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Ultimate Creamy One-Pot Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Close-up of cheesy chicken pasta made with rotini, covered in rich orange sauce and topped with fresh parsley.
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Make this family-favorite cheesy chicken pasta for a quick weeknight dinner. This one-pot recipe delivers a rich, creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken without extra cleanup.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound dried pasta (like rotini or penne)
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, cubed
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken until it is browned on all sides and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set it aside.
  2. Add the dried pasta and chicken broth to the same pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until the pasta is almost tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  3. Stir in the heavy cream and the cooked chicken. Let the mixture heat through for 2 minutes.
  4. Reduce the heat to low. Add the shredded white cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and cubed cream cheese. Stir constantly until all the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Do not let the sauce boil once the cheese is added.
  5. Taste the pasta and add more salt or pepper if needed.
  6. Serve the cheesy chicken pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, substitute half of the chicken broth with milk.
  • You can add 1 cup of frozen peas or broccoli florets during the last 5 minutes of simmering the pasta.
  • If the sauce thickens too much while sitting, stir in a splash of extra broth or milk to reach your desired consistency.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingzenith.com/cheesy-chicken-pasta-ultimate-one-pot-recipe/