Cheesy Chicken Pasta – Creamy, One-Pot Family Favorite

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The Ultimate One-Pot Pasta Dish Everyone Loves

Craving a warm, rich, and satisfying meal that comes together with minimal fuss? This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a weeknight winner—tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all simmered in one pot. Whether you’re cooking for the family, meal prepping, or just want comfort in a bowl, this dish delivers everything you love about pasta and cheesy casseroles, minus the bake time.

It’s creamy, dreamy, hearty, and full of flavor—everything comfort food should be.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Pasta

  • One pot = easy cleanup
  • Ready in 30 minutes
  • Kid- and adult-approved
  • Creamy without being heavy
  • Easy to adapt with veggies or spice

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:

  • 2 cups dry penne, rotini, or elbow pasta
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Cheese Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • Optional: ½ tsp chili flakes or hot sauce

👨‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Chicken

  • In a large pot or deep skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Remove and set aside.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

  • In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed.
  • Sauté onions and garlic until fragrant and translucent.

3. Build the Roux

  • Add butter and flour to the pot, stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes to create a roux.

4. Add Liquids

  • Slowly whisk in milk and broth.
  • Stir continuously to avoid lumps.
  • Let simmer until thickened, about 4–6 minutes.

5. Add Cheese

  • Stir in cheddar and mozzarella.
  • Continue to mix until fully melted and smooth.

6. Cook Pasta In Sauce

  • Add uncooked pasta and cooked chicken back into the pot.
  • Stir well, cover, and let simmer until pasta is tender, 10–12 minutes.
  • Add more broth if needed.

7. Serve and Enjoy

  • Garnish with parsley or extra cheese.
  • Serve hot with garlic bread or a green salad.

🔁 Flavor Variations

  • Spicy Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Add buffalo sauce and blue cheese crumbles.
  • Broccoli Cheddar Chicken Pasta: Fold in steamed broccoli before serving.
  • Mexican Style: Add black beans, corn, taco seasoning, and jalapeños.
  • Creamy Alfredo Version: Use parmesan and heavy cream instead.
  • Bacon Cheddar Ranch: Add turkey bacon and ranch seasoning.

🥗 What to Serve With It

  • Garlic knots or crusty bread
  • Caesar or garden salad
  • Roasted veggies like asparagus or zucchini
  • Sliced avocado or pickled red onions for a fresh contrast
  • Lemon wedges for brightness

📦 Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store in an airtight container up to 4 days
  • Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months (add milk when reheating)
  • Reheat: On the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or broth

📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 550
  • Protein: 35g
  • Fat: 24g
  • Carbs: 48g
  • Fiber: 3g

🧠 Tips for Success

  • Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and texture
  • Don’t overcook the pasta—al dente holds up better in sauce
  • Taste as you go—adjust seasoning before serving
  • Add a splash of milk when reheating to keep it creamy
  • Balance the richness with herbs or acidic toppings like tomato or vinegar

❓ FAQs

Q1: Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes—just skip the sautéing step and add it when the pasta goes in.

Q2: What’s the best cheese to use?
Sharp cheddar for flavor + mozzarella for stretch. Gouda or Monterey Jack also work well.

Q3: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour for thickening.

Q4: Can I bake this after cooking?
Absolutely. Top with extra cheese and bake at 375°F for 10–15 minutes.

Q5: Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes—but for best results, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing.

✅ Conclusion: The Cheesy, Creamy Pasta Your Family Will Love

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta brings together everything great about comfort food: a creamy, flavorful sauce, tender chicken, and warm pasta all wrapped up in one simple, satisfying dish. Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner, a meal-prep staple, or just something to cheer up your day, this is the pasta you need.

One bite and you’ll understand why this is a go-to for so many home cooks.

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