Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. This one-pot dish is easy to make, full of flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknights.
- One-Pot Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one pan.
- Customizable: Add veggies, spices, or different cheeses to suit your taste.
- Creamy and Cheesy: A rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite.
- Family-Friendly: A dish everyone at the table will love.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- Pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite short pasta)
- Chicken broth
- Heavy cream or milk
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic, minced
- Onion, finely chopped
- Olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes, spinach, or diced tomatoes
Directions
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Season diced chicken with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Sauté the onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for another minute.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Add the uncooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Make it Cheesy:
- Reduce heat to low. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add Chicken:
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir to combine and heat through.
- Serve:
- Garnish with parsley, extra Parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Veggie Boost: Add spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers for a nutritious twist.
- Spicy Kick: Include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Italian Flair: Use mozzarella and add Italian seasoning for a more traditional flavor.
- Mexican Twist: Swap cheddar for pepper jack and add diced green chilies or taco seasoning.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Freezing: Freeze the pasta (without the cheese) in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat, then stir in the cheese before serving.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken works perfectly. Add it during the last step to heat through.
What type of pasta works best?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle is ideal for holding the sauce.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from clumping?
Use freshly grated cheese and stir it into the sauce off the heat to ensure smooth melting.
Can I make this dish lighter?
Use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese if desired.
What’s the best way to season the chicken?
A simple seasoning of salt and pepper works, but you can also use paprika, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes, skip the chicken and add more vegetables or plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas.
How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
Simmer the pasta uncovered for a few minutes to let the sauce reduce and thicken.
Can I add other cheeses?
Absolutely! Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère are great options for different flavors.
How do I keep the pasta from overcooking?
Check the pasta frequently during cooking and remove from heat as soon as it’s al dente.
What sides pair well with this dish?
Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Conclusion
Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s a meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Customize it to your liking, and enjoy a delicious, homemade dinner in no time!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that’s sure to be a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk (or half-and-half for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup (120 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for flavor)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water (optional)
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the diced chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the cheese sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, and Dijon mustard (if using). Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 4: Combine the pasta and chicken
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
- If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
- Serve the cheesy chicken pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Make-ahead option: Prepare the pasta and chicken ahead of time and store separately. Reheat with the sauce when ready to serve.
- Customizations: Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or peas for a balanced meal.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.