Irresistibly Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner Joy

Comfort meets culinary magic in this irresistible cheesy chicken pasta that promises to melt hearts and satisfy hunger.

Tender chicken pieces nestled in creamy, rich sauce create a symphony of flavors every home cook dreams about.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this simple yet delectable combination of pasta and melted cheese.

Perfectly seasoned chicken blends seamlessly with al dente noodles, ensuring each bite delivers maximum deliciousness.

Warm, inviting, and packed with robust flavors, this recipe turns ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dining experience.

One forkful and you’ll understand why this cheesy chicken pasta has become a beloved staple in kitchens everywhere.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 574 kcal

Servings: 3

What You’ll Need For Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Penne Pasta: Sturdy pasta shape that catches cheese sauce perfectly, choose a high-quality brand for best texture.
• Salt: Enhances pasta's natural flavor and helps season the cooking water.

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that adds substantial substance, select fresh, boneless cuts for easy preparation.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep, rich undertones to the dish's overall flavor profile.

• Cream Cheese: Creates luxurious, smooth base for sauce, opt for full-fat version for maximum richness.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp, tangy flavor and melts beautifully, choose aged cheddar for more intense taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Introduces nutty, salty dimension, select freshly grated for superior melting quality.
• Heavy Cream: Delivers silky consistency and helps bind cheese sauce, use room temperature for smoother blending.

• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and enhances other flavors, freshly ground provides best taste.
• Dried Parsley: Brings light herbal note and visual appeal, can substitute with fresh chopped parsley.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for those wanting a spicy kick, sprinkle according to heat preference.

Tools To Prep Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough space to cook noodles evenly.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently after cooking.
• Measuring cup: Critical for reserving the precise amount of pasta water needed for the sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring pasta and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Sharp knife: Required for cutting or preparing any additional ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for ingredient preparation.

How To Cook Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Water Preparation

Grab a big pot and add water with a sprinkle of salt. Heat until bubbling vigorously.

• Pasta Cooking

Drop pasta into boiling water. Follow package timing to reach perfect soft-yet-firm texture. Before draining, scoop out a small amount of cooking liquid. Set pasta aside.

• Chicken Transformation

Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season generously with herbs and spices. Sizzle in a hot skillet until golden and fully cooked through, creating delicious caramelized edges.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

In the same pan, melt butter and whisk in cream. Sprinkle cheese until smooth and velvety. The reserved pasta water helps create a silky consistency.

• Flavor Fusion

Combine cooked pasta and chicken into the cheesy sauce. Gently toss until every morsel is beautifully coated. The sauce should cling lovingly to each piece.

• Final Touch

Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of extra cheese. Serve immediately while warm and inviting, allowing the rich flavors to shine.

Tips For Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Creamy Cheese Perfection: Add a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce cling beautifully to the noodles, creating an ultra-smooth and silky texture.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice for a lighter, gluten-free alternative that still delivers incredible flavor and comfort.
• Protein Power Boost: Experiment with different proteins like shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even crispy bacon bits to add extra depth and variety to the dish.
• Veggie Lover's Delight: Fold in roasted vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful, wholesome meal that feels fresh and satisfying.

Ways To Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Italian Feast Companion: Serve alongside a crisp garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
• Comfort Food Plating: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil, and sprinkle extra grated parmesan cheese on top to enhance the cheesy profile and add a pop of color.
• Protein Power-Up: Add grilled or roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus to increase nutritional value and create a more substantial dinner experience.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Transform leftovers into a delightful frittata by mixing the pasta with beaten eggs and baking until golden, perfect for a weekend breakfast or brunch option.

How To Store Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Optimal Cooling Technique: Allow the pasta dish to cool completely before transferring to storage containers, which helps maintain texture and prevents soggy consistency.
• Smart Reheating Method: Warm refrigerated portions in a microwave with a splash of reserved pasta water to restore moisture and prevent dryness, stirring halfway through heating.
• Shelf Life Management: Consume refrigerated chicken pasta within 3-4 days for best taste and quality, ensuring peak flavor and food safety standards are maintained.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Cheesy chicken pasta delivers a comforting Italian-inspired meal with creamy sauce and tender chicken. Rich parmesan and mozzarella blend perfectly with garlic and herbs, creating a satisfying dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, diced
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for flavor)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water (optional)
• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boil Preparation: Salt water in a large pot and bring to a vigorous boil.
2. Pasta Cooking: Submerge pasta, stirring intermittently, and cook until al dente. Extract 1/4 cup starchy liquid before draining.
3. Chicken Preparation: Dice chicken into uniform pieces, season thoroughly with herb blend. Sear in heated skillet with oil until golden and fully cooked.
4. Sauce Foundation: In same skillet, sauté garlic and onions until translucent. Dust with flour, creating a light roux. Gradually whisk in cream and milk, creating a smooth base.
5. Cheese Integration: Melt diverse cheese varieties into sauce, stirring until completely incorporated and silky.
6. Final Assembly: Combine cooked chicken and pasta into cheese sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coverage. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
7. Serving Finale: Garnish with fresh herbs and additional cheese, serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Manage Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a perfect bite that holds up in the creamy sauce.
• Control Cheese Melting: Use room temperature cheeses and add gradually, stirring constantly to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety consistency.
• Prevent Dry Chicken: Avoid overcooking chicken by using a meat thermometer, aiming for 165°F internal temperature to keep it juicy and tender.
• Customize Dietary Needs: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter versions, and use gluten-free pasta and flour for a celiac-friendly adaptation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 574
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 54 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg