Description
A hearty and comforting one pot cheesy chicken pasta that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. This creamy American classic combines tender chicken, flavorful diced tomatoes, and melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, all cooked together with pasta in a single pot for minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup whole milk
Produce
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Pantry Items & Spices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 8 ounces uncooked short pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Cook the chicken: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on the outside and mostly cooked through.
- Sauté the onion and garlic: Add the diced onion to the pot with the chicken and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in the low-sodium chicken broth, whole milk, and undrained diced tomatoes. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Add pasta and seasonings: Add the uncooked pasta, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning to the pot. Stir well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
- Simmer until pasta is tender: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Incorporate the cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and creamy.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a bright finish, then serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken to reduce cooking time.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with Monterey Jack or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- Add leafy spinach or peas in the last few minutes of cooking for extra vegetables and nutrition.
