Indulgent Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Creamy comfort meets zesty chicken in this irresistible cheesy chicken pasta recipe that promises pure culinary delight.

pasta lovers will swoon over the rich, velvety sauce coating tender chicken pieces.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious blanket of flavor that elevates every single bite.

Mediterranean herbs and subtle spices dance through each forkful, making ordinary weeknight dinners extraordinary.

Quick and simple ingredients come together in less than thirty minutes, perfect for busy home cooks.

Weeknight meal magic happens when you combine these incredible flavors into one spectacular dish.

Let’s turn your kitchen into a gourmet restaurant with this mouthwatering sensation that everyone will absolutely adore.

Ingredients Checklist For Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Pasta: A classic base that provides a satisfying and filling foundation for the cheesy chicken dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich cubed meat that adds hearty flavor and substance to the recipe.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy, melty cheeses that create a rich and indulgent sauce.

• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing chicken and providing a light, smooth cooking base.
• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Combine to create a silky, flavorful sauce that coats the pasta and chicken.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste and depth of the dish's flavor profile.

Step-By-Step Cooking Guide For Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente texture.

Once cooked, drain thoroughly and set aside, keeping it warm and ready for the cheesy sauce.

Step 2: Sear Chicken Chunks

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature.

• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook the chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through, ensuring no pink remains in the center, which takes approximately 5-7 minutes.

Step 3: Infuse with Aromatic Garlic

Toss minced garlic into the skillet with the cooked chicken.

Sauté for about 60 seconds, allowing the garlic to release its fragrant oils and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Step 4: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream

Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer.

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely, creating a smooth and velvety sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the previously cooked pasta directly into the cheese sauce.

Toss gently to ensure every pasta strand gets coated with the luxurious cheesy mixture.

Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle additional Parmesan cheese on top for extra richness.

Tips To Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe A Hit

• Select freshly grated cheddar and Parmesan for maximum flavor and smoothest melting texture.
• Lower heat when adding cheese and stir continuously to maintain creamy consistency without breaking.
• Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or add cooked bacon bits for extra protein and depth of flavor.
• Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce thickness if needed, creating perfect creamy sauce every time.
• Layer seasonings by adding dried herbs like oregano or parsley to enhance overall dish complexity.

Tasty Variations For Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, vegetable-based alternative that reduces carbohydrate intake.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Swap heavy cream and cheese with coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a creamy, lactose-free version that maintains rich flavor.
• Spicy Jalapeño Chicken Pasta: Add diced jalapeños and red pepper flakes to create a zesty, heat-packed variation that gives the dish an extra kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, and use feta cheese instead of cheddar for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions For Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Comfort Food Comfort Station: Create a cozy dinner setting with warm bread slices and a crisp green salad to balance the rich, cheesy pasta.
• Protein Power Plate: Top the chicken pasta with fresh chopped parsley or chives for added color and a subtle herbal freshness that cuts through the creamy sauce.
• Weekend Family Feast: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus to add nutritional value and provide a delightful vegetable contrast to the cheesy chicken pasta.
• Leftover Magic Makeover: Transform any remaining pasta into a delicious lunch by reheating and adding extra shredded cheese or a dash of hot sauce for renewed excitement.

How To Keep Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Fresh

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through and creamy.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat, adding extra broth or cream to restore sauce consistency. Stir gently to prevent pasta from breaking and ensure even heating.
• Freeze flat in freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating, which helps maintain original texture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar and Parmesan with mozzarella, provolone, or a blend of your favorite cheeses for a unique flavor profile.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare this cheesy chicken pasta in advance and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.

• Can I make this dish healthier?

Try using whole wheat pasta, low-fat milk instead of heavy cream, and adding some vegetables like spinach or broccoli to boost nutritional value.

• What protein alternatives work well?

If chicken isn’t your preference, you can easily swap it with ground turkey, shrimp, or even make a vegetarian version using tofu or additional vegetables.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe That Impresses

• Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This cheesy chicken pasta delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for satisfying hungry families and impressing dinner guests.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or add vegetables to personalize the dish, creating a versatile meal that adapts to your pantry and preferences.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Requires just a few simple steps and common ingredients, allowing you to prepare a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes without complicated techniques.
• Comfort Food Champion: Combines creamy, cheesy sauce with tender chicken and pasta, providing a warm and indulgent meal that feels like a hug on a plate.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe

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4.8 from 20 reviews

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

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Description

Creamy cheesy chicken pasta recipe brings comfort to dinner tables with its rich, indulgent flavors. Cheese lovers will savor each bite of this classic Italian-inspired dish that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 2 boneless chicken breasts (cubed)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

Seasoning and Preparation Ingredients:

• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt (to taste)
• Pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat for 1-2 minutes.
3. Sear chicken cubes with a pinch of salt and pepper, cooking until golden and fully cooked through, approximately 6 minutes.
4. Introduce minced garlic to the pan, stirring quickly to prevent burning and release aromatic flavors.
5. Gently pour chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, allowing mixture to simmer and slightly thicken for 3-4 minutes.
6. Gradually fold in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, whisking continuously until sauce becomes smooth and glossy.
7. Incorporate cooked pasta into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring each noodle is evenly coated with the rich mixture.
8. Transfer to serving plates immediately, garnishing with an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for enhanced flavor and presentation.

Notes

• Customize the cheese blend by mixing different varieties like sharp cheddar, mild mozzarella, or creamy gouda for a unique flavor profile.
• Reduce calories by using Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of heavy cream, maintaining the creamy texture with less fat.
• Transform this into a gluten-free dish by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta alternatives.
• Enhance protein content by incorporating additional lean protein sources like diced turkey or white beans for vegetarian adaptations.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 482 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg