Indulge in a bowl of pure comfort with this cheesy chicken pasta! Tender chicken pieces and perfectly cooked pasta shells are tossed in a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce, finished with melty mozzarella cheese. It’s the ultimate cozy weeknight dinner or a relaxed, lazy lunch. Serve it hot and garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Pasta
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, this pasta uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave comfort food without the fuss.
- Customizable: Switch up the pasta shape, swap chicken for veggies, or try a blend of cheeses. Vegetarian-friendly options are just as delicious!
- Leftovers Friendly: Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy.
- Balanced Comfort: The tangy tomato base cuts through the richness of the cheese, making this indulgent dish feel lighter. Pair with a side salad or extra veggies for a balanced meal.
Ingredients
Pasta & Chicken:
- 250g (8oz) pasta shells
- 2 tbsp oil (neutral or olive oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 275g (9.6oz) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Seasonings:
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp oregano
Sauce:
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
- 130ml (½ cup + 1 tbsp) milk
- 110ml (¼ cup + 3 tbsp) heavy cream
- 100g (1 cup) mozzarella cheese + extra for topping
- 100–120ml (½ cup) reserved pasta water
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt and a little oil. Cook pasta shells until al dente — firm but tender. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain the rest. Set aside.
2. Sauté Garlic
In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant and lightly golden, about 1 minute.
3. Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3–4 minutes until the meat turns opaque.
4. Season the Chicken
Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
5. Add Tomato Paste & Sriracha
Mix in tomato paste and sriracha (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant and slightly caramelized.
6. Make the Sauce
Gradually add milk and cream while stirring continuously. Simmer over medium-high heat until the sauce begins to bubble, about 1–2 minutes.
7. Add Cheese
Fold in the mozzarella until fully melted and incorporated, creating a rich, creamy sauce.
8. Incorporate Pasta Water
Slowly stir in reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and create a silky consistency. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring to combine.
9. Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top, cover, and let the cheese melt over low heat for 1–2 minutes.
10. Serve & Enjoy
Plate hot, garnish with fresh parsley, and dig into cheesy, comforting goodness!
Tips & Notes
- Al Dente Pasta: Slightly undercook the pasta, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
- Adjust Creaminess: Add extra pasta water for a looser sauce or more cream for a richer texture.
- Cheese Variations: Mozzarella works perfectly, but feel free to mix in cheddar, fontina, or parmesan for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit chicken and add roasted vegetables or mushrooms.
- Make Ahead: Cook pasta and chicken separately, store in the fridge, and reheat the sauce when ready to serve.
This cheesy chicken pasta is creamy, comforting, and incredibly versatile — a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation.