Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re a fan of creamy, melty comfort food with a little kick, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta is about to make your whole week! Juicy chicken, tender pasta, and the dreamiest, cheese-laden sauce all come together in a dish that tastes just as good as your favorite restaurant, but is shockingly simple to make at home. Trust me – this is the kind of meal that gets scraped clean out of the pot every single time!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how just a handful of familiar ingredients become something magical in this dish. Every element has a job to do – from the hearty pasta to the creamy sauce and the seasoning blend that wakes up your taste buds in the best way!

• Pasta (250g/8oz): Short shapes like penne or fusilli work best, catching all the cheesy sauce in their curves and ridges – al dente texture is key here!
• Oil (2 tbsps): Helps sauté the garlic and chicken, lending a silky mouthfeel.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The aromatic backbone; freshly minced makes all the difference!
• Chicken (275g/9.6oz, cut bite-sized): Boneless, skinless breast or thighs – use what you love, just keep the pieces small for quick, even cooking.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Balance and season the whole dish; start light—you can always add more at the end.
• Red Chilli Powder, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Paprika, Oregano: This mix makes the chicken zesty and full-flavored; don’t skip the paprika for color and smokiness!
• Tomato Paste (2 tbsps): Adds richness and a gorgeous red hue to the sauce.
• Sriracha (1 tsp): A touch of heat and tang; adjust to your spice preference.
• Milk & Double Cream (130ml milk + 110ml cream): This combo is what makes the sauce so luxuriously smooth and decadent.
• Mozzarella Cheese (100g+): Stringy, melty, and oh-so cheesy—sprinkle some extra on top for the best finish!
• Pasta Water (100-120ml): Don’t toss this liquid gold! It helps the sauce cling to every piece of pasta and gives the perfect creamy texture.

Variations

Don’t hesitate to make this Cheesy Chicken Pasta truly yours! Swap out what you have, adjust the level of heat, and play with flavors so it fits your cravings and your kitchen.

• Use a Different Cheese: Try cheddar, gouda, or even pepper jack along with (or instead of) mozzarella for different flavor twists.
• Add Veggies: Throw in a handful of baby spinach, frozen peas, or sautéed bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.
• Skip the Chicken: Make it vegetarian by swapping in tofu, mushrooms, or even roasted chickpeas.
• Swap the Spice: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce or omit the sriracha and red chilli powder, or add Italian seasoning for a mild, herby flavor.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Your Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a boil, drizzle in a splash of oil, and add your pasta. Cook until just al dente—you want it slightly firm, so it holds up and doesn’t go mushy when it hits the cheesy sauce later. Don’t forget to save a cup of that salty, starchy pasta water before you drain!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a deep skillet or large pan, heat up the oil over medium, then stir in the minced garlic. Give it just about a minute—enough time for the kitchen to start smelling irresistible, and for the garlic to turn a delicate golden shade. Don’t let it burn!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan (don’t overcrowd them) and let them cook on medium-high heat, stirring often, until they turn white and lose their rawness—this usually takes 3–4 minutes. The sear adds essential flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.

Step 4: Add All Those Gorgeous Spices

Sprinkle on the salt, black pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Stir it all together; this is when your chicken soaks up layers of flavor and takes on that mouthwatering blush from the paprika and spices!

Step 5: Stir in Tomato Paste & Sriracha

Now, squeeze in the sriracha and tomato paste. Keep the pan on medium-high, and stir for about a minute—you’re building that tangy, savory backbone that makes Cheesy Chicken Pasta so unforgettable.

Step 6: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the milk and double cream gradually, stirring as you go. Let everything bubble gently—the sauce will thicken, and you’ll instantly see it becoming richer and more luxurious by the minute.

Step 7: Get Cheesy!

Add most of the mozzarella (save some for the top!) and gently fold it in. It should melt beautifully, making your sauce thick, gooey, and oh-so luscious. This is where the magic happens!

Step 8: Loosen Up With Pasta Water

Little by little, pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring to loosen the sauce. Bring everything up to a boil briefly—just until the sauce is glossy and coats the back of a spoon. Stop and taste: season as needed until you’re grinning with satisfaction!

Step 9: Add Pasta & The Grand Finale

Tip your cooked pasta into the sauce and toss gently so every single piece is coated. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top, pop a lid on, and let it sit over low heat for a couple of minutes. The cheese will melt into a glorious blanket—making this Cheesy Chicken Pasta impossible to resist.

Step 10: Serve & Devour!

Give everything one last gentle stir, scoop into bowls, and enjoy immediately. Don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

This pasta is a showstopper on its own, but a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil adds a hit of color and freshness. For even more decadence, add a dusting of extra mozzarella or a little grated parmesan right before serving for a gooey, golden finish!

Side Dishes

Cheesy Chicken Pasta pairs brilliantly with a simple green salad tossed in tangy vinaigrette, or garlicky sautéed veggies. Warm, crusty bread (or a seeded baguette) is also heavenly for swiping up every last bit of creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner, serve directly from a cast-iron skillet at the table—everyone can help themselves. For parties, try baking it in a casserole dish topped with more cheese for a bubbly, golden crust. Or, fill individual ramekins for single-serve portions that look straight out of a bistro chef’s kitchen!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (I only wish you the best of luck on that!), let the Cheesy Chicken Pasta cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight!

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta, though the creamy sauce might get a little less silky after thawing. Freeze portions in tightly sealed containers for up to a month, and try to avoid overcooking the pasta if you plan ahead for freezing.

Reheating

Gently reheat Cheesy Chicken Pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if needed to revive the creamy texture. For microwaving, cover and heat in short bursts, stirring in between so the cheese melts evenly and doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a bowl of pure comfort (and the kind of cheesy, satisfying dinner that feels like a hug), this Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a must-try. Quick, easy, and endlessly customizable, it’s sure to become a new weeknight favorite for you and your family. Give it a try – you’re in for a delicious treat!

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