Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. Tender chicken pieces are enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and indulgent. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners when you need something quick yet delicious.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

chicken breastspastasalt and pepperolive oilgarlic clovesonionheavy creamcream cheeseparmesan cheeseshredded mozzarella cheesepaprikaItalian seasoningchicken brothfresh parsley (optional for garnish)

directions

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and cook the seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed, then sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent.

Stir in the cream cheese and heavy cream, whisking until the mixture is smooth.

Gradually add chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

Stir in the shredded mozzarella and parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and fully incorporated into a creamy sauce.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.

Combine the cooked pasta, chicken, and cheese sauce in the skillet. Toss until everything is well coated.

Simmer for a couple more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 25 minutesTotal time: 35 minutes

Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut and added flavor.

Swap in penne, rotini, or any pasta shape of your choice.

Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra depth.

Use a spicy cheese like pepper jack for a kick.

Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten the dish.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.This pasta does not freeze well due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but for best results, store the components separately and combine when ready to eat.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

You can, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and gives a better texture.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the sauce well, but any type will work.

How do I prevent the cheese sauce from clumping?

Use room-temperature ingredients and stir constantly when melting the cheese into the sauce.

Can I make it spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or use spicy cheese to heat things up.

What if I don’t have cream cheese?

You can omit it and add more parmesan and cream, though the sauce will be less rich.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients, including broth and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Add a little cornstarch slurry to thicken if desired.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Broccoli, peas, bell peppers, or spinach make great additions.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes, its creamy and cheesy flavor is generally a hit with kids.

Conclusion

Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a crave-worthy meal that delivers comfort and flavor in every bite. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, it’s a dish you’ll come back to time and time again. Whether for family dinners or casual entertaining, this pasta is sure to satisfy and impress.

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