Indulge in a bowl of pure comfort with this Cheesy Chicken Pasta! Tender chicken pieces and perfectly cooked pasta shells are tossed in a velvety tomato cream sauce, then topped with melty cheese. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a relaxed, lazy lunch, this dish is easy to make, customizable, and utterly satisfying. Serve it hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Quick & Easy: Made with simple ingredients, this pasta comes together in just 35 minutes—ideal for busy nights when you want comfort food without the long prep.
Customizable: Switch up the pasta shape, mix in different cheeses, or swap chicken for vegetables for a vegetarian-friendly option.
Perfect for Leftovers: Refrigerate any extra pasta and reheat with a splash of milk or cream to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture.
Balanced Indulgence: The creamy cheese and tomato sauce are perfectly complemented by the tangy tomato paste, making the dish indulgent yet fresh. Add extra veggies or a side salad for a more balanced meal.
Ingredients
Servings: 2 | Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
- 250 g pasta (about 8 oz, pasta shells recommended)
- 2 tbsp oil (neutral oil or olive oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 275 g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 9.6 oz)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
- 130 ml milk (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp)
- 110 ml double cream (1/4 cup + 3 tbsp)
- 100 g mozzarella cheese (1 cup) + extra for topping
- 100–120 ml reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water with a little oil to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente—slightly firm to the bite. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Sauté the Garlic
Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until golden and fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Cook the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is almost fully cooked and opaque.
4. Add Seasonings
Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
5. Incorporate Tomato Paste & Sriracha
Stir in tomato paste and sriracha (if using) and cook for 1–2 minutes to combine flavors.
6. Make the Cream Sauce
Gradually add milk and cream to the pan. Stir constantly and cook until the mixture begins to bubble, forming a smooth, creamy base.
7. Add Cheese
Gently fold in the mozzarella (or cheese blend of your choice) until melted and fully incorporated.
8. Adjust with Pasta Water
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce as needed. Bring to a gentle boil while stirring to ensure the sauce is smooth and silky.
9. Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until fully coated. Sprinkle extra cheese on top, cover with a lid, and cook over low heat until the cheese melts.
10. Serve & Enjoy
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Notes
- Al Dente Pasta: Slightly undercook pasta so it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Vegetable Add-ins: Sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini work beautifully.
- Extra Creamy Sauce: Swap milk for more cream or add cream cheese/mascarpone for richness.
- Make it Spicy: Add cayenne, chili flakes, or fresh diced chilies.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
- Vegetarian Version: Omit chicken or replace with sautéed vegetables.
- Cheese Variations: Use mozzarella, cheddar, fontina, or a blend for different flavors.
- Chicken Substitutions: Boneless chicken thighs or leftover rotisserie chicken work well.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Yes! Cook pasta and chicken separately and prepare sauce in advance. Reheat and combine just before serving.
Can I use dairy-free alternatives?
Absolutely. Use coconut cream, almond milk, or cashew-based cheese alternatives to make it dairy-free.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Just ensure you use a large enough pan to accommodate the increased volume.
Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish: creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. Perfect for weeknight dinners, cozy lunches, or indulgent weekends, this pasta recipe will quickly become a family favorite!