The Best Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! With tender chicken, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s the perfect dish to serve when you’re craving something rich, indulgent, and satisfying. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this cheesy pasta will quickly become a family favorite!

Necessary Kitchen Equipment

• Large Skillet or Deep Pan: For cooking the chicken and the sauce.
• Large Pot: To cook the pasta.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and sautéing.

Ingredient Overview

• Chicken: Tender, juicy chicken breasts or thighs, seasoned and cooked to perfection.
• Cheese: A combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates the ultimate cheesy sauce.
• Cream & Butter: Heavy cream and butter give the sauce its rich, creamy texture.
• Garlic & Herbs: A classic blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and parsley for extra flavor.
• Pasta: Your favorite pasta, such as penne or rotini, to soak up all the creamy goodness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta (12 oz) and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken
   Season 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of Italian seasoning. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and let rest for a few minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make the Creamy Cheesy Sauce
   In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Add the Cheese
   Reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Everything
   Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta and chicken in the cheesy sauce. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to let everything combine and heat through.
6. Serve
   Serve the cheesy chicken pasta hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Recipe Tips

• Cheese Options: Feel free to swap in your favorite cheeses! Gouda, provolone, or even cream cheese can work wonderfully.
• Add Veggies: You can toss in some sautéed spinach, peas, or sun-dried tomatoes to give this dish more color and nutrients.
• Chicken: You can also use rotisserie chicken for a quicker, time-saving option.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Serve this rich and cheesy chicken pasta with a side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time and then cook the pasta and assemble when ready to serve.

Q: Can I use another type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to use any pasta you prefer—penne, rotini, or even spaghetti will work great.

Serving Suggestions

Top with a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley, and don’t forget the extra Parmesan for that final cheesy touch!

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite kind)
• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water and drain.
2. Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
3. Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add cream and chicken broth, simmer to thicken. Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until smooth.
4. Combine: Add pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat.
5. Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Summary

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is creamy, comforting, and loaded with cheesy goodness—perfect for a cozy night in.

Notes

Feel free to customize this with your favorite cheeses or vegetables to make it your own!

Cheesy Chicken Pasta

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is creamy, comforting, and loaded with cheesy goodness—perfect for a cozy night in.

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Equipment

• Large Skillet or Deep Pan: For cooking the chicken and the sauce.
• Large Pot: To cook the pasta.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring and sautéing.

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite kind
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

 

• Cook Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water and drain.
• Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook in olive oil until golden brown and cooked through. Slice into bite-sized pieces.
• Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add cream and chicken broth, simmer to thicken. Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until smooth.
• Combine: Add pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss to coat.
• Serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Feel free to customize this with your favorite cheeses or vegetables to make it your own!