If you’re craving something cozy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It combines tender, juicy chicken with perfectly cooked pasta, all smothered in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s bursting with flavor. What’s even better? It all cooks in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze and weeknight dinners downright joyful. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself, this dish strikes the perfect balance between convenience and indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, each bringing something special to the table—whether it’s the tender chicken, the robust pasta sauce, or the melty cheeses that create that irresistible gooey texture.
- Avocado oil: Adds a subtle, neutral flavor and withstands high heat for perfect chicken searing.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Juicy and tender with great flavor, but chicken breasts work well too.
- Medium onion: Diced onions bring sweetness and depth to the sauce base.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that effortlessly ties together the herbs and spices in the dish.
- Garlic powder: Packs in savory, aromatic notes without the fuss of fresh garlic.
- Dry pasta (rigatoni recommended): Holds sauce beautifully and cooks evenly right in the pot.
- Pasta sauce: The heart and soul of this recipe’s flavor—choose your favorite marinara or tomato basil.
- Water: Used to thin the sauce and cook the pasta perfectly in one go.
- Mozzarella cheese (divided): Melts smoothly, giving each bite that deliciously cheesy pull.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty punch that complements the creamy mozzarella.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Dry parsley (for garnish): Adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness on top.
How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating the avocado oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add your chicken thighs and cook them until they’re no longer pink in the center—this usually takes about 5 minutes. Getting a nice sear on the chicken enhances flavor and texture. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate to rest while you move on to the next step.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, toss in the diced onion along with Italian seasoning and garlic powder. Cook these until the onions are soft and fragrant, roughly 2 minutes. This layered base is what sets the tone for your sauce. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to elevate those flavors even more.
Step 3: Build the Sauce and Prepare to Boil
Pour in your jar of pasta sauce and use the empty jar to measure and add an equal amount of water right into the pan. This helps thin out the sauce just enough so the pasta cooks perfectly and absorbs all those lovely flavors. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium to maintain a steady simmer.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta, Then Cook
Return the cooked chicken to the pan and add the dry pasta all at once. Stir everything together so the pasta is evenly coated with sauce. Cover the pan and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes, checking occasionally to ensure the pasta reaches your desired tenderness. This step really brings everything together, allowing the pasta to soak up that saucy goodness.
Step 5: Melt in the Cheese
Once the pasta is tender, stir in 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese and all the Parmesan cheese, mixing well so the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce. Follow with the remaining mozzarella cheese, stirring gently until it’s fully incorporated. The result is a rich, creamy, cheesy coating that makes every forkful feel indulgent. Finish with a sprinkle of dry parsley for a beautiful touch.
How to Serve One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your pasta not only boosts visual appeal but also layers in fresh flavor. Try a sprinkle of dry parsley as suggested, or switch it up with fresh basil or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil right before serving can also elevate those cheesy, saucy notes.
Side Dishes
This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides that balance out the richness. A crisp green salad with vinaigrette or some steamed broccoli adds a refreshing contrast. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe in mini cast iron skillets or colorful bowls to highlight the melty cheese on top. You can also layer it in a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and broil it briefly for a bubbly crust. Presentation can turn a weeknight dinner into a memorable occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making it a perfect next-day meal. Just be sure to give it a quick stir before reheating to redistribute the cheese and sauce.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that pasta can sometimes get a bit softer after freezing and thawing. If you want to freeze it, cool it completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it creamy and prevent drying out. Stir frequently to ensure even warming and to preserve that cheesy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well too. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly, as breasts can cook faster and dry out if overcooked.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Rigatoni is ideal as it holds the sauce beautifully, but you can use penne, rotini, or other short pasta shapes that cook evenly and trap the cheese and sauce.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers. You might want to use a vegetable broth instead of water for extra flavor.
Can I use homemade pasta sauce?
Definitely! Homemade sauce adds a personal touch and can make the dish even fresher. Just substitute the jarred pasta sauce with an equal amount of your favorite homemade marinara or tomato sauce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions or sprinkle some chili powder or cayenne pepper to taste along with the Italian seasoning. Fresh chopped jalapeños stirred in at the end also bring a nice heat.
Final Thoughts
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is genuinely one of those magic dishes that hits all the right notes—quick, flavorful, and utterly comforting. It’s a perfect pick for busy nights when you want something hearty without the fuss. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your go-to dinner that everyone asks for again and again!
Print
One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a delicious and quick meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chicken thighs and aromatic onions simmer with Italian seasoning and garlic powder in a rich pasta sauce, combined with rigatoni pasta. Finished with creamy mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this comforting dish comes together in just 25 minutes using only one pot, minimizing cleanup while delivering maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Protein and Vegetables
- 3 medium boneless, skinless chicken thighs (breasts work too)
- 1 medium onion, diced
Oils and Seasonings
- 2 Tbsp avocado oil
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Dry parsley, for garnish
Pasta and Cheese
- 16 oz dry pasta (rigatoni recommended)
- 24 oz jar pasta sauce
- Water (to fill the empty pasta sauce jar)
- 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until no longer pink inside, approximately 5 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté the onions and season: In the same saucepan, add the diced onion along with 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1 teaspoon garlic powder. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 2 minutes or until the onions are softened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add pasta sauce and water: Pour in the 24 oz jar of pasta sauce, then use the empty jar to measure and add an equal amount of water to the saucepan. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to medium.
- Cook pasta with chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the saucepan along with the dry pasta. Stir well to combine everything. Cover the pan and let simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is tender to your liking, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add cheeses and serve: Stir in 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese and the 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Then mix in the remaining 1/2 cup of mozzarella cheese. Garnish with dried parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred.
- Rigatoni or any other tubular pasta works well.
- Adjust water based on desired sauce thickness.
- Use low sodium pasta sauce to control salt content if needed.
- For added veggies, consider stirring in spinach or mushrooms before adding pasta.
