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