Irresistible Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Whipping up a delightful cheesy chicken pasta recipe brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Creamy sauces and tender chicken chunks create an irresistible combination that satisfies deep cravings.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Weeknight dinners become special moments of shared joy and deliciousness.

pasta lovers will appreciate the rich, melted cheese coating each perfectly cooked noodle.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor in this crowd-pleasing dish.

Dive in and savor every delectable bite – your taste buds will thank you.

Sharing Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Loved Ones

• Family Dinner Night Delight: Serve this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad and garlic bread for a complete meal that brings everyone together.
• Lunch Prep Champion: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for an easy, delicious work or school lunch that stays tasty and warm.
• Weekend Comfort Feast: Create a cozy dinner experience by pairing the cheesy chicken pasta with roasted seasonal vegetables and a chilled white wine for added elegance.
• Quick Game Night Favorite: Serve in small appetizer portions as a crowd-pleasing finger food during movie or game nights, using bite-sized portions in small ramekins.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta: How to Keep Fresh

• Store leftover cheesy chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir gently to distribute heat evenly and maintain the creamy texture.
• Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the pasta's quality.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best for this recipe?

Sharp cheddar or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan create the most delicious, creamy sauce with rich flavor and perfect melting consistency.

• Can I use frozen chicken for this dish?

Yes, thaw the chicken completely beforehand and ensure it’s fully cooked before adding to the skillet to maintain food safety and proper texture.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, choose reduced-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables like spinach or broccoli to boost nutritional value.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This pasta stores well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be easily reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of additional broth to refresh the sauce.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta – Creamy and Irresistible

• Craft a Spooky Centerpiece: Transform an ordinary chocolate cake into a hauntingly delightful Halloween dessert that becomes the star of any party, guaranteed to impress guests with its creative graveyard design.
• Simplify Seasonal Baking: Requires minimal cooking skills and uses convenient box mix, making it perfect for home bakers who want to create a festive treat without complex techniques.
• Engage Young Helpers: Kids will love decorating the cake with gummy worms and candy tombstones, turning baking into a fun family activity that sparks creativity and Halloween excitement.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows personal touches like different cookie crumbs or unique candy decorations, letting bakers showcase their spooky style and imagination.

All the Ingredients for Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: A tender and protein-rich meat that adds substance and flavor to the pasta dish.

• Pasta: A classic base that absorbs the creamy cheese sauce and provides a satisfying texture.

• Shredded Cheese: A melty component that creates a rich, smooth sauce with deep flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and helps create a silky sauce consistency.

• Garlic: Provides a robust, aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and adds a subtle flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Introduces additional depth and moisture to the sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: An optional garnish that adds a bright, fresh accent to the final dish.

Chicken Pasta: Stepwise Preparation Guide

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook pasta in salted water following package directions until it reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for the cheesy magic.

Step 2: Sizzle Garlic Aromas

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until it releases its mouth-watering fragrance, creating a delicious base for the sauce.

Step 3: Warm Up the Chicken

Toss in the pre-cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir and warm the chicken for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to absorb the garlic-infused oil.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Gently stir the liquids, blending them into a smooth, velvety mixture that will coat the pasta beautifully.

Step 5: Melt Cheese Goodness

Gradually add shredded cheese to the skillet. Continuously stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a silky, rich sauce that clings to every ingredient.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the cheesy skillet. Toss everything together, ensuring each pasta strand gets generously coated with the creamy, cheesy sauce.

Step 7: Season to Perfection

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the dish.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve the pasta warm, straight from the skillet, for maximum deliciousness.

Ideas to Elevate Chicken Pasta

• Use freshly grated cheese for smoother, more even melting and richer flavor in the sauce.
• Choose rotisserie chicken or quickly pan-sear chicken breasts for extra flavor and tender meat texture.
• Lower sodium by using reduced-sodium chicken broth and controlling salt levels during seasoning.
• Prep ingredients beforehand to create a quick weeknight meal in under 20 minutes.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or zucchini noodles for added nutrition.

New Styles for Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Replace heavy cream with salsa, add diced jalapeños, and use pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Alfredo Pasta: Swap chicken with sautéed portobello mushrooms, use vegetable broth, and add extra garlic and thyme for depth.
• Bacon Ranch Chicken Pasta: Mix in crispy bacon bits, sprinkle ranch seasoning, and use a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses for a rich flavor profile.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade cheesy chicken pasta recipe delivers comfort on a plate with creamy sauce and tender chicken. Hearty ingredients combine for a satisfying meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups chicken, diced (cooked)
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 oz pasta (penne or choice)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta al dente according to package directions, then drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic.
3. Incorporate pre-cooked chicken into the skillet, gently stirring for approximately 2-3 minutes to ensure even heating.
4. Stream chicken broth and cream into the mixture, whisking thoroughly to create a harmonious blend.
5. Introduce shredded cheese gradually, continuously stirring until completely melted and creating a silky, uniform sauce.
6. Transfer drained pasta into the skillet, meticulously coating each strand with the luxurious cheese sauce through gentle tossing.
7. Enhance flavors by seasoning with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
8. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant garnish, then serve immediately while maintaining optimal warmth and creamy texture.

Notes

• Customize the pasta type to suit gluten-free needs by using chickpea, rice, or zucchini noodles for a lighter alternative.
• Control the sauce’s consistency by adjusting the amount of chicken broth and cream, ensuring a perfect creamy texture without being too runny.
• Enhance flavor profiles by experimenting with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar, gruyere, or smoked gouda for depth and complexity.
• Boost nutritional value by adding extra vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or roasted bell peppers directly into the cheesy chicken pasta for added nutrients and color.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg