Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food: creamy, gooey, and on the table in under an hour. This one-pan dinner combines tender chicken, hearty pasta, and a rich, melty cheese sauce using simple pantry staples. It’s family-friendly, budget-conscious, and easy to customize with veggies or extra protein. Whether you’re craving a cozy stovetop meal or a bubbly baked pasta, this recipe walks you through every step—plus smart substitutions, variations, and make-ahead tips to fit your busy schedule.

Why You’ll Love This recipe

This cheesy chicken pasta is a delightful family favorite, and here’s why:

• One-pan cleanup means less time washing dishes.
• Budget-friendly using pantry staples—who doesn’t love that?
• The creamy cheese pull will make your heart sing.
• It’s kid-approved, so everyone’s happy at the table!
• Easily adaptable to incorporate veggies or extra protein.
• Reheats well, perfect for leftovers.

You’ll fall in love with how simple yet satisfying this dish is!

Sarah

Sensational Cheesy Chicken Pasta One-Pot Recipe

This delightful cheesy chicken pasta dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet effortless. Made in just one pot, it’s as easy as it is delicious, offering a creamy sauce that clings to the pasta.

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Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 Tbsp avocado oil
• 3 medium boneless, skinless chicken thighs (breasts work too)
• 1 medium onion diced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 16 oz dry pasta (I used rigatoni)
• 24 oz jar pasta sauce
• Water to fill the empty pasta sauce jar
• 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Dry parsley (for garnish)

Equipment

• large saucepan

Method

 

1. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium high heat. Add in the chicken and cook until no longer pink, around 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
2. In the same saucepan, add in the onion, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder, and cook until soft, around 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Mix in the pasta sauce, refill that jar with water and add to the saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium heat.
4. Add in the cooked chicken and pasta. Stir then cover and cook for around 10-15 minutes or until the pasta is cooked to your liking. Mix in 1/4 cup mozzarella cheese and Parmesan.
5. Mix in the remaining mozzarella cheese and top with dried parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred. Feel free to add vegetables for a wholesome twist.

Ingredient Breakdown & Smart Substitutions

Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make this cheesy chicken pasta so delightful! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Avocado oil: Great for sautéing due to its high smoke point.
• Chicken thighs/breasts: Provide a juicy base, with thighs offering extra flavor.
• Onion: Adds aromatic sweetness.
• Italian seasoning: A blend that brings depth.
• Garlic powder: For that necessary flavor boost.
• Rigatoni or similar pasta: Choose tubes that hug sauce beautifully.
• Jarred pasta sauce: Simplifies things considerably.
• Water: To adjust the sauce consistency.
• Mozzarella cheese: The star for that melty goodness.
• Parmesan cheese: For an extra hint of umami.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance flavors.
• Dried parsley: For a fresh, colorful garnish.

Substitutions

Best Pasta Shapes for Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Choosing the right pasta shape can elevate your dish. Opt for shapes like:

• Rigatoni: Its ridges grip the cheese sauce perfectly.
• Penne: Similarly shaped, it holds sauce well.
• Ziti: A classic for baked pasta dishes.
• Cavatappi: Twists and curls enhance sauce cling.

Avoid smooth shapes like spaghetti or capellini, as they won’t hold the creamy sauce as effectively.

To explore more about effective pairings of pasta shapes with sauces, check out this guide on pasta types.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Making this cheesy chicken pasta is as simple as following these steps:

1. Sauté Chicken: Heat the avocado oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until no longer pink, around 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. (Process photo suggestion: Browning chicken with golden edges.)
2. Cook Aromatics: In the same saucepan, add the diced onion, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Cook until the onion is soft, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. (Process photo suggestion: Sautéing onions until translucent.)
3. Add Sauce & Water: Mix in your pasta sauce. Refill the empty sauce jar with water and add that to the saucepan. Bring to a boil and then reduce the heat to medium. (Process photo suggestion: Sauce bubbling in the pot.)
4. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Add the cooked chicken and rigatoni pasta to the saucepan. Stir to combine, then cover and cook for about 10-15 minutes or until the pasta reaches your desired tenderness. (Process photo suggestion: Pasta simmering in the sauce.)
5. Stir in the Cheeses: Mix in 1/4 cup of mozzarella cheese and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese and sprinkling of dried parsley. (Process photo suggestion: Melting cheese into the pasta.)

Serve your cheesy chicken pasta immediately and enjoy every creamy bite!

Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy, Cheesy Chicken Pasta Sauce

To achieve a beautifully creamy sauce, keep these tips in mind:

• Shred your own cheese for a smoother melt. Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
• Add cheese gradually over medium heat to avoid clumping.
• Use starchy pasta water if the sauce is too thick; it helps emulsion.
• Season as you go, especially after sautéing your onions for depth of flavor.
• Taste before the final cheese addition—this helps balance flavors.
• Use leftover pasta water for comforting creaminess if needed.

For an in-depth understanding of how cheese interacts with various cooking methods, read this article on cheese melting techniques.

Using Pre-Cooked or Rotisserie Chicken in Cheesy Chicken Pasta

If you have leftover or rotisserie chicken, that’s perfect! Just add it near the end of cooking when everything is heated through. Aim for about 2 cups, shredded or chopped into bite-sized pieces. Be sure to adjust the seasoning since rotisserie chicken can be a bit saltier. For another chicken dish, you might enjoy our Cranberry Orange Chicken recipe.

Recipe Variations:

Feel free to get creative with your cheesy chicken pasta! Here are some delicious variations:

How to Turn This Into a Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake

Want to transform your stovetop dish into a cheesy chicken pasta bake? Here’s how:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. Transfer the pasta mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
3. Top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan, plus optional buttery breadcrumbs for crunch.
4. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until everything is heated through and cheese is melted. Finish with a quick broil for golden spots.

Make-ahead/storage: You can prepare and store it in the fridge ahead of time—just bake when ready!

What to Serve with

Round out your meal with some delicious sides:

• Garlic bread or focaccia for dipping. Try our Soft Garlic Bread Rolls for a delightful complement.
• Lemony green salad to add freshness.
• Roasted broccoli or asparagus for some veggie goodness.

Quick dressing ideas include a lemon vinaigrette or a simple olive oil drizzle.

Storage, Reheating, and Freezing

For storage, let your cheesy chicken pasta cool completely.

• Refrigerate in airtight containers for 3-4 days.
• Freeze for 2-3 months in suitable containers.

To reheat, do so gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth, and stir until heated through. Add more shredded cheese if needed for creaminess!

Notes

• Substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred.
• Feel free to add vegetables for a wholesome twist.

Nutrition

Conclusion

I hope you love this cheesy chicken pasta as much as I do! It’s comforting, adaptable, and always a hit at my table. I invite you to get creative—whether you spice it up with veggies or a spicy twist. Share your experience, rate the recipe, or post your photos on social media! Have any questions or need help with variations? Don’t hesitate to drop a comment—let’s chat! Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions