One Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for coating chicken)
• 1.5 tbsp butter (1-2 tbsp used for cooking chicken)
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (for chicken)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for chicken)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika (for chicken)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (for chicken)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for chicken)
• 1 tsp onion powder (for chicken)
• salt (to taste)
• black pepper (to taste)
• 8 oz dry rigatoni
• 24 oz heavy cream
• 24 oz chicken broth (add more if needed)
• 1.5 tbsp butter (1-2 tbsp added to pasta)
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (for sauce)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (for sauce)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika (for sauce)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning (for sauce)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (for sauce)
• 1 tsp onion powder (for sauce)
• 1.5 cup shredded cheese (1-2 cups; author used mozzarella, sharp cheddar, and medium cheddar)
• fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
• Red pepper flakes (for garnish)

Steps

1. 1

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

2. 2

   Let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for 15–30 minutes for the best flavor.

3. 3

   Heat a large pot or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.

4. 4

   Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest while you prepare the pasta.

5. 5

   In the same pot used for the chicken, add the rigatoni, heavy cream, chicken broth, 1–2 tbsp butter, and the remaining seasonings (Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, sweet paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder).

6. 6

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

7. 7

   Once the pasta is cooked, add your shredded cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

8. 8

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

9. 9

   Garnish with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, or red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

You can use any shredded cheese you have in the fridge; a blend of mozzarella and cheddar provides a good balance of melt and flavor. If the sauce becomes too thick while the pasta simmers, thin it out with a splash more chicken broth.

Nutrition per serving

• main
• one-pot
• comfort food
• chicken
• pasta
• creamy
• dinner
• easy recipe