Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Creamy, Saucy, and Loaded with Tender Chicken and Melted Cheese

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a comfort-food classic that combines juicy seasoned chicken, a rich cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. The sauce is silky, cheesy, and coats every bite. It’s quick to make, family-friendly, and tastes like a homemade restaurant dish.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cubed
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Pasta & Sauce

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or rigatoni)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar (optional but recommended)
• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Salt to taste

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra grated cheese

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions.
• Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Season and Cook the Chicken

• Season chicken with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
• Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce

• In the same pan, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and cook for 20–30 seconds until fragrant.
• Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
• Season with Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.
• Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar until melted and smooth.
• If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with reserved pasta water.

4. Combine Everything

• Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss to coat.
• Return chicken to the pan and mix gently until everything is creamy and fully combined.

5. Serve

• Plate while hot.
• Sprinkle extra cheese and parsley on top for the best finish.

Pro Tips

• Shred cheese from a block rather than pre-shredded for smoother melting.
• Don’t overcook the pasta, it will continue to soften in the sauce.
• Add pasta water slowly — it helps the sauce stick and adds silkiness.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or Cajun seasoning.
• Extra Smoky: Swap paprika for smoked paprika.
• Broccoli Boost: Stir in steamed broccoli for added texture and color.
• Ultra Cheesy: Add 2 tbsp cream cheese for a richer base.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with:

• Garlic bread
• Simple green salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Black pepper focaccia

Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to refresh the sauce.
• Freezing: Not recommended — creamy sauces may split after thawing.

Quick Info

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American-Italian