If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and ooey-gooey cheese, you have to try this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe. It’s a delightful mashup of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that brings everything together in the most satisfying way. Whether you’re feeding a family or just treating yourself, this dish promises a warm hug on a plate with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting this recipe together is a breeze, and the ingredients list is surprisingly straightforward yet essential for hitting all the right notes in taste, texture, and color. Each item plays a vital role in building layers of flavor or creating that luscious creamy sauce you’ll love.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking and tender bites throughout the dish.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps you get that perfect golden sear on the chicken.
- Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper: These spices bring depth and a subtle smoky warmth to the chicken.
- Pasta (penne or rotini): Both shapes hold onto the cheese sauce beautifully, giving you a perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio.
- Unsalted butter and all-purpose flour: These create the base of your homemade roux, which thickens the sauce perfectly.
- Whole milk and chicken broth: For that creamy sauce with a touch of savory chicken flavor.
- Cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese: A trio of cheeses that melt into a luscious, cheesy symphony.
- Chopped parsley (optional): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. The texture is key here because you want your pasta to hold up nicely once mixed with that indulgent cheese sauce. Once done, drain and set it aside, keeping it ready to soak up all that delicious flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until beautifully golden on the outside and thoroughly cooked on the inside, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once ready, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Without skipping a beat, use the same skillet to melt your butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly for about one minute to cook out the raw flavor, forming the roux. Then slowly add the milk and chicken broth in a steady stream, whisking continuously so the sauce becomes thick and smooth in about 4 to 5 minutes. Lower the heat and add your shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until every bit of cheese melts into a silky, creamy sauce.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Now for the best part: add your cooked pasta and the sautéed chicken back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Gently toss everything together until each piece of pasta and chicken is luxuriously coated in cheese. This is the moment when your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe truly comes alive, making your kitchen smell absolutely irresistible.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a pop of vibrant green but also delivers a subtle herbal freshness that balances the richness of the cheese sauce. For a bit of texture and even more flavor, try some crushed red pepper flakes or a light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Side Dishes
To complement your pasta, steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or a crisp green salad are perfect. They add a refreshing crunch and brighten up the plate, so the meal feels complete without overwhelming your palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this hearty dish in wide, shallow bowls to show off the melty cheese and tender chicken. For a cozy family style meal, present everything in the skillet and let everyone dig in together. You can also top it with a handful of toasted breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch that plays beautifully against the creamy pasta.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe, pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to three days, making for an easy next-day dinner or lunch.
Freezing
This dish freezes well too. Portion it out into freezer-friendly containers and store for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, just thaw overnight in the fridge to keep the texture and flavor at their best.
Reheating
For reheating, warm your pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving at full power as it can cause the cheese to separate, but a lower setting with occasional stirring works if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time without sacrificing any flavor. Just shred the cooked chicken and add it when you fold in the cheese sauce and pasta.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta. The sauce might be slightly different in texture, but the flavor will still be amazing.
Can I add vegetables to this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Definitely! Toss in steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas when mixing the pasta with the cheese sauce to add color, nutrition, and a pleasant vegetable crunch.
What cheese combinations work best in this recipe?
The trio of cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella is perfect for melting, flavor, and texture. However, you can experiment with gouda, fontina, or Monterey Jack for different cheese notes.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix for the chicken or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes when serving. You can also fold in some diced jalapeños for a fresh heat boost.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe that comforts the soul and satisfies the appetite every single time. It’s a timeless dish you’ll want to make again and again, perfect for family dinners or whenever you need a little cheesy indulgence. So gather your ingredients and start cooking—your new favorite meal awaits and is guaranteed to bring smiles all around the table.
Print
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
A deliciously creamy and cheesy chicken pasta recipe featuring tender seasoned chicken pieces and a rich cheese sauce made with cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish combines simplicity and flavor using common pantry ingredients.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Season and Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens, about 4 to 5 minutes.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine: Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet, stirring well to coat everything evenly with the cheese sauce.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy chicken pasta warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
- Add steamed broccoli or fresh spinach to incorporate vegetables for added nutrition.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute regular pasta and flour with gluten-free alternatives.
