbs, this brings an unmistakably homey aroma and taste.
Paprika: Adds gentle warmth and a hint of smokiness for extra flavor.
Salt: Just enough to enhance every other ingredient.
Black pepper: Gives subtle heat and sharpness that rounds out the dish.
Shredded cheddar cheese: The magic ingredient for that bold cheesy taste everyone loves.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey ribbons, making the pasta impossibly creamy.
Fresh parsley: Sprinkled on top, it brightens up the final dish with freshness and color.

How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, add the diced chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them sizzle, stirring occasionally, until each piece is golden brown and starting to develop those delicious, flavorful edges—this usually takes about five minutes. This quick sear locks in juices and sets the stage for serious flavor.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

Toss in your finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper directly with the chicken. Sauté everything together for about three minutes, until the onions turn translucent and the peppers start to soften. The aroma at this stage is just irresistible—you’ll notice the kitchen filling with warmth and anticipation.

Step 3: Add Pasta, Broth, and Seasonings

Next, add the uncooked penne pasta, chicken broth, crushed tomatoes, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper straight into the skillet. Give everything a thorough stir to combine so the spices and liquid are evenly distributed. The pasta will both absorb flavor and help thicken the sauce as it cooks, so don’t skip this step!

Step 4: Simmer Until Tender

Turn the heat to low, pop a lid on your pot, and let the whole dish simmer gently for about 15 minutes. Stir every few minutes to prevent the pasta from sticking on the bottom, and keep an eye on the liquid. By the end, your pasta should be perfectly al dente and most of the liquid absorbed into a savory sauce.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Finish

Remove your pot from the heat and immediately add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir enthusiastically until the cheeses melt into a velvety, luscious sauce that wraps around every bite. If you’re feeling decadent, this is also the moment to stir in some heavy cream for extra richness. Finish with a shower of fresh parsley right before serving your One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta piping hot!

How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens up the warm, cheesy pasta, while a light dusting of extra shredded cheese or even a bit of cracked black pepper on top adds a professional touch. If you want extra color and a boost of freshness, thinly sliced green onions or a dash of red pepper flakes work wonders.

Side Dishes

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a meal in itself, but it loves company! Serve it with a crisp green salad dressed simply with olive oil and lemon, or pair with roasted or steamed broccoli for extra veggies. A loaf of crusty garlic bread on the side is perfect for soaking up every bit of that glorious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Make it dinner-party worthy by spooning the pasta into mini casserole dishes and broiling quickly for a bubbly, golden cheese top. For a family meal, bring the skillet straight to the table for a rustic, shareable vibe. You can even turn leftovers into a baked pasta dish by topping with more cheese and baking until bubbly for a second-day meal that feels brand new.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any remaining One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta to an airtight container as soon as it’s cool. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, so leftovers often taste even better the next day!

Freezing

For those busy weeks, this pasta freezes well. Cool completely and divide into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep the texture just right and the cheese nice and creamy.

Reheating

Pop individual portions in the microwave or reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to revive the sauce and keep it from drying out. Stir well as it warms up, and add a sprinkling of extra cheese just before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven effect.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Any short, sturdy pasta like rotini, shells, or rigatoni works well in One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta. Just keep an eye on cooking time, as it may vary depending on the shape you choose.

What can I substitute for chicken breasts?

Thighs are a great option if you prefer richer, juicier chicken. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken—just wait until the last five minutes to stir it in so it doesn’t overcook.

Is it possible to add more vegetables?

Go for it! Spinach, mushrooms, or peas make easy, tasty additions. Simply add them in with the onions and peppers, or stir in fresh spinach at the end so it wilts into the sauce.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for canned chickpeas or white beans, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The dish stays cheesy, hearty, and satisfying—all in one pot.

How do I make it extra creamy?

Stir in a splash of heavy cream or a few tablespoons of cream cheese after the pasta is done cooking, just before adding the cheeses. It takes the One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta to dreamy new heights!

Final Thoughts

There’s something special about a bubbling skillet of One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta on the table—it’s simple, deeply comforting, and sure to bring smiles all around. Trust me, your family and friends will ask for it again and again, so don’t be surprised if it becomes your new weeknight staple!

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A comforting and satisfying one-pot meal, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish that is easy to make and perfect for a busy weeknight dinner. Tender chicken, bell peppers, and pasta simmered in a cheesy tomato sauce, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Pasta:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, diced
2 cups uncooked penne pasta
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Cheesy Finish:

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken Pasta: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven. Brown the chicken, then sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Add pasta, broth, tomatoes, and seasonings. Simmer until pasta is tender.
Add the Cheesy Finish: Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.