If you have a craving for a comforting and flavorful dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then you are in for a treat with this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe. This dish combines tender chicken pieces with perfectly cooked pasta all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy and cheesy sauce that packs a little kick from chili and paprika. It’s the kind of meal that satisfies every craving from cheesy goodness to savory spices, and best of all, it’s simple enough to whip up any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is a guaranteed winner that will quickly become a beloved classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe has a job that contributes to the dish’s incredible texture, flavor, and color. From spices that add warmth and depth to the creamy cheese that gives the sauce its irresistible richness, these simple components come together to create something truly special.
- 250g pasta: Choose your favorite shape—penne or fusilli hold sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons oil: Perfect for cooking garlic and chicken evenly without sticking.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic depth and a subtle kick of flavor.
- 275g chicken, bite-sized pieces: Tender chunks that soak up the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and earthiness.
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder: Provides a subtle spicy undertone.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Intensifies the garlic flavor for extra punch.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky sweetness and gorgeous color.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Brings a mild, savory depth.
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano: Gives a hint of herbaceous brightness.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds tangy richness and thickens the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon chili sauce or sriracha: A dash for a lively, spicy twist.
- 130ml milk: Ensures the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- 110ml double cream: Gives the sauce an ultra-lush texture.
- 100g mozzarella cheese + extra for topping: Melts into a beautifully gooey and stringy delight.
- 100-120ml pasta water: The secret ingredient to perfect sauce consistency.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by cooking the pasta in plenty of salted, oiled water until it’s al dente. This means it still has a slight bite, which is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce later. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s pure magic for the sauce!
Step 2: Cook the Garlic
In a large pan, heat your oil over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Cook it just until it turns golden and fragrant, about a minute. This gentle step releases the garlic’s sweet and savory aroma, which forms the backbone of your sauce’s flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan, cooking them over medium-high heat until they turn white and start to brown slightly—about 3 to 4 minutes. This ensures the chicken stays juicy and tender, making every bite a delight.
Step 4: Season the Chicken
Sprinkle in your salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Stir well so that each juicy piece is generously coated in this fragrant spice blend. This seasoning layer is what makes the dish so vibrant and memorable.
Step 5: Add Tomato Paste and Chili Sauce
Now stir in the tomato paste and chili sauce or sriracha. Cook this mix for about a minute on medium-high heat. The tomato paste adds a tangy richness while the chili sauce lends a wonderful balancing heat, enriching the sauce’s complexity.
Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce
Slowly pour in the milk and double cream while stirring constantly over medium-high heat. Keep stirring until the sauce begins to bubble gently. This step creates that silky richness that wraps everything in comfort and indulgence.
Step 7: Melt in the Cheese
Add the mozzarella cheese and stir until it melts completely. You want a luscious, stretchy, cheesy sauce that envelops every bit of pasta and chicken with gooey goodness—this is the heart of the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 8: Add Pasta Water and Combine
Next, gradually pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring until the sauce thickens to a perfect creamy consistency. Then, toss in the drained pasta and mix well so every piece is coated in that heavenly sauce. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top, cover the pan, and cook on low heat until the cheese melts beautifully on top.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Finish off your dish with fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or basil leaves. These herbs add a lovely bright contrast to the richness of the cheese, enhancing both the flavor and the visual appeal of your meal.
Side Dishes
Pair this cheesy delight with a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or some roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus. These sides bring a refreshing crunch and balance to the creamy main course, making your meal feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn this into a baked pasta dish by transferring it to an ovenproof dish, topping generously with extra mozzarella and baking until golden and bubbly? It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s just as good for family dinners as for entertaining guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store leftover cheesy chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a delicious treat too.
Freezing
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe freezes reasonably well. Portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just keep in mind that freshly made sauce has the best texture.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back that creamy consistency. Avoid microwaving straight from the fridge without stirring to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While mozzarella is ideal for its meltiness, you can experiment with cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for different flavor profiles. Just keep an eye on melting properties to maintain that creamy sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
There’s a gentle kick thanks to the red chili powder and sriracha, but it’s mild enough to adjust. You can reduce or omit the chili ingredients if you prefer a milder version.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes! Chicken thighs bring extra juiciness and richness to the dish. Just make sure to cook them thoroughly before adding the sauce.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Pasta shapes that hold onto sauce like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are fantastic choices. Their ridges and tube shapes catch the creamy sauce beautifully.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
For a vegetarian take, you can swap chicken with mushrooms or a mix of roasted veggies. Just cook them down until tender before adding the sauce, and enjoy a hearty vegetarian Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe twist.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is a perfect blend of comforting creaminess, savory spices, and cheesy delight that’s easy to make and sure to please everyone at the table. I truly hope you’ll try it soon and discover just how quickly this dish can become a favorite go-to meal in your kitchen. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on it, and most importantly, enjoy every cheesy, hearty bite!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A comforting and creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe that combines tender chicken pieces with a rich, flavorful cheese sauce coated over perfectly cooked pasta. This dish is seasoned with a blend of spices, tomato paste, and a touch of sriracha for a mild kick, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s ready in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 250g pasta, uncooked (around 8oz)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- Salt, for pasta water
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 275g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (around 9.6 oz)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon chili sauce or sriracha
- 130ml milk (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon)
- 110ml double cream (1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons)
- 100g mozzarella cheese + extra for topping (1 cup + extra)
- 100–120ml pasta water (around 1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted, oiled boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping some pasta water reserved for later use.
- Cook Garlic: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. Sauté until the garlic turns golden and aromatic, about 1 minute.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan and cook over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes until the chicken turns white and is mostly cooked through.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano over the chicken. Stir well to evenly coat the chicken with the spices.
- Add Tomato Paste and Sriracha: Stir in the tomato paste and chili sauce (or sriracha), cooking for about 1 minute over medium-high heat to blend the flavors.
- Make Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk and double cream while stirring constantly. Continue cooking on medium-high heat until the sauce begins to bubble and thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese: Add the mozzarella cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Pasta Water: Slowly incorporate the reserved pasta water into the sauce while stirring, adjusting the consistency until the sauce is thick and creamy but coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce. Stir well to evenly coat the pasta with the cheesy sauce.
- Final Melt: Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese over the pasta, cover the pan, and let it cook on low heat until the topping cheese melts and becomes gooey.
- Serve: Serve the cheesy chicken pasta warm for a hearty and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water before draining to help loosen and enhance the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of chili sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh mozzarella for a creamier texture or shredded mozzarella for convenience.
- This dish can be refrigerated and reheated; add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce upon reheating.
- For a lighter version, substitute double cream with half-and-half or reduce the amount of cheese.
