One-Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil (For coating and cooking the chicken)
• 1.5 tbsp butter (Source gives 1–2 tbsp; used when cooking the pasta)
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (1 tsp for the chicken and 1 tsp for the pasta sauce)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (1 tsp for the chicken and 1 tsp for the pasta sauce)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika (1 tsp for the chicken and 1 tsp for the pasta sauce)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (1 tsp for the chicken and 1 tsp for the pasta sauce)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (1 tsp for the chicken and 1 tsp for the pasta sauce)
• 1 tsp onion powder (1 tsp for the chicken and 1 tsp for the pasta sauce)
• salt and black pepper (To taste)
• 8 oz dry rigatoni
• 24 oz heavy cream (Add to the pasta pot)
• 24 oz chicken broth (Add more if needed while the pasta cooks)
• 1.5 cup shredded cheese (Source gives 1–2 cups; use mozzarella, sharp cheddar, medium cheddar, or another cheese of choice)
• fresh parsley (Chopped, optional garnish)
• Parmesan cheese (Grated, 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 and marinate the seasoned chicken 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

   Add the marinated chicken and cook 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 rigatoni, heavy cream, chicken broth, butter, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder.

7. 7

   Stir the pasta and sauce ingredients together, then cover the pot.

8. 8

   Let the pasta simmer until al dente, stirring occasionally. Add more broth or cream if needed while it cooks.

9. 9

   Once the pasta is cooked, add the shredded cheese.

10. 10

    Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.

11. 11

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

12. 12

    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 temperature for the pasta, only to cook it until al dente. Cheese quantities and butter quantities are given as ranges in the source; the displayed values use the midpoint of each range. The creator used mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and medium cheddar.

Nutrition per serving

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