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