One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

A comfort food favorite that comes together in just one pot—tender chicken, hearty pasta, and a creamy, cheesy tomato sauce make this a simple, satisfying meal perfect for busy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Everything cooks in a single pot—less mess, less cleanup
• Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with rich tomato flavor
• Family-friendly and customizable with your favorite veggies or proteins
• Quick and easy to prepare—ready in 30 minutes
• Perfect for meal prep or leftovers

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder or 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 450 g dry pasta (penne, rigatoni, fusilli)
• 700 g jarred pasta sauce
• Water (use the empty sauce jar to measure)
• ¾ cup shredded mozzarella, divided
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley for garnish

directions

this recipe

1. Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season and sauté chicken until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: In the same pot, add diced onion, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
3. Add pasta and liquids: Pour in the pasta sauce and a jar of water. Stir in the dry pasta. Return the chicken to the pot.
4. Simmer: Cover and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened.
5. Add cheese: Stir in Parmesan and half the mozzarella. Top with remaining mozzarella, cover for a few minutes until melted.
6. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 6
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Cook time: 25 minutes
• Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra veggies
• Use sausage, ground turkey, or tofu instead of chicken
• Stir in cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a creamier sauce
• Add chili flakes or Cajun spice for a kick
• Swap pasta sauce for Alfredo or vodka sauce for different flavors

storage/reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth
• Freezing: Not ideal—pasta may become mushy after thawing

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes—just skip the sauté step and stir it in with the sauce.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Omit chicken and add more veggies or use plant-based meat.

Is this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and check your sauce for gluten-containing ingredients.

Can I bake it after cooking?

Yes—transfer to a baking dish, top with cheese, and broil until bubbly.

How do I avoid mushy pasta?

Check the pasta a few minutes early and don’t overcook it.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sauce?

Yes—blend and simmer fresh tomatoes with herbs for a homemade touch.

What’s the best cheese for melting?

Mozzarella, cheddar, and fontina all melt well and add great flavor.

How can I make it creamy?

Add ¼ cup of cream, cream cheese, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes—use a larger pot and scale ingredients accordingly.

Can I prep this ahead?

Yes—make it up to 2 days in advance and reheat as needed.

Conclusion

One Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight dinner—easy, hearty, and packed with flavor. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it’s a family favorite you’ll come back to again and again.

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