If you are craving something utterly comforting yet surprisingly simple, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to become an instant favorite in your kitchen. Imagine tender, juicy chicken pieces nestled in a creamy, cheesy sauce with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all brought together with a blend of Italian flavors and a touch of fresh spinach for a pop of color and nutrition. This dish wraps incredible warmth and richness into every bite, making it perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal to share with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is both straightforward and rewarding. Each item plays a crucial role, from the hearty chicken bringing protein and texture, to the cheeses that create the irresistibly creamy sauce, and the fresh parsley that adds brightness to the final dish.
- Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing chicken, adding a fruity richness to the dish.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender and lean protein, cut into bite-sized pieces for easy eating.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the flavors.
- Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse the sauce with a warm, aromatic punch.
- Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that brings classic Mediterranean flavor.
- Penne pasta: Its ridges perfectly hold the cheesy sauce, making every bite satisfying.
- Chicken broth: Adds depth and richness to the pasta as it cooks.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy texture that defines the sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to make the dish irresistibly cheesy.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that enhances the creaminess.
- Fresh spinach leaves (optional): Adds a vibrant green color and a subtle earthiness to the dish.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Garnishes the finished dish, providing freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning them generously with salt and pepper. Cooking them until nicely browned and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes—gives the dish a delicious protein base that’s both juicy and flavorful. Once ready, set the chicken aside so you can work on the rest.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, add your minced garlic and sauté for about a minute. Keep an eye on it—this step is all about coaxing out garlic’s fragrant oils without burning. This little addition will create a savory backdrop that makes the whole dish inviting and rich.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta with Seasoning
Now, stir in the Italian seasoning and add the uncooked penne pasta right into the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything up to a boil. Then reduce your heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Cooking the pasta this way—absorbing broth and seasoning—adds incredible flavor and results in tender noodles that soak up the sauce later. Stir occasionally and cook about 10 to 12 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Cream
Once the pasta is tender, pour in the heavy cream and gently bring it back to a simmer. This is where your sauce starts to become luxuriously creamy, coating the pasta in silky goodness. It’s an essential step to get that luscious texture that makes this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe stand out.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Cheeses
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mixing this all together over gentle heat allows the cheeses to melt perfectly, creating a smooth, cheesy sauce that embraces every piece of pasta and chicken with comfort and flavor.
Step 6: Add Fresh Spinach (Optional)
If you’re feeling like a little green goodness, toss in fresh spinach leaves now. Just cook for an additional minute until the spinach wilts slightly, adding a fresh pop of color and a mild, earthy note that complements the cheesy richness.
Step 7: Let it Rest and Garnish
After removing the skillet from heat, give your pasta a few minutes to rest and thicken. This moment lets the sauce perfect its creamy consistency. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley over the top for a vibrant, herbaceous touch that brightens every forkful.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or even some extra grated Parmesan cheese right before serving to add a fresh, flavorful lift and beautiful presentation. A light sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a fun, subtle kick if you like a little spice.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also perfect for soaking up any leftover cheesy sauce—you won’t want to waste a drop!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe in large, hollowed-out tomatoes or bell peppers. Alternatively, plating it with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of truffle oil can elevate the dish to a dinner party-worthy meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Chicken Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Since the cheese can thicken the sauce, adding a splash of milk or broth when reheating will help restore its creamy texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta, but since it contains cream and cheese, the sauce’s texture may slightly change upon thawing. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and consume it within two months for best flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low heat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little liquid like chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce and keep everything silky and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding sauce, other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle work beautifully as well to capture the creamy sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
Yes, you can swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or use a lower-fat cheese variety. You can also increase the spinach and add other veggies to boost nutrition and volume without adding many calories.
Can I prepare this recipe without fresh spinach?
Definitely. The spinach is optional and adds color and nutrition, but the dish is just as delicious without it. You could also substitute frozen spinach if that’s what you have on hand.
How can I make the chicken more flavorful?
Marinate the chicken briefly in olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning before cooking, or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky undertone that enhances the overall flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe reheats well, making it a fantastic option for meal prepping lunches or dinners ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably comforting and satisfying about this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe that invites you to slow down and savor every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers creamy, cheesy goodness with a hearty punch of protein and flavor. I highly encourage you to try it soon—once you do, it might just become your go-to weeknight favorite that you want to make again and again.
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Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful one-pan meal perfect for a comforting dinner. Tender chicken pieces are cooked to golden perfection, simmered with penne pasta in a savory chicken broth and garlic sauce, then combined with rich mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for a luscious finish. Optional fresh spinach adds a vibrant touch and extra nutrition. Ready in under 45 minutes, this dish balances hearty proteins and cheesy goodness for a satisfying weeknight treat.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and thoroughly cooked. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for approximately 1 minute until fragrant, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
- Add Seasoning and Pasta: Stir in the Italian seasoning followed by the uncooked penne pasta. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Pasta: Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until tender.
- Add Cream: Once the pasta is tender, stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to combine flavors.
- Incorporate Cheese and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, and stir well until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy and homogeneous.
- Add Spinach: If using, add the fresh spinach leaves, cooking for an additional minute until the spinach wilts.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the pasta sit for a few minutes to thicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but sauce will be less creamy.
- Use gluten-free pasta if a gluten-free diet is required.
- Spinach is optional but adds color and nutrition; kale or arugula can be used as alternatives.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
- Chicken thighs can be substituted for chicken breasts if preferred for more flavor and juiciness.
