Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe: A Comfort Food Dream

Whipping up a delightful cheesy chicken pasta recipe sparks joy in any kitchen adventure.

Comfort food meets culinary creativity with this crowd-pleasing dish.

Creamy cheese and tender chicken blend perfectly, creating a meal that hugs your taste buds.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers pure deliciousness.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, promising a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

Quick, easy, and irresistibly rich, you’ll want to savor every single bite.

Prepare to fall in love with a pasta experience that promises to become your new favorite go-to meal.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Reinvented: A Creamy Twist

• Simplify Cooking: One-pan meal that minimizes kitchen cleanup and reduces cooking steps.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allowing quick vegetable additions like peas or spinach for extra nutrition.
• Family-Pleasing Comfort: Creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken create a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Quick Weeknight Solution: Requires minimal ingredients and preparation, making it perfect for busy households seeking a satisfying dinner option.

Gather Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: A protein-rich ingredient that adds hearty flavor and substance to the pasta dish.

• Butter, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a rich and smooth sauce with deep cheese flavor.
• Milk: Provides the liquid base for the cheese sauce and helps create a velvety texture.

• Pasta: The foundation of the dish that absorbs the cheesy sauce and provides a satisfying base.
• Flour: Helps thicken the sauce and create a smooth, consistent texture.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Peas, Spinach: Fresh ingredients that add nutritional value and a pop of color to the pasta.

• Olive Oil: Used to lightly brown the chicken and add a subtle flavor to the dish.

Follow These Steps for Creamy Pasta Perfection

Step 1: Sizzle the Chicken

Brown the cooked chicken in a large skillet with olive oil over medium heat until it gets a nice golden color. Set the chicken aside once it’s lightly crispy.

Step 2: Create a Velvety Roux

Melt butter in the same skillet. Sprinkle in flour and whisk together, cooking for a minute to develop a rich base for your sauce.

Step 3: Transform into Silky Sauce

Slowly pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps from forming. Let the sauce simmer and thicken up, becoming smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Season with Flavor Boosters

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir to distribute the flavors evenly throughout the sauce.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese Magic

• Shredded cheddar
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a luxurious sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Protein

Fold in the cooked pasta and reserved chicken, making sure everything gets coated in the cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Boost with Veggie Power

• Frozen peas
• Fresh spinach

Step 8: Final Warming Touch

Let the entire dish simmer for a couple of minutes, allowing all the flavors to mingle and the sauce to become extra creamy.

Step 9: Serve and Celebrate

Dish out this mouthwatering pasta while it’s hot and enjoy your culinary creation!

Pro Hack for Ultra-Creamy Sauce

• Choose tender, pre-cooked chicken breasts for faster preparation and consistent texture.
• Grate fresh cheeses instead of using pre-shredded varieties for smoother, more flavorful sauce.
• Add frozen peas or spinach during the last cooking minutes to preserve nutrients and maintain vibrant color.
• Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or monterey jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Reduce sauce thickness by adding extra milk if the sauce becomes too dense during cooking.

Flavor Add-On Ideas for Your Pasta

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu, cubed and pan-fried for a plant-based version that maintains protein content.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and replace wheat flour with cornstarch or rice flour to create a roux without gluten.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Add fresh basil, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes to transform the dish with Mediterranean flavors and enhance the cheese sauce.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate intake while keeping the creamy cheese sauce.

Best Sides for Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Comfort Dinner Delight: Serve this creamy pasta alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that brings warmth and satisfaction.
• Potluck Crowd-Pleaser: Transfer the chicken pasta to a large serving dish, sprinkle extra cheese on top, and watch guests dive in with excitement at gatherings.
• Quick Lunch Remix: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats perfectly in the microwave, keeping the cheesy goodness intact.
• Weekend Family Feast: Pair with garlic bread or roasted vegetables to transform this simple recipe into a hearty weekend meal everyone will love.

Keeping Your Pasta Dish Fresh and Creamy

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Store the pasta in shallow containers to help it cool down quickly and evenly before refrigerating.
• Separate the sauce and pasta if possible to prevent soggy texture when reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with the cheese sauce.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This cheesy chicken pasta reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Simply reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free flour for the roux and choose gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, making it easy to adapt for gluten-sensitive diets.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Homemade cheesy chicken pasta recipe brings comfort to dinner tables with creamy, satisfying flavors. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation make this meal a family favorite you’ll want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
• 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Cheese and Dairy:

• 2 cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup peas or spinach (optional, for extra veggies)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)

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Instructions

1. Sear precooked chicken in olive oil over medium heat until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes, then remove from skillet and set aside.
2. Using the same skillet, create a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until slightly fragrant.
3. Pour milk into the roux gradually, whisking continuously to prevent clumping, and simmer for 3-4 minutes until sauce thickens and becomes smooth.
4. Season the creamy sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Incorporate shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce, mixing until completely melted and creating a velvety texture.
6. Gently fold cooked pasta and reserved chicken into the cheese sauce, ensuring each ingredient is thoroughly coated.
7. For additional nutrition, mix in optional green vegetables like peas or spinach during the final mixing stage.
8. Simmer the entire mixture for 2-3 minutes at low heat, allowing flavors to meld and ensuring everything is heated uniformly.
9. Transfer to serving dishes immediately while maintaining optimal creamy consistency and temperature.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is fully cooked and browned for maximum flavor intensity and safe consumption.
• Create a smooth, lump-free sauce by whisking milk gradually and consistently while cooking the roux.
• Customize the dish by adding vegetables like peas or spinach for extra nutrition and color variety.
• Experiment with different cheese blends to adjust the flavor profile and make the recipe more versatile for personal taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 464 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 390 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 37 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg