The Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Craving a hearty meal that combines creamy goodness with tender cheesy chicken pasta?

Comfort finds its perfect match in this delightful culinary creation.

Weeknight dinners never looked so appealing with such a simple yet satisfying dish.

pasta lovers will appreciate the rich, velvety sauce coating each perfectly cooked noodle.

Succulent chicken pieces mingle beautifully with melted cheese, creating a symphony of flavors.

Families gather around the table, eagerly anticipating each delectable bite.

You won’t be able to resist this irresistible comfort food that promises to become a new favorite.

Dive into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate!

Delights of Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Transform ordinary ingredients into a crowd-pleasing meal that comes together quickly and satisfies hungry family members with minimal kitchen effort.
• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for other proteins like shrimp or ground turkey, or add vegetables to create a personalized dish that matches your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Comfort Food Champion: Indulge in a creamy, cheesy pasta that delivers rich flavor and warmth, perfect for those moments when you crave something hearty and delicious without complicated cooking techniques.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize cleanup by preparing this entire meal in a single pan, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious time after a long day.

Key Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: Tender base that provides a hearty foundation for the cheesy chicken dish.
• Chicken: Protein-packed ingredient that adds substantial flavor and texture to the recipe.
• Cheddar Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: Creamy cheeses that create a rich and smooth sauce.

• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that enhances the overall savory depth of the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious richness and helps create a velvety sauce texture.
• Butter: Provides a smooth foundation for the roux and contributes to sauce richness.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, consistent texture.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Spices that add depth and aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
• Parsley: Optional garnish that provides a fresh, bright touch to the finished dish.

Cooking Steps for Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Base

Boil the pasta in salted water following the package instructions. Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Create Flavor Foundation

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt butter until it becomes smooth and bubbling.

Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously to create a golden roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.

Step 3: Build Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in chicken broth and heavy cream while whisking constantly. This prevents lumps and creates a silky smooth base.

Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally until it thickens and coats the back of a spoon.

Step 4: Season the Sauce

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir these seasonings into the cream mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.

Step 5: Melt Cheese Goodness

• Cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese

Stir until the cheeses completely melt and create a luxurious, velvety sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Protein

Fold the cooked chicken and prepared pasta into the cheesy sauce.

Gently toss until every piece is beautifully coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving plates.

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Expert Tips for Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Choose short pasta shapes like rotini or penne for better sauce coating and easier eating.
• Ensure chicken is fully cooked and seasoned well before adding to the pasta for maximum flavor.
• Use room temperature cheese for smoother melting and a more consistent sauce texture.
• Prevent sauce from becoming grainy by adding cheese slowly and stirring continuously during melting.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the dish, keeping the creamy consistency intact.

Flavor Twists on Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Gluten-Free Cheesy Chicken Pasta: Replace wheat pasta with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free flour for the roux.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Substitute pasta with roasted cauliflower florets for a lower-carbohydrate alternative.
• Dairy-Free Chicken Pasta: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Variation: Add diced green chilies, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle with chili powder for extra heat.

Ideal Pairings with Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Family Feast Night: Create a cozy dinner experience by serving this cheesy chicken pasta in large family-style bowls with extra parsley sprinkled on top. Everyone can scoop their own portion and enjoy the warm, comforting meal together.
• Weeknight Meal Prep: Portion the pasta into meal prep containers for quick lunches. The dish reheats beautifully and stays creamy when stored properly in the refrigerator, making it perfect for busy professionals and students.
• Game Day Comfort Dish: Transform this recipe into a party-friendly meal by serving in smaller portions as a hearty appetizer. Guests can enjoy bite-sized servings using small ramekins or cute ceramic dishes, creating a crowd-pleasing option for sports gatherings or casual get-togethers.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with alternatives like penne, rotini, or shells. Just ensure they are cooked al dente for the best texture.

• Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?

To reduce calories, use low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, choose reduced-fat cheese, and use grilled or baked chicken breast instead of pre-cooked chicken.

• How can I add more flavor to the dish?

Consider adding herbs like basil or thyme, a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or sautéed onions and mushrooms to enhance the overall taste profile.

• Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can partially prepare the dish by cooking the pasta and chicken in advance. Assemble and reheat when ready to serve, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting cheesy chicken pasta recipe combines creamy sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles. Delightful Mediterranean-inspired dish delivers rich flavors that satisfy hungry diners with minimal kitchen effort.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein and Pasta:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Liquid:

• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package instructions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, melting butter until it becomes slightly foamy.
3. Incorporate flour into melted butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth, golden roux. Cook for approximately 2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
4. Slowly stream chicken broth and heavy cream into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and create a silky sauce.
5. Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to thicken and develop rich flavor. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
6. Season the sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, ensuring even distribution of spices.
7. Gradually add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until completely melted and sauce becomes glossy and smooth.
8. Fold cooked chicken and prepared pasta into the cheese sauce, gently tossing to ensure every piece is evenly coated.
9. Transfer the creamy chicken pasta to serving dishes, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Experiment with different cheese blends like Gruyère or Gouda for a more complex flavor profile.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream to reduce calories.
• Gluten-free option works perfectly by using gluten-free pasta and replacing wheat flour with cornstarch or alternative thickeners.
• Boost protein content by adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli to make the dish more nutritionally balanced.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 627 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 430 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg