Creamy, cheesy chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food. With tender chicken and a rich, velvety sauce, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines simple ingredients with bold, comforting flavors. The creamy cheese sauce clings to every piece of pasta, while the chicken adds hearty protein to make it a complete meal. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup chicken broth
2 cups heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Gradually whisk in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
Stir in the paprika and Italian seasoning for added flavor.
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing everything to coat evenly in the cheese sauce. Let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors together.
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Variations
Add Vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach for extra nutrients.
Swap the Protein: Use cooked shrimp or turkey instead of chicken for a twist.
Spice It Up: Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary needs.
Different Cheese: Experiment with Gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile.
Storage/Reheating
To store leftovers, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make the sauce separate.
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FAQs
How can I make this dish ahead of time?
Prepare the chicken and cheese sauce in advance, then cook the pasta fresh when ready to serve. Toss everything together and reheat gently.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken works well. Simply toss it into the sauce at the end to heat through.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
I like using penne or rotini because they hold the sauce well, but any short pasta shape will work.
Can I freeze cheesy chicken pasta?
The sauce can separate when frozen and reheated, so I recommend enjoying it fresh or refrigerating leftovers for a few days instead.
How do I make this dish lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly. You can also substitute olive oil spray for the full amount of olive oil.
Conclusion
Cheesy chicken pasta is a crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. Whether you’re craving comfort food or looking for a quick dinner option, this creamy pasta will never disappoint. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal in no time.
📖 Recipe:
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Cheesy Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy, cheesy chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food! With tender chicken, a rich cheese sauce, and hearty pasta, this quick and delicious recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Prepare the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add cubed chicken, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet. - Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet, combine heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Gradually whisk in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until smooth. - Season the Sauce:
Stir in paprika and Italian seasoning. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. - Combine:
Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for 2-3 minutes to meld flavors. - Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Vegetable Additions: Mix in steamed broccoli, peas, or spinach for added nutrition.
Protein Alternatives: Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
Cheese Variations: Try Gouda or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
Reheating Tip: Add a splash of cream when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 480 kcal
