This one-pot recipe delivers a rich, creamy, and cheesy chicken pasta that is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. It uses simple ingredients for a comforting family favorite.
Author:sarahthompson
Prep Time:10 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop (One-Pot)
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound pasta (like rotini or penne)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
Instructions
Cook the chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Cook the pasta: Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the liquid to a boil. Add the pasta and Italian seasoning. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer according to pasta package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed (about 10-12 minutes).
Make it creamy: Stir in the heavy cream. Return the cooked chicken to the pot along with the frozen peas, if using. Cook for 2 minutes until heated through.
Add the cheese: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Serve immediately for a delicious cheese pasta with chicken experience.
Notes
For a baked cheesy pasta idea, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with extra Parmesan, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly.
You can substitute chicken broth with milk for an even richer sauce, but monitor the liquid level closely.
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to make this a truly quick chicken meal.