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
Scale
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.
