CREAMY CHEESY CHICKEN PASTA ULTIMATE

Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a luscious, creamy sauce, studded with tender chicken and overflowing with melted cheese. That’s exactly what you’re about to create with this Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe – a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Get ready to experience pure pasta perfection; you’ve got this!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Let’s Get Cooking: Preparing the Chicken

Alright, let’s start with the star of our Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta: the chicken! We want it to be flavorful and cooked just right. Don’t worry; it’s super simple. We’re building a base of flavor that will shine through in the final dish. And remember, this is Parmesan Chicken Pasta taken to a whole new level!

1. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s fully cooked through and lightly browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces.
3. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. We’ll add it back in later.

Pasta Perfection: Cooking the Noodles

While the chicken’s taking a little break, let’s get our pasta cooking. Al dente is the way to go here – slightly firm to the bite. Nobody likes mushy pasta in their Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe!

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente.
3. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside. Don’t rinse it! We want that starchy water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.

Crafting the Creamy Cheese Sauce: The Heart of the Dish

Now for the magic! The creamy cheese sauce is what truly elevates this dish to Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta heaven. This is where the “creamy” and “cheesy” in our Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Dinner really come to life. This process is similar to making an alfredo, and if you love this you should definitely check out Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Bake.

1. In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
3. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
4. Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
5. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken slightly.
6. Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
7. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and cheesy.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Bringing it All Together: Assembling the Masterpiece

We’re in the home stretch! Now it’s time to combine all our hard work into one glorious dish. This is where the transformation from separate components into a cohesive, comforting meal happens. Think of this as your own personal comfort food recipes creation station!

1. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
2. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
3. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Want to take your Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta to the next level? Here are a few extra tips and tricks I’ve learned over the years. These are little adjustments that can make a big difference. And if you’re looking for another creamy pasta dish, you might enjoy Marry Me Shrimp Pasta!

• Cheese Variety: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! Gruyere, provolone, or even a little bit of pepper jack can add a unique flavor.
• Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
• Veggie Boost: Add some cooked vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms to the pasta for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply cook the pasta and combine everything.
• Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. You might need to add a little milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Variations to Spice Things Up!

Don’t be afraid to experiment! This Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe is a fantastic base for all sorts of variations. Remember, cooking should be fun and tailored to your taste! Also, you may want to try Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles for a similar but different experience.

• Bacon Bliss: Add crispy cooked bacon crumbles to the pasta for a smoky flavor.
• Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Stir in some sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy and chewy element.
• Pesto Power: Swirl in a spoonful of pesto for a burst of fresh, herby flavor.
• Spicy Sausage Surprise: Use Italian sausage instead of chicken for a bolder flavor.

Why This Recipe Works: It’s All About Comfort

There’s a reason why Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta is such a beloved dish. It’s the ultimate comfort food – warm, satisfying, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face. It is also perfect for a Creamy Chicken Pasta Dinner. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melted cheese is simply irresistible. And with this easy recipe, you can enjoy this classic dish any time you want. For another comforting experience, check out Creamy Smothered Chicken And Rice.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

Even with the best recipes, things can sometimes go a little sideways. Here are some common problems you might encounter and how to fix them.

• Sauce is too thick: Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
• Sauce is too thin: Simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken. You can also whisk in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
• Cheese isn’t melting smoothly: Make sure the cheese is at room temperature and stir it in gradually. If it’s still not melting, add a splash of milk or cream to help it along.
• Chicken is dry: Don’t overcook the chicken! Cook it until it’s just cooked through, and make sure to toss it with the sauce immediately after cooking.

Serving Suggestions and Perfect Pairings

Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it’s also delicious with a side dish or two. A simple salad, some garlic bread, or roasted vegetables would be perfect. And for a truly indulgent meal, why not serve it in Chicken Alfredo Garlic Bread Bowls?

So, there you have it – the ultimate Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe! With a little bit of love and attention, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that will impress your friends and family. Enjoy! This cheesy chicken pasta recipe is the perfect way to bring joy to any dinner table.

Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Ultimate

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a luscious, creamy cheese sauce. It’s a satisfying and flavorful dish that’s sure to please.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 750 kcal

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Large skillet
• Large pot
• Colander
• Whisk
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife
• Cutting board

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 lb pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite shape
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is nicely coated.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until it’s fully cooked through and lightly browned. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces.
• Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add the pasta and cook according to package directions for al dente.
• Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside. Don’t rinse it!
• In the same skillet you used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
• Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally, until it starts to thicken slightly.
• Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy and cheesy.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
• If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or chicken broth to thin it out.
• Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyere or provolone. For a spicier dish, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce. You can also add cooked vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding milk or broth if needed.