Description
Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce made from a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella. This easy recipe uses simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients to create a warm, satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne, fusilli, or your favorite pasta shape
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Aromatics & Seasonings
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking (about 1-2 tablespoons)
- Fresh herbs (parsley or basil), for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and a pinch of your favorite herbs. Heat a skillet with olive oil over medium heat, then cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken and let it rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve one cup of the pasta water.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add the chopped onions and cook until translucent. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Gradually add shredded cheeses while stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it. Heat everything together for a couple of minutes for the flavors to blend.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley or basil over the dish and add an extra sprinkle of cheese if desired. Serve immediately while warm and gooey.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Cook pasta to al dente to avoid mushy texture after mixing with sauce.
- Adjust sauce thickness with reserved pasta water instead of adding more cream.
- Let cooked chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Add cheese gradually to prevent lumps and ensure smooth consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta, comfort food, creamy chicken pasta, easy dinner, family-friendly pasta