Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you crave comfort food with a big dose of creamy cheese and tender chicken, Cheesy Chicken Pasta might just become your new obsession. Imagine pasta shells coated in a triple-cheese sauce, dotted with juicy pieces of chicken, all ready in under 30 minutes. It’s weeknight magic in a pan! This recipe is perfect for busy evenings or lazy Sundays when all you want is something rich, hearty, and (of course) loaded with cheese.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple pantry staples come together to make magic here. Every ingredient plays a starring role, whether it’s for flavor, color, or creating that unmistakable cheesy pull. Don’t skip on these essentials—you’ll notice the difference!
- Pasta: Penne or rotini pasta hold the cheesy sauce perfectly, so every bite is satisfying.
- Olive oil: For browning the chicken and adding a silky finish to the dish.
- Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless chicken pieces cook quickly and soak up the sauce flavors.
- Garlic powder: This boosts the savory notes and gives the chicken an extra kick.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the pasta and sauce.
- Black pepper: A little heat makes the cheese pop!
- Butter: Rich, creamy, and essential for starting the sauce base.
- All-purpose flour: Works as the thickener for your ultra-creamy cheese sauce.
- Whole milk: Makes the sauce luscious and perfectly coats every noodle.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, classic cheesy flavor.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: The gooey, stretchy cheese that melts beautifully into the sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: A salty, nutty touch that ties the sauce together.
- Chopped parsley: Totally optional, but fresh green parsley looks gorgeous sprinkled over the top.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a generous pot of salted water to a boil, then toss in your penne or rotini. Cook until the pasta is al dente, so it stays firm after mixing with the sauce. Drain well and set aside—it’s okay if it cools down a bit, it’ll warm up perfectly in the final toss.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add those bite-sized chicken pieces, sprinkle with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper, and let them sizzle until golden and cooked through—about 6 to 8 minutes should do the trick. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it handy.
Step 3: Create the Roux for Cheesy Chicken Pasta
In the same pan (you want all those browned chicken bits for flavor!), drop in the butter and let it melt. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute. This simple step thickens your sauce, ensuring every noodle clings to the cheesy goodness.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
Slowly add the whole milk to the skillet, whisking as you go to keep things smooth. Let the sauce bubble gently for 3 to 4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Lower the heat, then stir in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until creamy and fully melted. The aroma at this point is irresistible!
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta and chicken into the skillet with your dreamy cheese sauce. Toss everything together until every bite is coated in cheesy goodness. Let it all heat through for another 1 or 2 minutes so it’s piping hot and ready to serve.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
While Cheesy Chicken Pasta is already a showstopper, a finishing sprinkle of chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness. If you’re in the mood for extra decadence, a dusting of Parmesan on top is always welcome!
Side Dishes
This dish is pretty hearty on its own, but a crisp green salad or some garlicky roasted vegetables are perfect companions. Warm, crusty bread is practically a must for swiping up any leftover cheese sauce from your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to dress up your Cheesy Chicken Pasta? Try serving it in individual ramekins and broil with extra cheese on top until bubbly. Or pile it into a big family-style baking dish and let everyone dig in—comfort food always tastes best shared.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheesy Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors even seem to deepen a bit overnight, making this a tasty lunch option the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess. The microwave also works—just cover and stir halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne and rotini are favorites for Cheesy Chicken Pasta because they hold sauce so well, but feel free to try fusilli, shells, or even rigatoni. The key is to pick a shape that captures plenty of cheese with every forkful.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend for the roux. The cheese sauce stays just as creamy and satisfying, so no one will miss the gluten.
How can I spice it up?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce when making your cheese sauce, or even stir in some diced jalapeños. It’s an easy way to add a little zing to your classic Cheesy Chicken Pasta.
What vegetables can I add?
Steamed broccoli, peas, spinach, or bell peppers all work beautifully. Just stir them in at the end with the chicken and pasta so they warm through without getting mushy. It’s a wonderful way to make this a one-pan, veggie-packed meal.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even quicker—just shred or chop and add it in during the final toss with the pasta and cheese sauce. It’s the ultimate shortcut for busy nights.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta delivers the ultimate in comfort with so little effort. Whether you customize it with veggies, turn up the heat, or keep it classic, I promise it will become a go-to at your table. Gather your ingredients, give it a try, and get ready for empty plates and happy hearts—you truly can’t go wrong with this crowd-pleaser!
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Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the creamy, cheesy goodness of this Cheesy Chicken Pasta that’s easy to make and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich cheese sauce come together in this satisfying dish.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Sauté chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Melt butter, whisk in flour, then slowly add milk. Stir in cheeses until smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta and chicken in the cheese sauce. Heat through and serve warm. Garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker version.
- Add steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach for a complete one-pan meal.
- For a spicier twist, stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
