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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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