Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Perfect for Cozy Dinners

Weeknight dinners sometimes demand a magical cheesy chicken pasta solution that rescues hunger and boredom simultaneously.

Comfort arrives in a creamy, satisfying package bursting with flavor and simplicity.

Home cooks love how quickly this dish comes together without complicated techniques.

Rich cheese melts into tender pasta, creating a luxurious sauce that wraps around juicy chicken pieces.

Nothing beats a one-pan meal that delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Families will devour every single bite of this irresistible classic.

Let’s make dinner deliciously uncomplicated tonight.

Must-Haves for Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: Classic base for a comforting meal, choose penne or rotini for best sauce coating.

• Chicken, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Flavorful protein component with balanced seasoning, select boneless chicken breast for lean meat.

• Butter, Flour: Essential for creating a smooth roux base, use unsalted butter for better control of saltiness.
• Milk, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Dijon Mustard: Creamy sauce components, select sharp cheddar for robust flavor and freshly grated Parmesan for best melting quality.

• Parsley, Olive Oil: Fresh herb and cooking fat for enhanced flavor and cooking, choose fresh parsley for bright color and taste.

How to Put Together Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil. Drop in the pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender. Scoop out a small cup of pasta water before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss the seasoned chicken into the hot skillet. Cook and stir until the chicken turns golden brown and is completely cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 3: Craft the Cheese Sauce

• Cheddar
• Parmesan

Stir in Dijon mustard for an extra flavor kick. Mix until the cheese melts into a silky, creamy sauce.

Step 4: Merge Pasta and Protein

Reunite the cooked pasta and chicken with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together until each piece is beautifully coated. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the perfect consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Feast

Plate up the cheesy chicken pasta while it’s piping hot. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Clever Tips for Cheesy Chicken Pasta Success

• Customize Pasta Texture: Add reserved pasta water gradually to control sauce thickness, creating a perfectly creamy and smooth consistency without becoming too runny or dry.
• Boost Flavor Intensity: Experiment with different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar, gruyère, or smoked gouda to elevate the dish's taste profile and add depth to the cheese sauce.
• Prevent Chicken Dryness: Season chicken thoroughly and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even browning and maintain juicy, tender meat throughout the dish.
• Enhance Nutritional Value: Incorporate extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli during the cooking process to increase nutrient content and add vibrant colors to the pasta.
• Master Roux Technique: Whisk flour and butter continuously for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste and create a smooth base for the cheese sauce, ensuring a professional-quality result.

Reheating and Saving Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking. Stir gently until heated evenly.
• Mix a small amount of milk or chicken broth while reheating to maintain the creamy sauce's consistency and prevent the pasta from becoming too dry.

Meals That Work with Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Choose a crisp, medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the creamy cheese sauce without overpowering the chicken's delicate flavor.
• Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the cheesy pasta, adding a fresh and tangy contrast to the dish.
• Serve warm, garlic-rubbed sourdough or French bread to soak up the extra cheese sauce and provide a delightful textural crunch alongside the creamy pasta.
• Opt for a crisp, cold craft beer like a wheat ale or light lager that helps balance the heaviness of the cheese and provides a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.

Mix-Up Ideas for Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and use cornstarch instead of flour for the roux to create a celiac-friendly meal.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the creamy cheese sauce.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use nutritional yeast instead of cheese, coconut milk in place of regular milk, and dairy-free butter substitute to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Add red pepper flakes, sun-dried tomatoes, and swap Parmesan with feta cheese for a zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta: What Everyone’s Raving About

• Combines rich, creamy cheddar and Parmesan in a velvety sauce that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping chicken for other proteins or adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli to boost nutrition and variety.
• Uses only one skillet for the entire cooking process, reducing kitchen mess and making post-dinner cleanup a breeze.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor creamy cheesy chicken pasta, a comforting Mediterranean-inspired dish blending tender chicken, rich cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Delightful flavors and easy preparation make this meal a perfect weeknight dinner for hungry families seeking delicious home-cooked comfort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, diced

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 1 cup (120 g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ 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)
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional, for flavor)
• ¼ cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water (optional)
• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Initiate the culinary process by preparing a generously salted water bath in a capacious pot, bringing it to a rolling boil.
2. Submerge pasta into the bubbling liquid, allowing it to dance and cook until achieving the perfect al dente texture according to package guidelines.
3. Extract a modest portion of starchy liquid before thoroughly draining the pasta, setting it aside for potential sauce manipulation.
4. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium thermal intensity.
5. Lavishly season diced chicken with an aromatic blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.
6. Introduce seasoned chicken to the heated skillet, orchestrating a sizzling performance that transforms the meat to a golden-brown perfection and ensures complete internal cooking.
7. Carefully transfer the succulent chicken from the skillet, momentarily setting it aside.
8. Within the same skillet, melt butter and introduce flour, whisking with dedication to create a velvety roux that serves as the foundation for the decadent sauce.
9. Gradually cascade milk into the roux, maintaining constant whisking to prevent any rebellious lumps from forming.
10. Allow the mixture to simmer and thicken, developing a luxurious consistency that hints at the richness to come.
11. Incorporate shredded cheddar, Parmesan, and a touch of Dijon mustard, stirring until a smooth, glossy cheese sauce emerges.
12. Reunite the cooked pasta and chicken with the molten cheese sauce, gently tossing to ensure every morsel is generously coated.
13. Should the sauce require adjustment, introduce reserved pasta water incrementally, creating the ideal creamy consistency.
14. Plate the dish with a flourish, optionally garnishing with delicate chopped parsley to elevate the visual and flavor profile.
15. Serve immediately, allowing the steam and aroma to entice eager diners.

Notes

• Boil pasta just until al dente to prevent overcooking and maintain a perfect texture that absorbs the creamy cheese sauce beautifully.
• Use high-quality shredded cheese for a smoother, more luxurious sauce that melts seamlessly and provides richer flavor.
• Season chicken generously and let it develop a golden-brown crust for maximum flavor depth and tender, juicy meat.
• Whisk roux continuously to prevent burning and ensure a silky-smooth cheese sauce without any lumpy patches.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 105 mg