Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Crafting a delectable cheesy chicken pasta recipe brings pure comfort to your dinner table.

Creamy textures and bold flavors dance across each forkful of this satisfying meal.

Weeknight dinners demand something quick yet impressive, and this dish delivers with minimal effort.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle between perfectly cooked pasta strands, creating a harmonious blend of protein and carbohydrates.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious coating that makes every bite irresistibly smooth and rich.

Home cooks will appreciate how simple ingredients combine to produce such a crowd-pleasing entrée.

You can whip up this restaurant-quality meal in less than thirty minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Savor each mouthwatering spoonful and watch everyone at the table ask for seconds.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Sharp cheddar or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan provide the most creamy and flavorful result, creating a rich cheese sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

• Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option that adds delicious flavor and makes the recipe even easier to prepare.

• Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this cheesy chicken pasta reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it a convenient option for quick meals during the week.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add some vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers during the cooking process to increase the nutritional value and add extra color and texture to the dish.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Overview

• Customize with Ease: Swap chicken for different proteins or add veggies to make this recipe uniquely yours, adapting to family preferences.
• Speed Demon Dinner: Quick preparation means you can have a delicious meal on the table faster than ordering takeout, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kid-friendly flavors and familiar ingredients ensure everyone at the table will ask for seconds of this crowd-pleasing pasta dish.

Ingredients Needed for Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: A key component that provides the base for this comforting dish.
• Chicken: Protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the recipe.
• Cheese: Creates a creamy, rich sauce that binds the dish together.

• Butter, Garlic: Provides a rich, aromatic foundation for the sauce.
• Chicken Broth, Cream: Adds depth and creates a smooth, luxurious sauce base.

• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
• Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finishing touch to the creamy pasta.

Cooking Instructions for Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook your pasta in salted water until it reaches al dente texture.

Drain thoroughly and set aside in a warm spot.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatic Garlic

Melt butter in a spacious skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and swirl around, cooking until it releases its fragrant aroma and turns golden.

Step 3: Create Creamy Liquid Base

Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet.

Gently bring the mixture to a soft simmer, allowing the liquids to blend and warm through.

Step 4: Melt Cheesy Goodness

• Cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a silky smooth sauce.

Step 5: Combine Protein and Pasta

Add cooked chicken pieces and drained pasta into the creamy cheese sauce.

Toss everything together, ensuring each piece gets beautifully coated with the luxurious sauce.

Step 6: Season and Serve

Enhance flavors with salt and black pepper.

Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness.

Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.

Expert Tips for Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Grate cheese freshly and add gradually while stirring constantly to ensure smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
• Sauté garlic in butter until golden brown to release deeper, richer aromatics that enhance overall dish taste.
• Slightly undercook pasta before final mixing, allowing it to absorb sauce and finish cooking without becoming mushy.
• Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives and use cornstarch instead of flour for thickening sauce.
• Add chicken broth slowly and adjust heat to maintain gentle simmer, preventing sauce from breaking or separating.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Variations to Try

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, maintaining the creamy cheese sauce and pasta base for a plant-based alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients like broth and cheese are certified gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice, keeping the rich cheese sauce and protein for a lighter meal.
• Spicy Mexican Version: Add diced jalapeños, use pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle chili powder to create a zesty, southwestern-inspired pasta dish.

Serving Recommendations for Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Comforting Family Feast: Serve this creamy pasta as a hearty main dish for family dinner night, accompanied by a fresh green salad to balance the richness.
• Elegant Dinner Party Plate: Elevate the presentation by garnishing with extra fresh parsley, adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and serving alongside roasted vegetables for an impressive meal.
• Lunch Meal Prep Magic: Pack individual portions in meal prep containers for easy work or school lunches, keeping the pasta separate from garnishes to maintain optimal texture and freshness.
• Quick Weeknight Companion: Pair with a crisp white wine or chilled iced tea to complement the creamy cheese and chicken flavors, creating a simple yet satisfying dinner experience.

Storage Guidelines for Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent moisture and maintain freshness.
• Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Gently reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring continuously. Add a little extra broth or cream to help restore the creamy texture and prevent sticking.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best quality and flavor.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Delightful Cheesy Chicken Pasta brings comfort and flavor to your dinner table with a perfect blend of creamy sauce and tender chicken. Rich ingredients combine effortlessly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups chicken breast, shredded
• 2 cups pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons butter

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes at rolling boil. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Melt butter in large skillet over medium heat, creating a golden base for sauce.
3. Introduce minced garlic, sautéing until aromatic and lightly golden, approximately 30-45 seconds.
4. Pour chicken broth and heavy cream into skillet, whisking to create smooth, creamy liquid at medium-low temperature.
5. Gradually incorporate shredded cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and sauce transforms into silky consistency.
6. Fold cooked chicken pieces into cheese sauce, ensuring even distribution and complete coating.
7. Add prepared pasta to skillet, gently tossing until noodles are completely enveloped in rich, creamy sauce.
8. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preference.
9. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley across surface for vibrant color and herbaceous finish.
10. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and pasta retains optimal texture.

Notes

• Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rotini to help sauce cling better and create a more enjoyable eating experience.
• Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for smoother melting and richer flavor that enhances the overall dish.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and monitoring salt added during seasoning for a healthier version.
• Swap heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half to cut calories while maintaining creamy texture and maintaining dish’s indulgent feel.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 560 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg