Magical Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe for Cozy Dinner Bliss

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying solutions like this creamy chicken pasta that transforms ordinary ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Tender chicken nestles perfectly among al dente noodles, creating a harmonious blend of comfort and flavor.

Each forkful promises a delightful combination of rich, velvety sauce and succulent meat.

The recipe balances complexity with ease, ensuring even novice cooks can achieve impressive results.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward techniques guarantee a stress-free cooking experience.

Fresh herbs and a touch of parmesan cheese elevate this dish from basic to extraordinary.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this crowd-pleasing classic that comes together in less than 30 minutes.

FAQs

• Why do I need to reserve pasta water?

Pasta water is starchy and helps create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta. It’s a professional chef’s secret to adjusting sauce consistency and enhancing flavor.

• Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely! You can swap cheddar and Parmesan with mozzarella, Gruyère, or monterey jack. Just ensure they melt well and complement the chicken’s flavor.

• How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?

Always add cheese off the heat and stir gently. Don’t overheat the sauce, and use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded, which contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce lumpy.

• Is Dijon mustard necessary in the recipe?

No, it’s optional. Dijon mustard adds a tangy depth to the cheese sauce, but you can skip it if you prefer a more neutral flavor or don’t have it on hand.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 590 kcal

Servings: 4

Chicken Pasta Ingredient Rundown

• Pasta: Provides hearty foundation for the dish, choose medium-sized shapes like penne or rotini for optimal sauce coverage.

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substantial texture, select boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs for tender results.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Enhances savory depth without overwhelming other flavors, look for freshly ground spices for maximum potency.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky undertone, opt for high-quality Spanish varieties for authentic flavor profile.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasoning duo that elevates overall taste, use freshly cracked black pepper for brighter notes.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for cheese sauce, select unsalted butter for better flavor control.
• Flour: Crucial thickening agent that ensures silky sauce consistency, use all-purpose flour for standard texture.
• Milk: Provides creamy liquid foundation, whole milk recommended for maximum richness.

• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers sharp, tangy flavor, choose aged varieties for more intense taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, complex undertone, select freshly grated for superior melting quality.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces subtle tang and depth, use smooth variety for seamless sauce integration.

• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, fresh finish, select vibrant green leaves for maximum visual appeal.

Kitchen Tools for Creamy Chicken Pasta Dishes

• Large pot: For boiling pasta, must be big enough to hold water and pasta comfortably.
• Large skillet: Essential for cooking chicken and making cheese sauce, preferably non-stick.
• Whisk: Perfect for creating smooth roux and blending cheese sauce without lumps.
• Cutting board: Needed for dicing chicken and chopping parsley.
• Sharp knife: Used for precise chicken and herb cutting.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately measure seasonings and spices.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta after cooking.

Cook Pasta That’s Cheesy and Savory

• Boil Pasta Perfectly

Grab a big pot, salt the water generously, and cook pasta until it’s tender with a slight bite. Save a splash of pasta water before draining.

• Sizzle the Chicken

Warm olive oil in a skillet and season chicken with zesty spices. Cook until golden and fully done, then set aside.

• Craft Creamy Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in the same pan, sprinkle flour, and whisk into a silky base. Slowly pour milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Fold in cheeses until smooth and dreamy.

• Mix Together

Reunite the pasta and chicken in the cheesy sauce, tossing until every morsel is coated. If needed, splash in reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.

• Plate and Enjoy

Serve immediately, maybe with a sprinkle of fresh herbs for extra pizzazz. Dig into this comforting meal that’s sure to make everyone smile.

Tips for Chicken That Stays Juicy in Sauce

• Mastering this Cheesy Chicken Pasta
• Choose shorter pasta shapes like penne or rotini that hold cheese sauce better than long noodles, ensuring every bite is deliciously coated.
• Grate cheese fresh from the block for smoother, more even melting and richer flavor compared to pre-shredded varieties with anti-caking agents.
• Keep reserved pasta water handy to thin out thick sauce or add extra silkiness, preventing dry or clumpy texture.
• Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, diced turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for versatile meal options that suit different dietary preferences.
• Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, vegetable-packed version that's keto and gluten-free friendly.

Serve Hot with Fresh Herbs or Cracked Pepper

• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Serve this pasta during movie or game nights with friends and family, creating a warm, comforting atmosphere that brings everyone together around the table.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair the rich, cheesy pasta with a crisp green salad topped with light vinaigrette to balance the dish's creamy texture and add some fresh nutrition.
• Leftover Lunch Transformation: Pack cold leftovers in a lunch container for a delicious next-day meal that tastes just as amazing, making your work or school lunch something to look forward to.
• Weekend Comfort Meal: Enjoy this dish as a weekend treat after a long week, letting the cheesy goodness provide a satisfying and indulgent dining experience that feels like a warm hug.

Store Pasta for Reheat-Friendly Lunches

• Let the pasta dish cool down to room temperature within 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth. Spread it on a wide, shallow plate to speed up cooling.
• Transfer leftover cheesy chicken pasta into airtight containers with tight-fitting lids. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days maximum to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Carefully pack the pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creamy consistency. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Microwave works too, but cover and stir every 30 seconds to maintain moisture and prevent dryness.

Creamy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy cheesy chicken pasta embodies comfort food perfection from Italian culinary traditions. Rich cheese and tender chicken create a satisfying meal for home cooks seeking delicious simplicity.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, diced
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
• 1 cup (120 g) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• ½ cup (50 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk (or half-and-half)
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water (optional)
• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Boiling Preparation: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a vigorous boil, then cook pasta until al dente, reserving a small amount of starchy water before draining.
2. Chicken Seasoning and Cooking: Combine garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to generously coat chicken pieces. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sauté chicken until golden-brown and thoroughly cooked, then remove and set aside.
3. Sauce Foundation: In the same skillet, create a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour until smooth, then gradually pour in milk while continuously stirring to prevent lumps from forming.
4. Cheese Sauce Creation: Simmer the milk mixture until it thickens, then blend in cheddar, Parmesan, and Dijon mustard, stirring until a creamy, glossy sauce develops.
5. Final Assembly: Combine the cooked pasta, seared chicken, and cheese sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coating. Adjust sauce consistency using reserved pasta water if needed, and garnish with chopped parsley before serving immediately.

Notes

• Choose the Right Pasta: Select short, sturdy pasta shapes like penne or rotini that can hold onto the creamy cheese sauce effectively.
• Master the Roux Technique: Whisk flour and butter carefully to prevent lumps, creating a smooth base for the cheese sauce that ensures a silky texture.
• Seasoning Secrets: Layer chicken with a balanced spice blend, allowing each piece to develop deep, complex flavors before adding to the dish.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Grate cheese fresh and add gradually to prevent clumping, ensuring a smooth, luxurious sauce that coats every pasta strand perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg