Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that hits all the right notes: creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. I remember the first time I made this dish on a busy weeknight. With little time to spare but a craving for something indulgent, I tossed together key ingredients I had on hand. The result? A mouthwatering meal that brought the family together around the table, begging for seconds. It’s perfect for when you want to treat yourself and your loved ones without spending hours in the kitchen.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There’s a reason Cheesy Chicken Pasta has become a family favorite in many households. It’s quick to prepare, budget-friendly, and packed with flavors that everyone adores. This dish is not only satisfying but also incredibly versatile, making it a go-to for everything from casual weeknight dinners to hearty family gatherings. The combination of tender chicken, rich cream, and gooey cheese creates a comforting symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist.

“This is my go-to recipe for busy nights! Quick, cheesy, and always a hit with the kids!” — Sarah J.

Step-by-step Instructions

Making Cheesy Chicken Pasta is simple and straightforward, perfect for cooks of any skill level. You’ll start by boiling your pasta to al dente while preparing a rich, creamy sauce that’ll coat it beautifully. The process is quick, taking about 30 minutes, making it ideal for those rushed evenings when you still want to serve something delicious!

What you’ll need

To whip up this delightful dish, here’s what you’ll gather:

• 250g uncooked pasta (around 8oz)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 275g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (around 9.6 oz)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust per taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon chili sauce or sriracha
• 130ml milk (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon)
• 110ml double cream (1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons)
• 100g mozzarella cheese + extra to sprinkle on top (1 cup + extra)
• 100-120ml reserved pasta water (around 1/2 cup)

Feel free to swap in whole wheat pasta or a dairy-free cheese alternative to suit your preferences!

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Begin by boiling the pasta in salted water and a splash of oil until al dente. Reserve some pasta water for later, and then drain.
2. In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns light golden.
3. Toss in the chicken pieces and cook for about 3–4 minutes until no longer pink.
4. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Stir to combine.
5. Mix in the tomato paste and a splash of sriracha, then cook for another minute.
6. Add the milk and double cream. Let it simmer over medium-high heat until the sauce is bubbling and begins to thicken.
7. Stir in the mozzarella cheese, mixing until melted and smooth.
8. Gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
9. Bring the sauce to a boil while stirring continuously, then add the cooked pasta. Toss until everything is well combined and heated through.
10. Serve hot, garnishing with an extra sprinkle of cheese.

Best Way to Serve

When it comes to serving Cheesy Chicken Pasta, it’s all about presentation and sides! This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. If you’re aiming for a cozy vibe, consider some garlic bread on the side for dipping into that luscious cheese sauce!

Storage Tips

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), simply let the pasta cool before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk to restore creaminess and heat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Pro Chef Tips

• Use day-old pasta for added texture in the cream sauce.
• Feel free to mix up your cheeses—try cheddar or gouda for a different flavor profile.
• Add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to enhance nutrition and color.

Flavor Variations

Looking to shake things up? Here are some creative twists to try:

• Spicy Kick: Incorporate jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce for those who like it fiery.
• Herb-Infused: Toss in fresh basil or parsley for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
• Alternative Proteins: Try adding shrimp or tofu for a twist on the protein, keeping it just as comforting!

Your Questions Answered

How long does it take to prepare Cheesy Chicken Pasta?

You can have this dish ready in about 30 minutes!

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare everything up to combining the pasta with the sauce, then store in the fridge and combine before serving.

Is it safe to freeze Cheesy Chicken Pasta?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Just add a little milk when reheating to regain that creamy texture.

What can I substitute for chicken?

Feel free to use turkey, or for a vegetarian version, try chickpeas or a hearty vegetable mix instead!

Embrace the comforting decadence of Cheesy Chicken Pasta – it truly deserves a spot on your table for its ease, flavor, and heartwarming nature!

Cheesy Chicken Pasta

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, featuring creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken, perfect for busy weeknights.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 250g uncooked pasta (around 8oz)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 275g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (around 9.6 oz)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust per taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon chili sauce or sriracha
• 130ml milk (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon)
• 110ml double cream (1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons)
• 100g mozzarella cheese + extra to sprinkle on top (1 cup + extra)
• 100–120ml reserved pasta water (around 1/2 cup)

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Instructions

1. Begin by boiling the pasta in salted water and a splash of oil until al dente. Reserve some pasta water for later, and then drain.
2. In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns light golden.
3. Toss in the chicken pieces and cook for about 3–4 minutes until no longer pink.
4. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Stir to combine.
5. Mix in the tomato paste and a splash of sriracha, then cook for another minute.
6. Add the milk and double cream. Let it simmer over medium-high heat until the sauce is bubbling and begins to thicken.
7. Stir in the mozzarella cheese, mixing until melted and smooth.
8. Gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
9. Bring the sauce to a boil while stirring continuously, then add the cooked pasta. Toss until everything is well combined and heated through.
10. Serve hot, garnishing with an extra sprinkle of cheese.

Notes

For best results, use day-old pasta for added texture. Feel free to mix up your cheeses or add vegetables like spinach for extra nutrition.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Boiling & Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Pasta, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Family Meal