If you’re craving a meal that’s packed with bold flavors, melty cheese, and just the right amount of spice, then you’re going to love this One Pot Chili Cheese Pasta. It’s an absolute game changer for weeknight dinners because everything cooks together in one pot, saving you time and cleanup while delivering a comforting, satisfying dish that’s rich, hearty, and downright delicious. This recipe combines the smoky notes of chili powder and smoked paprika with creamy white cheddar and tender pasta, all mingling with juicy ground beef and fire roasted tomatoes for that perfect balance of spice and warmth. Trust me, once you try this One Pot Chili Cheese Pasta, it will quickly become your go-to comfort food favorite.

One Pot Chili Cheese Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple yet essential, each playing a crucial role in making the One Pot Chili Cheese Pasta shine with balanced flavor, texture, and color. From aromatic onions and garlic to savory spices and creamy cheese, every component is thoughtfully chosen to create a dish that’s both vibrant and comforting.

Olive oil: Helps sauté the onions and garlic to develop a rich flavor base.
Sweet onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when softened.
Garlic cloves: Provide a fragrant punch that enhances the savory notes.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in the dish.
Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and balances the seasoning.
Lean ground beef (93% lean): Offers hearty protein without excess fat.
Tomato paste: Concentrates the tomato flavor and adds richness.
Chili powder: Gives that classic chili warmth and spice.
Smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky depth to complement the chili.
Ground cumin: Brings an earthy, slightly nutty undertone.
Fire roasted tomatoes (canned): Provide a smoky, slightly charred tang.
Diced green chiles (canned): Add a mild, zesty heat.
Low-sodium beef or chicken stock (or water): The cooking liquid that lets the pasta absorb all those fantastic flavors.
Elbow noodles (whole wheat preferred): Offer comforting texture and soak up the sauce beautifully.
White cheddar cheese: Freshly grated to melt into the pasta with creamy richness.
Green onions: Thinly sliced for a fresh, crisp finish.
Sour cream (optional): Adds cooling creaminess on top if you like.

How to Make One Pot Chili Cheese Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics and Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium-low heat. Toss in the diced sweet onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let these soften and marry together for about 5 minutes; this step unlocks wonderful foundational flavors. Then add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns. Cooking for 6 to 8 minutes lets the beef develop a lovely caramelized crust, and occasionally increasing the heat helps to render some of the fat, keeping things flavorful but not greasy.

Step 2: Build the Chili Base

Once the beef is beautifully browned, stir in the tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. This step is where the dish truly starts to come alive with warmth and complexity. Let these spices toast with the beef mixture for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently so nothing sticks or burns. Your kitchen will start to smell incredible!

Step 3: Add Tomatoes, Chiles, Stock, and Pasta

Now, pour in the fire roasted tomatoes, diced green chiles, and your choice of stock or even water if that’s what you have. Stir everything together, then add the uncooked elbow noodles right into the pot. Bring the whole mix to a gentle simmer, cover it, and let it cook for 10 to 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom. The noodles will soak up all those rich flavors and swell to tender perfection.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese

Once the pasta has absorbed most of the liquid and is perfectly cooked, fold in the freshly grated white cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into a creamy, luscious sauce that clings to every bite. Give everything a taste and adjust seasoning if necessary — just a little extra salt or pepper can elevate this dish to perfection.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your One Pot Chili Cheese Pasta immediately while everything is warm and melty. Top it with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh pop of color and a bit of crispness. If you want to take it over the top, add a dollop of sour cream to balance the heat with creamy coolness. You’ve now got an irresistible bowl of comfort that’s both simple and spectacular!

How to Serve One Pot Chili Cheese Pasta

Garnishes

Garnishes can transform your One Pot Chili Cheese Pasta from great to unforgettable. Thinly sliced green onions bring a subtle crunch and fresh bite that contrasts the creamy pasta. A spoonful of sour cream smooths out the spice and adds extra creaminess. If you like a little heat, sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce on top.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp side can be fantastic. A simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette adds brightness to your plate. Cornbread or warm tortilla chips can offer a pleasant textural contrast and are terrific for scooping up any extra cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests or just make dinner a bit more special? Serve the One Pot Chili Cheese Pasta in individual bowls and top each with a sprinkle of paprika, fresh herbs like chopped cilantro, or even sliced avocado for some creamy freshness. You could even bake it in a casserole dish with extra cheese on top for a bubbly, golden crust that adds a new dimension of texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

One Pot Chili Cheese Pasta stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making leftovers just as satisfying as the original meal. Just give it a good stir before reheating to recombine any separated cheese.

Freezing

For longer storage, you can freeze leftover chili cheese pasta. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Because of the cheese and pasta, the texture may slightly change, but this meal still reheats well for a quick, comforting lunch or dinner later on.

Reheating

When reheating, do it gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to evenly warm and re-melt the cheese. Avoid high heat that may cause the pasta to dry out or the cheese to become grainy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for One Pot Chili Cheese Pasta?

Absolutely! While elbow noodles work perfectly, you can substitute with rotini, shells, or any small shape that cooks quickly and holds sauce well.

Is it necessary to use white cheddar cheese?

Not at all. White cheddar has a nice sharpness, but you can swap in yellow cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little more spice.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, just replace the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans. Use vegetable stock instead of beef broth to keep it vegetarian.

How spicy is the One Pot Chili Cheese Pasta?

It has a gentle kick from chili powder and green chiles but isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. You can always adjust the chili powder amount to suit your heat preference.

What can I do if my pasta sticks to the bottom while cooking?

Make sure to stir occasionally and keep the heat at medium-low. Adding enough liquid and covering the pot also helps prevent sticking.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fuss-free, flavor-packed dinner that feels like a big warm hug, this One Pot Chili Cheese Pasta is exactly what you need. It’s hearty, cozy, and bursting with bold, smoky, cheesy goodness all cooked up in one pot to save you time and dishes. Give it a try tonight — I promise this recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen as it did in mine.

One Pot Chili Cheese Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 17 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This One Pot Chili Cheese Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish combining the savory richness of ground beef with smoky spices, fire roasted tomatoes, and creamy white cheddar. Quick to prepare and easy to clean up, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that delivers comfort and spice all in one pot.

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics and Brown Beef: Heat a large pot over medium-low heat and add the olive oil. Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Cook until the onions soften, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring often, until the beef is browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Occasionally increase heat slightly to cook off some fat, continuing to break the beef apart.
Add Spices and Simmer: Once the beef is browned, stir in tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, and ground cumin. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently to meld the flavors. Pour in the fire roasted tomatoes, diced green chiles, and stock (or water). Add the elbow noodles, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot and cook for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should absorb most of the liquid and become tender. If needed, cook a few more minutes covered.
Incorporate Cheese and Adjust Seasoning: Once the pasta is cooked and liquid is mostly absorbed, stir in the freshly grated white cheddar cheese until melted and evenly combined. Taste the pasta and add more salt or pepper if desired.
Serve: Immediately plate the chili cheese pasta and garnish with sliced green onions. Add a dollop of sour cream on the side if you like for extra creaminess and tang.

Notes

Use whole wheat elbow noodles for added fiber and a nuttier flavor.
Adjust the chili powder and smoked paprika to your preferred spice level.
To make this recipe vegetarian, substitute the beef with plant-based ground meat and use vegetable stock.
Keep heat at medium-low when simmering to avoid the pasta sticking to the pot bottom.
This dish reheats well and can be stored covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: One Pot Cooking, Simmering
Cuisine: American