If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate cozy dinner, look no further than Cheesy Chicken Pasta. This dish combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a trio of gooey cheeses to create a meal that’s both comforting and downright irresistible. Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a weeknight hero that never fails to satisfy cravings with its rich, creamy sauce and pops of fresh herb flavor; it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to tuck into again and again — and your whole family will ask for by name!

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe is chosen for maximum flavor, creamy texture, and beautiful color. Simple pantry staples come together to make magic — don’t skip any, because each one adds its own little spark to the final dish.

12 oz pasta: Use penne, rotini, or any sturdy shape that will catch all the cheesy sauce — pick your favorite!
2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing and sealing in the juicy flavor of the chicken.
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces): The heart of the dish, bringing lean protein and a satisfying bite.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a mellow, garlicky depth without overpowering the cheese.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Boosts the savory flavor for a rounded, well-seasoned base.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning both the chicken and the sauce.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to pop the other flavors, but not too spicy for little palates.
2 tablespoons butter: Brings luxurious richness to the roux and the sauce.
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: Thickens the creamy sauce to that perfect, clingy consistency.
2 cups whole milk: The backbone of the sauce, making everything silky smooth.
1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savoriness and helps thin the sauce without sacrificing flavor.
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Classic, sharp, and melts to glorious gooeyness.
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For beautiful stretch — that cheesy pull!
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a savory, nutty punch that rounds out the cheese sauce.
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): A fresh, bright finish that adds a pop of color and a hint of herbal lift.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until just al dente, following the package directions. The pasta will soak up some of the sauce later, so avoid overcooking it here — you want it to keep a little bite. Once perfectly cooked, drain and set aside while you move onto the next step.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Toss in your chicken pieces, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sauté for about 6 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns golden-brown and is cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate so it stays juicy and tender while you build the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Roux

No need to wash that skillet! Lower the heat just a tad, add the butter, and once it’s melted, sprinkle in the flour. Whisk constantly to form a smooth roux — let it bubble gently for 1 to 2 minutes to cook off any raw flour taste, but don’t let it darken.

Step 4: Build the Cheese Sauce

Now comes the fun part: slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. Let the mixture simmer and thicken for about 4 to 5 minutes — patience pays off, as the sauce should look velvety and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. With the heat on low, add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. Stir until all the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy and dreamy.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken back into the skillet, and gently toss everything together so every piece is drenched in that luscious cheese sauce. Let it heat through for another minute or two — the pasta will absorb the flavors and the chicken will warm up perfectly. Your Cheesy Chicken Pasta is now ready to serve!

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

For an extra pop of freshness (and a beautiful presentation), scatter a little chopped parsley over the top just before serving. If you love a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes also looks gorgeous and brings a gentle warmth that pairs beautifully with the creamy, cheesy sauce.

Side Dishes

Cheesy Chicken Pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but it shines even brighter with a simple side. A crisp green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette or some buttery garlic bread both make excellent companions, cutting through the richness and adding balance to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to make it extra special, spoon the pasta into individual oven-safe dishes, top with a sprinkle of extra cheese, and broil for a few minutes until bubbly and golden. Alternatively, serve it straight from the skillet family-style for that extra homey vibe — everyone will want a big scoop!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let the Cheesy Chicken Pasta cool to room temperature, then scoop it into an airtight container. It will keep perfectly in the fridge for up to 3 days, making lunch or dinner the next day as easy as can be.

Freezing

You can freeze Cheesy Chicken Pasta, but keep in mind the sauce might separate a bit on thawing. Let it cool completely and store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your Cheesy Chicken Pasta in a skillet on low heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much. You can also use the microwave, covering the dish and stirring every 30 seconds so everything heats evenly and stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Cheesy Chicken Pasta is adaptable — try rotini, fusilli, or even shells. What matters most is using a shape that hugs that cheesy sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Yes! Leftover or rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Just shred or dice it, add in step 5, and heat through until it’s warmed and coated in sauce.

What if I want a spicier version?

For a spicy twist on Cheesy Chicken Pasta, add red pepper flakes directly to the sauce or use pepper jack cheese in place of some of the cheddar or mozzarella for an extra little kick.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Go for it! Broccoli florets, spinach, or peas stir in seamlessly. Simply cook veggies with the chicken, or blanch them alongside the pasta for maximum convenience.

Is there a way to make this lighter?

You can substitute part-skim cheeses, use low-fat milk, or even swap half the pasta for steamed cauliflower to lighten things up, but the original Cheesy Chicken Pasta will always deliver that cozy, creamy experience.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give Cheesy Chicken Pasta a spot at your table soon. It’s one of those dishes that brings everyone running to the kitchen, and the only thing better than making it is sharing it with people you love. Let me know how it turns out for you!

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 29 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a creamy and comforting dish that the whole family will love. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich cheese sauce come together to create a delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)

Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cheese Sauce:

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish:

Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken with seasonings until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, make a roux with butter and flour. Add milk and broth, then melt in cheeses until creamy.
Combine and Serve: Add pasta and chicken back to the skillet, heat through, and garnish with parsley. Serve warm.