Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a family favorite that’s quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its rich flavor and creamy texture, this recipe will leave everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken pieces with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is golden. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan until melted and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly.
- Serve: Garnish with paprika and parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve the Cheesy Chicken Pasta hot, paired with a fresh side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- 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 to maintain the creamy consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of cheese for this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Gouda, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
3. Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, feel free to include vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to enhance the dish’s nutritional value and flavor.
4. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Cheesy Chicken Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently, adding a bit of milk to restore the creamy texture.
Cheesy Chicken Pasta
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Loaded with tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and pasta cooked to perfection, it’s a quick and easy meal that everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights or a hearty family dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (preferably whole)
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup baby spinach (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Cook penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced chicken, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until slightly golden. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring no lumps remain. - Add the Cheese:
Lower the heat and stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. - Combine:
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Stir well to coat everything in the cheesy sauce. Toss in baby spinach if desired, and cook until wilted. - Serve:
Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if preferred.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
- You can substitute the chicken with turkey or use a rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Swap penne pasta with any other pasta of your choice, such as fusilli or rigatoni.