What ingredients do I need to make cheesy chicken pasta in one pot?

You'll need boneless chicken thighs or breasts, dry pasta like rigatoni or penne, diced onion and bell pepper (optional), garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, crushed red pepper flakes (optional), pasta sauce, chicken broth, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, light cream cheese or Greek yogurt, and seasonings like salt and pepper.

Can I substitute chicken with another protein or make it vegetarian?

Yes, you can use shrimp, tofu, or even cooked beans as alternatives. For a vegetarian version, omit meat and perhaps increase vegetables like mushrooms and spinach to add texture and flavor.

How do I ensure the pasta cooks perfectly in a one pot recipe?

Use the pasta sauce jar to measure equal amounts of water to create enough liquid for the pasta to cook through. Stir occasionally and simmer the pasta until al dente, usually 10-15 minutes. Adding reserved liquid during cooking helps prevent sticking and uneven cooking.

Can I add extra spice to the cheesy chicken pasta?

Absolutely! Add more crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños in step two when sautéing vegetables for a spicier kick. Adjust these additions according to your heat preference.

One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta: Quick and Tasty Dinner Fix

Name: Easy One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe: Quick, Delicious Dinner Solution
Prep time: PT-493446H34M12S
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil; 3 medium boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces; 1 medium onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced (optional); 6 cloves garlic, sliced or minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 16 ounces dry pasta such as rigatoni or penne; 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce; 1 jar pasta sauce filled with water; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, divided; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese; 4 ounces light cream cheese or Greek yogurt; Salt and pepper to taste; Dry parsley for garnish

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
3 medium boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
1 medium onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced (optional)
6 cloves garlic, sliced or minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
16 ounces dry pasta such as rigatoni or penne
1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce
1 jar pasta sauce filled with water
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
3/4 cup mozzarella cheese, divided
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
4 ounces light cream cheese or Greek yogurt
Salt and pepper to taste
Dry parsley for garnish

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Instructions

1. Heat oil in a large saucepan or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink. Remove chicken and set aside.
2. In the same pan, add onion, bell pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook until the onions are soft.
3. Pour in the pasta sauce and then fill the same jar with water and add it to the pan, along with the chicken broth. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to medium.
4. Add pasta and return the cooked chicken to the pot. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente.
5. Stir in cream cheese or Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese, garnish with dry parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

🐔 Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time.
🍝 Any pasta shape can be used, like fettuccine or rotini, based on your preference.
🥬 Add more veggies by including baby spinach or substituting sun-dried tomatoes for a unique twist.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Simmering Time: 10-15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One-Pot Cooking
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Gluten

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 339-562