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