Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta

This creamy cheesy chicken pasta is the kind of comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies your cravings. Imagine perfectly cooked pasta all coated in a rich, cheesy sauce, paired with tender chicken and subtle spices. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, a moment to cherish after a long day. The creamy texture combined with the delicious flavors of cheese and chicken creates an irresistible dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Plus, it comes together quickly, which means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal with family and friends.

Jump to:

• Why This Recipe Works
• Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta
• Ingredients
• Cooking the Pasta
• Boil the Pasta
• Preparing the Chicken
• Season and Cook the Chicken
• Making the Sauce
• Sauté Aromatics
• Create the Sauce Base
• Add Cream and Cheeses
• Combining Ingredients
• Integrate Pasta
• Melt and Serve
• Serving Suggestions
• Tips for Success
• Variations
• Pairing Ideas
• FAQs
• More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:
• 📖 Recipe Card

So, whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting to explore cooking, this recipe is straightforward enough for everyone. Get ready to gather your ingredients and wrap yourself in the delightful aromas of this creamy cheesy chicken pasta. Let’s make something delicious together!

Why This Recipe Works

This creamy cheesy chicken pasta recipe combines the richness of cheeses with perfectly seasoned chicken and pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that come together seamlessly. First, the blend of cheeses elevates any dish, providing a creamy texture that comforts the soul. Additionally, the seasoned chicken infuses the meal with delicious flavor, enhancing every bite. The careful balance of cooking techniques ensures that the pasta maintains a lovely al dente texture while soaking up the sauce. Each ingredient is chosen to complement the others, making it a dish everyone will rave about.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta

What makes this dish truly special is how comforting and satisfying it is, especially on those busy weeknights when you seek something warm and flavorful. This recipe is not fancy; it’s homey and packed with love. Plus, it’s super easy to make, giving you the chance to whip it together quickly while still impressing your family or guests. The universal appeal of creamy cheesy chicken pasta means it will please picky eaters and foodies alike. You’ll find that it makes mealtime enjoyable, and the best part? You’ll have leftovers that taste just as good the next day!

Ingredients

To prepare this delightful dish, gather the following ingredients:
– 10 oz (280 g) Pasta (Penne or similar)
– 1 lb (450 g) Chicken breast (2 breast cut in half)
– 2 tbsp Olive oil
– 2 tbsp Butter
– ½ tsp Kosher salt
– ½ tsp Black pepper
– 1 tsp Dried oregano
– 1 tsp Sweet paprika
– ¼ tsp Garlic powder
– ½ cup (60 g) Flour
– 1 clove Garlic, sliced
– ½ cup Red onions, chopped
– 1 tsp Dried oregano
– 1 tsp Mustard paste
– 2 tbsp Tomato paste
– 1 tsp Crushed bouillon cube or ¼ cup chicken broth
– ½ cup (120 ml) Water
– ½ cup (120 ml) Heavy cream (15 to 25%)
– 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
– ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
– 1 cup (110 g) Cheddar cheese, shredded
– 1 cup (110 g) Mozzarella cheese, shredded

Cooking the Pasta

Boil the Pasta

First things first, let’s cook the pasta. Boil a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add in your pasta of choice. You want to cook it until it’s nearly al dente. This usually takes about 11 minutes for penne, but check the package instructions. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.

Preparing the Chicken

Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, let’s prep the chicken. In a small bowl, merge the dried oregano, sweet paprika, and garlic powder. On another plate, blend the flour with kosher salt and black pepper. Take each chicken breast, cutting it horizontally into two pieces. Rub the spice blend onto the chicken, then coat it in the flour mixture.

Now heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken, cooking it for about 3 minutes on each side until fully cooked, around 6 to 8 minutes total. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm.

Making the Sauce

Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, it’s time to build flavor. Add the remaining olive oil and butter, allowing them to melt together. Toss in the sliced garlic and chopped red onions, sautéing until they become translucent. This should take about 2-3 minutes.

Create the Sauce Base

Now it’s time to create the sauce base. Stir in the dried oregano, mustard paste, and tomato paste until well blended in with the aromatics. Following this, pour in the crushed bouillon cube mixed with water, adjusting the heat to medium-low. This ensures that the liquid doesn’t evaporate too quickly.

Add Cream and Cheeses

Next up, stir in the heavy cream, allowing a smooth mixture to come together. Here’s where it gets really cheesy! Add half of each cheese: Parmesan, Cheddar, and Mozzarella. Mix until the cheeses are melted and incorporated. You might want to taste at this point and add a bit of salt and pepper as needed, considering the salty flavor from the bouillon.

Combining Ingredients

Integrate Pasta

Let’s bring everything together! Toss the drained pasta into the sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Now, return the cooked chicken on top of the pasta. Sprinkle the remaining cheeses for that extra cheesy goodness.

Melt and Serve

Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Allow it to cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, giving the cheeses time to melt and warm everything through. Just before serving, add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a lovely touch.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your creamy cheesy chicken pasta hot, pairing it with a side of fresh green salad and some garlic bread. This makes for a complete and comforting meal that everyone will love.

Tips for Success

• If you want a creamier sauce, feel free to add more heavy cream or a ladle of pasta water.
• For even more flavor, consider marinating the chicken beforehand with the spices for an hour or overnight.

Variations

Switch things up by substituting chicken with shrimp or mixed vegetables for a twist on the classic. You can also play with different cheese combinations such as Gruyère or Monterey Jack to discover your perfect blend.

Pairing Ideas

To complement this hearty dish, pair it with a light Chardonnay or a refreshing iced tea. This will provide a nice balance to the rich flavors of the pasta.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta not only tastes great but also adds extra fiber.

2. How can I make this dish spicier?
If you’re looking for a kick, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce into the sauce as it cooks.

3. Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, you can easily assemble this dish ahead of time and refrigerate it. Just bake to warm it before serving.

4. How do I store leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

5. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it is! You can freeze this creamy cheesy chicken pasta, but keep in mind that the texture may change slightly once thawed.

Indulging in this creamy cheesy chicken pasta is sure to become a beloved tradition in your home. The blend of creamy textures and savory cheese creates a dish that’s not only satisfying but also makes for wonderful family memories gathered around the table. Enjoy every moment and every bite of this delightful recipe!

More Easy Main Dishes Recipes:

• Tikka Masala with Spiced Meatballs
• Pan Fried Sesame Tofu with Broccoli
• Chicken Caesar Salad Dip
• Spring Pork Tenderloin

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