Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner solution that combines convenience with incredible flavor. You’ll love how everything cooks in a single pot, creating a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s ready in just 30 minutes. The tender chicken pieces, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich cheese sauce come together effortlessly, making cleanup a breeze while delivering restaurant-quality taste at home.
The beauty of this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s comfort food at its finest, satisfying both kids and adults with its creamy texture and familiar flavors. Plus, with minimal prep work and just one pot to wash, you’ll have more time to enjoy dinner with your family instead of scrubbing dishes.
Ingredients You’ll Need

- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 12 oz pasta (penne or shells)
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How to Make One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Heat olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and half the Italian seasoning. Add chicken to the pot and cook for 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics In the same pot, add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and remaining Italian seasoning, cooking for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta Pour in chicken broth and milk, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then add the pasta. Reduce heat to medium and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce Reduce heat to low and add cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Gradually add mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until completely melted and creamy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve Return the cooked chicken to the pot and stir to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Helpful Tips
Choose the Right Pasta Shape: Penne and shells work best for this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta because their shapes hold the creamy sauce well. Avoid long pasta like spaghetti, which can be difficult to cook evenly in one pot.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cook chicken just until golden and cooked through to prevent it from becoming tough when reheated with the pasta later.
Stir Frequently: Regular stirring prevents the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot and ensures even cooking throughout.
Control the Heat: Keep heat at medium or lower when adding cheese to prevent it from separating or becoming grainy.
Check Pasta Doneness: Taste-test the pasta before adding cheese. It should be al dente since it will continue cooking slightly as the sauce thickens.
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe yields approximately 6 generous servings, making it perfect for families or meal prep. The combination of three cheeses creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken. The Italian seasoning adds depth of flavor while the fresh parsley provides a bright finish.
Notes

Pasta Liquid Absorption: Different pasta brands may absorb liquid at varying rates. If your pasta seems dry before it’s fully cooked, add an additional 1/2 cup of chicken broth or milk.
Cheese Quality Matters: Use freshly grated cheese when possible, as pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of your sauce.
Make It Your Own: This base recipe is very adaptable. Consider adding vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
Dairy Substitutions: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the milk and reduce the cream cheese to 2 oz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of pasta? Yes, short pasta shapes like rotini, rigatoni, or fusilli work well. Avoid delicate pasta like angel hair, which may overcook in this one-pot method.
Can I make this ahead of time? While best served fresh, you can prepare this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta up to 2 days ahead. Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore the creamy texture.
Can I freeze this recipe? Cream-based pasta dishes don’t freeze well as the sauce may separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated for up to 3 days.
What if my sauce is too thick? Simply stir in additional milk or chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I add vegetables? Absolutely! Bell peppers, mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach make great additions. Add harder vegetables with the onions and leafy greens at the very end.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken when cold, which is completely normal.
Reheating Instructions: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding 2-3 tablespoons of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave at 50% power, stirring every 30 seconds.
Food Safety: Always ensure leftovers are heated to an internal temperature of 165°F before serving. Don’t leave the dish at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Conclusion
This One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta delivers everything you want in a weeknight dinner: convenience, flavor, and satisfaction. With its creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta all made in a single pot, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a family favorite. The minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this dish a winner for busy schedules without sacrificing taste.
Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, this One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta proves that delicious home cooking doesn’t have to be complicated. Give this recipe a try, and discover how easy it is to create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen with just one pot and simple ingredients.