One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil (For coating and cooking the chicken)
• 1 tbsp butter (Used in the pasta; the source gives a 1–2 tablespoon range)
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (For the chicken)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (For the chicken)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika (For the chicken)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (For the chicken)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (For the chicken)
• 1 tsp onion powder (For the chicken)
• salt and black pepper (To taste, for the chicken)
• 8 oz dry rigatoni
• 24 oz heavy cream (Add more if needed while the pasta cooks)
• 24 oz chicken broth (Add more if needed while the pasta cooks)
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (For the pasta sauce)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (For the pasta sauce)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika (For the pasta sauce)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (For the pasta sauce)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (For the pasta sauce)
• 1 tsp onion powder (For the pasta sauce)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Use cheese of choice; the author used mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and medium cheddar)
• fresh parsley (Chopped; optional garnish)
• grated Parmesan cheese (Optional garnish)
• red pepper flakes (Optional garnish)

Steps

1. 1

   Coat the chicken breasts with the olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

2. 2

   Cover the seasoned chicken and marinate it in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes for the best flavor.

3. 3

   Heat a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat.

4. 4

   Cook the chicken for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.

5. 5

   Remove the chicken from the pot and let it rest.

6. 6

   In the same pot, add the dry rigatoni, heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.

7. 7

   Stir everything together, cover the pot, and let the pasta simmer until al dente, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or cream if needed while the pasta cooks.

8. 8

   Once the pasta is cooked, add the shredded cheese and stir until it has melted into a creamy sauce.

9. 9

   Slice the rested chicken and place it on top of the creamy pasta.

10. 10

    Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes, if desired, and serve.

Notes

The source does not specify an exact simmering time or pasta-cooking temperature; cook until the rigatoni is al dente. The author notes that additional broth or cream may be needed during cooking. Cheese quantities and garnish amounts are flexible.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• one-pot
• pasta
• chicken
• comfort food
• family dinner
• creamy
• cheesy