The Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl—a magical marriage of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a delightfully creamy cheese sauce that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or craving that feel-good, home-cooked flavor, this recipe hits all the right notes. Imagine twirling your fork through cheesy, golden goodness, dotted with juicy chicken and ribbons of fresh parsley. It’s hearty, satisfying, and comes together quicker than you might think. Trust me, this is one dish that everyone will be asking for seconds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is the name of the game here, but every single ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe brings something special to the table. From vibrant parsley to the ooze of cheddar, each component adds flavor, richness, or a pop of color—so don’t skip a thing!
- Pasta (12 oz): Penne, rotini, or your favorite—these shapes grab the creamy sauce like a dream.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Brings moisture and a subtle depth to the chicken as it cooks.
- Chicken breasts (1 lb, boneless & skinless): Cubed into bite-sized pieces for easy, even cooking and hearty bites in every forkful.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Adds savory background flavor that melds into the sauce beautifully.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): This herbal blend gives the dish complexity and a hint of Mediterranean flair.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): An essential for balancing all the flavors—don’t forget to season as you go!
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): A gentle kick to wake up the other spices.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Makes the sauce rich and helps sauté the garlic to perfection.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Fresh garlic is the flavor backbone and brings irresistible aroma.
- All-purpose flour (2 tablespoons): Thickens the sauce into that luscious, clings-to-your-fork texture.
- Milk (2 cups): Provides a creamy base for the cheese sauce—whole milk is ideal, but any will work in a pinch.
- Chicken broth (1 cup): Adds savory depth and prevents the sauce from getting too heavy.
- Cheddar cheese (1½ cups, shredded): The star of the show—pick sharp cheddar for the boldest cheesy flavor.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, grated): Elevates the sauce with nutty, salty depth and helps it cling to the pasta.
- Chopped parsley (2 tablespoons, optional): A fresh and colorful finish—don’t skip it if you love a pop of green.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package directions until just al dente—you want it tender but still with a little bite. Once cooked, drain and set aside. This step not only sets the stage for amazing texture but ensures your noodles are prepped to soak up all that cheesy sauce later.
Step 2: Sauté and Season the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, sprinkling them with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper as they hit the pan. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, keeping all those flavorful juices in the pan for the next step.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Roux
Lower the skillet heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once it’s melted and starts to sizzle a bit, toss in your minced garlic. Sauté just until fragrant—about a minute—so it doesn’t burn. Sprinkle in the flour and stir constantly, letting it cook for another minute. This forms a light roux, which is the key to a velvety, lump-free sauce in your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce
Slowly whisk in the milk and chicken broth, making sure the mixture stays smooth and lump-free. Keep stirring as the sauce comes to a gentle simmer and thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. The texture should be creamy, not runny. At this point, sprinkle in the cheddar and Parmesan, stirring until everything is gooey, melty, and irresistibly creamy.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Add your cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, stirring thoroughly so every bite is coated in that rich, cheesy sauce. Let it cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes, just enough to heat everything through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Now, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe warm and bubbling at the table!
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, nothing beats a shower of fresh chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. These simple garnishes give your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. If you love a little heat, toss on some red pepper flakes or a pinch of cracked black pepper right before serving.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it truly shines next to simple sides. Try a crisp green salad, some roasted broccoli, or a loaf of crusty garlic bread to mop up extra cheese sauce. Even a light vinaigrette or a tangy cucumber salad can balance out the richness on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests, transfer the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe to a big, beautiful casserole dish and top with extra shredded cheese, then pop it under the broiler for a golden, bubbly finish. For family dinners, serve straight from the skillet for a rustic, cozy feel. Or, portion into individual ramekins for a fun, personal touch at your next dinner party.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of serving. Properly stored, it will keep fresh for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making your next meal even more delicious!
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to two months, although the texture of the pasta might soften slightly. To freeze, allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. Be sure to squeeze out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk or chicken broth and warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator first for best results. The sauce will come back to life with a little extra liquid and some gentle stirring.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While cheddar and Parmesan are classic, you can mix things up with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a bit of cream cheese for extra richness in your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Is this recipe spicy?
No, the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is mild and kid-friendly as written, but you can spice things up by adding red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or your favorite hot sauce.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is a total time-saver. Just shred or dice it and add after making the sauce for all the same comforting flavors with less prep.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Penne and rotini are favorites since their shapes catch plenty of cheese sauce, but honestly, any bite-sized pasta will work wonderfully in this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Can I add vegetables?
Definitely! Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, peas, or even sautéed mushrooms to boost the nutrition and add color in every spoonful.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like cozying up to a homemade bowl of this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe—it’s warm, creamy, and remarkably easy to make. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just need a comforting weeknight dinner, give this recipe a try. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and your family will be licking their plates clean!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe that combines tender chicken bites with a creamy cheddar and Parmesan cheese sauce. This easy stovetop dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and is sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
Chicken:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and season with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté. Stir in flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and chicken broth, stirring constantly until smooth. Simmer until thickened.
- Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy. Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, stirring to coat evenly. Heat through.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- This recipe also works well with rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1¼ cups
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
