Cheesy Chicken Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy, cheesy chicken pasta to satisfy your cravings. This simple yet delicious dish combines tender chicken pieces, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich cheese sauce that brings everything together.
Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or preparing a meal for guests, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right in your own kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
This dish has become a favorite in countless homes, and for good reason. The combination of protein-rich chicken breast, carbohydrate-filled pasta, and calcium-packed cheese creates a balanced meal that keeps everyone happy. The creamy sauce coats every piece of pasta, while the seasoned chicken adds a savory element that makes each bite memorable.
The best part? You can have this complete meal ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, it uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken and Pasta
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 ounces penne pasta (or your preferred pasta shape)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cheese Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
Optional Toppings and Add-ins
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes
- Cooked bacon bits
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Steamed broccoli florets
- Baby spinach leaves
Kitchen Equipment Required
Before you start cooking, make sure you have these essential tools ready:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Whisk
- Colander for draining pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill your large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season your chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces in a single layer.
Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Make the Roux
Add butter to the skillet with the garlic. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes. This mixture, called a roux, will thicken your sauce and give it a smooth texture. The roux should turn a light golden color.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Base
Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream while whisking continuously. This prevents lumps from forming. Add the remaining Italian seasoning, onion powder, and paprika.
Continue whisking until the mixture begins to thicken, about 3-4 minutes. The sauce should coat the back of a spoon.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
Reduce heat to low. Add the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parmesan cheese in batches, stirring after each addition until completely melted.
The sauce should be smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 7: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce. Let it simmer on low heat for 2-3 minutes so the flavors can blend together.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Transfer the cheesy chicken pasta to serving bowls or plates. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, extra parmesan cheese, or any of your favorite toppings. Serve immediately while hot.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta holds up better when mixed with the sauce and won’t become mushy.
Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy. Shredding cheese from a block takes just minutes and makes a noticeable difference.
Keep the heat low when adding cheese. High heat can cause the cheese to separate and become oily or stringy.
Reserve pasta water. The starchy water helps thin the sauce while adding body and helping it stick to the pasta.
Let the chicken rest. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a minute before adding it back to the sauce. This keeps it juicy.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store leftover cheesy chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken as it cools, which is completely normal.
To reheat, place the pasta in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of milk or cream. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated through. You can also reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a little milk to restore the creamy texture.
For freezing, this dish can be stored in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variations to Try
Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Add hot sauce and blue cheese crumbles for a spicy twist.
Cajun Chicken Pasta: Season the chicken with Cajun seasoning and add bell peppers.
Mushroom Chicken Pasta: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for an earthy flavor.
Veggie-Loaded Version: Add broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition.
Three-Cheese Blend: Experiment with different cheese combinations like gruyere, fontina, or provolone.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, absolutely. While penne works wonderfully, you can use rigatoni, fusilli, farfalle, or fettuccine. Any pasta shape that holds sauce well will work great in this recipe.
Can I make this recipe with chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs are an excellent substitute. They tend to be more flavorful and stay moist during cooking. Use the same cooking method and time.
How can I make this recipe lighter?
Use low-fat milk instead of whole milk, reduce the amount of heavy cream, and choose reduced-fat cheese options. You can also add more vegetables to increase volume without adding many calories.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the components separately. Cook the chicken and make the sauce ahead, then store them in the refrigerator. Cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve and combine everything together.
Why is my cheese sauce grainy?
This usually happens when the heat is too high or the cheese is added too quickly. Always use low heat when adding cheese and add it gradually, stirring constantly until melted.
Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. Simply shred or cube the chicken and add it when you combine the pasta with the sauce. Since it’s already cooked, you just need to heat it through.
What can I serve with cheesy chicken pasta?
A simple green salad, garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a Caesar salad all pair beautifully with this dish. Keep the sides light since the pasta is quite rich and filling.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely. Most children love the creamy, cheesy flavor. You can adjust the seasonings to suit younger palates and cut the chicken into smaller pieces for little ones.
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