Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that comes together in under 40 minutes, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta is just the thing. Creamy, spicy, and packed with melty mozzarella, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again—perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you crave something irresistibly cheesy and cozy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of straightforward ingredients—each with its own vital role—transform into a pasta bursting with flavor. From everyday seasonings to the stretch of gooey mozzarella, every item has a purpose in creating the iconic taste and creamy texture of this Cheesy Chicken Pasta.

• Pasta (250g/8oz): Choose your favorite type, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni—they all soak up the sauce perfectly.
• Oil (2 tbsps): Helps sauté the garlic and chicken, adding richness and keeping everything succulent.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings the ultimate aromatic base and subtle sweetness to the dish.
• Chicken (275g, bite-sized pieces): Lean protein that turns golden and juicy, soaking up the bold seasonings.
• Salt & Black Pepper (½ tsp each): Balances and enhances the flavors in every bite.
• Red Chili Powder (½ tsp): Adds gentle heat—you can adjust for your perfect level of spice.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp) & Onion Powder (½ tsp): Layer upon layer of savoriness, infusing both the chicken and sauce.
• Paprika (1 tsp): For a gorgeous color and hint of smoky depth.
• Oregano (¼ tsp): Brings herbaceous Italian flair; swap in Italian seasoning if you prefer.
• Tomato Paste (2 tbsps): Essential for that rich, tangy undertone and beautiful color.
• Chili Sauce/Sriracha (1 tsp): Lends a whisper of fire and acidity that wakes up the sauce.
• Milk (130ml / ½ cup + 1 tbsp): The backbone of the sauce’s creamy consistency.
• Double Cream (110ml / ¼ cup + 3 tbsps): This is the magic touch for ultra-rich, decadent mouthfeel.
• Mozzarella Cheese (100g+): The star! Melts beautifully for that signature cheesy pull—add even more on top if you’re feeling bold.
• Pasta Water (100-120ml): Acts as a secret weapon, helping the sauce cling and maintain silkiness.

Variations

The beauty of this Cheesy Chicken Pasta is how it welcomes creativity! Mix things up with what’s in your fridge, swap out seasonings, or tweak to fit your mood or dietary needs—the flavor possibilities really are endless.

• Swap the Protein: Try shrimp or cooked sausage instead of chicken for a new twist, or go completely vegetarian and load up with sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
• Change Up the Cheeses: Use cheddar, gouda, or even a spicy pepper jack for a unique cheesy flavor or extra color.
• Make it Extra Spicy: Add more sriracha or toss in some crushed red pepper flakes if you really love a kick.
• Lighter Version: Replace some of the cream with more milk, or try Greek yogurt (stirred in gently off the heat) for a tangy, lighter sauce.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to cater to everyone at the table.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, toss in your pasta of choice, a pinch of salt, and just a splash of oil. Cook until the noodles are perfectly al dente—just slightly firm with a little bite—since they’ll cook a bit longer in the sauce. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté Fresh Garlic

In a deep pan, heat the oil over medium. Add your minced garlic and gently sauté for about a minute, just until it turns a light golden color and releases that aroma that makes everyone wander into the kitchen. Be careful—it cooks fast!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the bite-sized chicken pieces straight into the pan. Cook them over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until they turn opaque and white all over—about 3 to 4 minutes. You want them juicy, not dried out.

Step 4: Add the Seasonings

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Stir well, letting the chicken soak up every bit of flavor from those aromatic spices. This is where the depth of your Cheesy Chicken Pasta really starts to build!

Step 5: Stir in Tomato Paste & Chili Sauce

Add the tomato paste and chili sauce (or sriracha) directly into the pan, stirring continuously. Let everything cook for about a minute, so the raw tomato flavor mellows and blends beautifully with the spices.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce

Gradually pour in the milk and creamy double cream, stirring as you go. Let the mixture bubble over medium-high heat for about a minute—the base should be smooth, a little thickened, and already smell heavenly.

Step 7: Melt the Cheese

Stir in a good heap of mozzarella cheese. Keep mixing gently until every string and strand has melted into the sauce, transforming it into a pool of creamy, cheesy bliss.

Step 8: Adjust Consistency with Pasta Water

Add the reserved pasta water, bit by bit, until the sauce is just how you like it—silky and thick enough to hug every noodle. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil while stirring; this helps the sauce coat the pasta perfectly once you combine.

Step 9: Combine Pasta and Finish

Tumble your cooked pasta into the sauce, stirring until every piece is gloriously coated. Top with an extra sprinkle of mozzarella, cover, and let everything sit on low until the cheese has turned melty and irresistible.

Step 10: Serve & Savor

Give your Cheesy Chicken Pasta a gentle stir, pile it onto plates, and get ready to dig in! Each forkful is creamy, spicy, and oh-so-satisfying—dinner just became the highlight of your day.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

For a final flourish, sprinkle extra mozzarella or some freshly grated Parmesan over the top while it’s still piping hot—watch it melt into gooey ribbons. A handful of chopped parsley or basil adds a burst of color and freshness that lifts every bite of your Cheesy Chicken Pasta.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs well with a light green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies on the side. The cool crunch of salad or the warmth from crusty bread is the perfect balance to the creamy, spicy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your Cheesy Chicken Pasta into a large oven-proof dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until golden for a spectacular cheesy crust. Or, portion into individual mini-casseroles for cozy dinner parties—your guests will love the personal touch!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any extra Cheesy Chicken Pasta cool completely, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep fresh in the fridge for up to three days—perfect for meal prepping or a next-day treat!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze it! Portion the cooled pasta into individual freezer-safe containers. It’ll stay delicious for up to two months. Just know the sauce may separate a bit after thawing, but a quick stir while reheating brings it back together.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive that creamy texture. Stir well to help the cheese melt smoothly again—watch as everything transforms right back to its dreamy, cheesy self.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a crowd-pleasing, ultra-satisfying dinner to brighten your weeknights, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta has your name on it. Give it a try—you’ll taste the love in every bite, and I promise it’ll earn a spot in your regular rotation. Enjoy!

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