If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together quickly and satisfies big cravings, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe will be your new best friend. It’s a luscious combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce that hugs every bite. Every forkful bursts with flavor and a melty texture sure to make weeknight dinners feel like a special treat. Plus, it balances ease with heartwarming taste, making it a total winner for busy nights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and come together beautifully to create a rich, flavorful dish. Each element plays a crucial role in building layers of texture, savoriness, and that irresistible cheesy vibe you crave.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): These shapes hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, adding delightful bites in every forkful.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Tender and lean protein that soaks up the seasoning and complements the rich cheese sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: To give the chicken a golden, flavorful sear that brings depth to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an aromatic, savory warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Subtle sweetness that rounds out the seasoning on the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances every flavor component and balances the richness.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick that livens up the chicken and sauce.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Essential for creating that smooth, luscious roux that thickens the cheese sauce.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Works hand-in-hand with butter to build the creamy base for the sauce.
- 2 cups milk: Provides the creamy body of the sauce, melding perfectly with the cheese.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp and flavorful, giving the sauce character and that classic cheesy punch.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For melty, gooey richness that binds the dish together.
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish enhancing the overall complexity.
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, bright touch that balances the richness and adds color.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in salted water following the package instructions until perfectly al dente—the slight firmness will ensure the pasta stands up beautifully to the creamy sauce without getting mushy. Once cooked, drain and set it aside, ready to be wrapped in that luscious cheesy goodness.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and toss in the diced chicken. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to infuse every bite with flavor. Sauté the chicken until it’s cooked through and golden brown, about 6 to 8 minutes. This caramelization adds a delicious depth that makes the dish truly irresistible. Then remove the chicken from the pan and set aside gently.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour to create a roux—a thick paste that will give your sauce body and creaminess. Stir for about a minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth and velvety in about 3 to 4 minutes. The magic here is patience; a slow whisk keeps the sauce perfectly silky.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle in the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir gently until the cheeses melt and blend into a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s utterly comforting. The combination of these cheeses ensures a balance of sharpness, creaminess, and that delightful stretchy melty texture everyone loves.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the pasta as well, folding everything together so the noodles and chicken are generously coated in the rich cheese sauce. This step is where the dish truly comes alive, transforming into a unified symphony of flavors and textures that’s ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley on top adds not only a vibrant pop of green but also a fresh flavor contrast that cuts through the richness, making each bite even more enjoyable. For a touch of extra indulgence, a light dusting of Parmesan cheese on the plate is always a crowd-pleaser.
Side Dishes
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads to balance the creaminess, or simple steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans for a refreshing crunch. Garlic bread or a warm baguette also work wonders to mop up any leftover sauce, adding a satisfying carb component to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or casual dinner, serve this pasta in small individual ramekins or mini casserole dishes. You can even broil it briefly with an extra sprinkle of cheese on top to get a bubbly golden crust that amps up the appeal and adds irresistible texture variations.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, pack any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate. The Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe keeps well for up to 3 days while maintaining its creamy, cheesy charm, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinner the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this dish freezes nicely. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before freezing to preserve texture and flavor at its best.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk added to revive that creamy sauce texture. Stir often and heat just until warmed through to avoid drying out the chicken or pasta. It’s like enjoying the fresh taste all over again.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! You can swap cheddar or mozzarella for your favorites like gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra creaminess. The key is to use cheeses that melt well and suit your taste preference.
Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken breasts?
Yes! Using cooked rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and still gives you all the delicious flavor and texture this recipe delivers.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Shapes like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal because their curves and tubes hold onto the cheese sauce beautifully. However, feel free to use any pasta shape you have on hand.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas make excellent additions for color, nutrition, and texture without overpowering the cheesy comfort of the dish.
How can I make this pasta recipe kid-friendly?
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is naturally kid-approved! Simply reduce the spices slightly if needed and swap cheeses based on your child’s preference. The creamy, cheesy flavor and tender chicken make it a hit with little ones.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is a genuine crowd-pleaser that brings warmth, comfort, and flavor to your table with minimal fuss. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, it’s a surefire way to satisfy those cheesy cravings and fill your home with mouthwatering aromas. Give it a try and let the cozy, cheesy goodness brighten your next meal!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender diced chicken cooked with a blend of garlic and onion powders, combined with perfectly al dente pasta and smothered in a rich cheese sauce made from cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Easy to prepare on the stovetop in just 30 minutes, it makes a perfect family-friendly main course that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Prepare the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to keep warm for later use.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, then season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown on the outside, about 6–8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux, which will help thicken the sauce.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Continue cooking and stirring for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely.
- Add the Cheeses: Lower the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat all the ingredients evenly with the delicious cheesy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas to include a vegetable component for added nutrition and color.
- For convenience, substitute diced chicken breasts with rotisserie or leftover grilled chicken to cut down on prep and cooking time.
