Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
If there’s a pasta dish that’s guaranteed to steal the show at your family table, it’s Cheesy Chicken Pasta. This is pure comfort food: tender chicken, a perfectly creamy sauce, and pasta that hugs all of that luscious cheesiness. It’s so satisfying—rich, savory, and with just the right hint of spice. Whether you’re looking for a speedy weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your friends, Cheesy Chicken Pasta delivers all the creamy, dreamy flavors you crave, all in one easy recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheesy Chicken Pasta lies in a small list of ingredients that play off each other perfectly. Each one adds something special, from velvety sauce to mouthwatering flavor bursts. Here’s what you’ll want to gather before you start cooking:
- Penne pasta: Its ridges hold onto sauce beautifully, which means every bite is loaded with flavor.
- Olive oil: Adds a pleasant, fruity note and helps brown the chicken just right.
- Butter: Brings a touch of richness to the base of your sauce and intensifies the flavor.
- Chicken breast: Lean and tender, it’s the perfect protein for soaking up all the cheesy goodness.
- Garlic: Finely chopped, it infuses the entire dish with irresistible aroma and warmth.
- Chicken stock: Gives the sauce delicate savory undertones and keeps everything juicy.
- All purpose flour: A touch of flour thickens the sauce without weighing it down.
- Half and half (single cream): Makes everything velvety without being overly heavy.
- Italian seasoning: This dried herb blend provides depth and a fragrant, Mediterranean flair.
- Red chili flakes: Just enough heat to make the cheesy sauce pop—don’t skip it!
- Ground black pepper: For that finishing touch of gentle warmth in every forkful.
- Low-fat cheddar cheese (shredded): Melts smoothly and packs bold cheese flavor.
- Parmesan cheese (grated): The umami kick and salty sharpness every cheesy pasta needs.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for making all those flavors truly shine.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Salt it generously—it should taste almost like the sea to ensure your pasta is flavorful from the inside out. Cook your penne pasta according to the package directions, just until al dente. Before draining, don’t forget to scoop out 1-2 cups of that starchy pasta water; it’s liquid gold for your sauce, helping it cling perfectly to the penne.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a wide, deep pan over medium-high heat, then add your pat of butter and let it melt together. Toss in the chicken pieces, spreading them out for even browning. Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop golden edges, then stir and cook until they’re completely cooked through—about 6 to 7 minutes in total. Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and set it aside for now.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same pan (leave all those delicious browned bits!), add the finely chopped garlic. Lower the heat to medium so it won’t burn. Stir for about a minute—just until your kitchen smells like a trattoria and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Sauce Base
Pour in the chicken stock, scraping up the flavorful bits stuck to the pan. Let it come to a low boil, then sprinkle in the flour. Whisk everything together briskly—you’ll see the stock start to thicken into a glossy, creamy base within a minute.
Step 5: Add the Cream and Seasonings
Gently add the half and half, whisking constantly so your sauce stays beautifully smooth with no lumps. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to let it thicken just a touch more and get extra silky. Drop in the Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and black pepper, stirring so the whole sauce is speckled with herbs and a hint of red from the chili.
Step 6: Melt in the Cheddar Cheese
Now for the best part: sprinkle in the shredded cheddar cheese! Whisk it into the hot sauce, watching it melt into a creamy, gooey mixture that’s absolutely irresistible. At this point, your kitchen will smell like pure cheese heaven.
Step 7: Toss the Pasta
Add your drained penne pasta straight into the sauce. Use tongs or a big spoon to mix it all up, making sure the sauce coats every nook and cranny. If it seems too thick, slowly pour in some reserved pasta water, a few tablespoons at a time, until it’s glossy and clings lightly to the pasta.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Return your golden chicken pieces to the pan, then sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together, letting the cheeses melt completely and the chicken become blanketed in creamy sauce. Taste for seasoning—add a hit of salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately for the ultimate Cheesy Chicken Pasta experience.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Garnishes
Give your Cheesy Chicken Pasta the chef treatment with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for color, and maybe an extra dusting of Parmesan for a dramatic flourish. If you like a little zing, a pinch more chili flakes won’t hurt either!
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette for a refreshing balance, or serve with garlicky steamed broccoli. A basket of warm, crusty bread is perfect for mopping up every last bit of cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, try baking the Cheesy Chicken Pasta in a casserole dish topped with even more cheese and broiling until bubbly and golden. For portion control (and fun!), serve it in individual ramekins, or swirl the pasta into deep bowls for a rustic, cozy feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Chicken Pasta stores easily in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making leftovers especially crave-worthy for lunch or a next-day dinner.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze for later, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers. While the texture of the sauce may change slightly upon thawing, a quick stir while reheating will bring back its creaminess. Enjoy within 1-2 months for best results.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Cheesy Chicken Pasta is gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of milk or cream and stir well as it warms to revive the velvety sauce. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, to avoid drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for Cheesy Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! While penne holds the sauce nicely, rotini, fusilli, or even rigatoni will work. Choose your favorite shape—just keep an eye on cooking times for pasta perfection.
How do I make this dish spicier?
Easy! Simply increase the amount of red chili flakes, or stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bigger kick. Adjust to your taste for extra heat in your Cheesy Chicken Pasta.
Can I make Cheesy Chicken Pasta gluten-free?
You sure can. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and swap in a gluten-free flour blend for thickening the sauce. Double-check that your chicken stock is gluten-free as well.
What cheeses work best if I want to substitute cheddar?
Feel free to get creative! Monterey Jack, gouda, or even a melty mozzarella will bring a different flavor profile to your Cheesy Chicken Pasta while keeping that irresistible gooey texture.
Is it possible to use cooked rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Shred your leftover rotisserie chicken and add it during the final toss with the pasta and sauce. It’s a wonderful time-saver without sacrificing flavor.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Cheesy Chicken Pasta enough for anyone who craves comfort, speed, and big flavors in one meal. It’s an irresistible crowd-pleaser that’ll quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. Grab your ingredients, invite someone you love, and get ready to dive into the creamiest, cheesiest pasta of your dreams!
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Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy and indulgent dish that combines tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce with flavorful seasonings. It’s a comforting meal that’s easy to make and perfect for a cozy dinner at home.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 10 ounces penne pasta
Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound chicken breast (cut into bite-size pieces)
Sauce:
- 4 garlic cloves (finely chopped)
- 1 cup chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups half and half (single cream)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup low-fat cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Extra salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil water, cook pasta al dente, and reserve pasta water.
- Cook the Chicken: Sauté chicken until golden; set aside.
- Make the Sauce: Sauté garlic, add chicken stock, whisk in flour and half and half until creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Add seasonings and cheeses, stir until creamy.
- Combine: Toss cooked pasta in sauce, add chicken, Parmesan, adjust seasoning, and serve.
Notes
- You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of red chili flakes.
- For a richer sauce, you can use heavy cream instead of half and half.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Pasta, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Creamy Pasta Dish
