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Cheesy Chicken Pasta

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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    Cook penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.

Find it online: https://recipe.newsvks.com/cheesy-chicken-pasta/