cheesy chicken pasta Recipe

If you are craving something warm, comforting, and utterly satisfying, this cheesy chicken pasta is the perfect dish to brighten your day. Combining tender bite-sized chicken pieces, a rich and creamy sauce loaded with mozzarella cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, every forkful bursts with flavor and gooey goodness. This recipe effortlessly brings together simple ingredients that pack a punch, making it a fantastic meal for any night of the week. Let me guide you through creating the ultimate cheesy chicken pasta experience that will have you coming back for seconds and sharing with friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this cheesy chicken pasta lies in its straightforward yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role — from the spices that build depth and warmth to the creamy cheeses that make the sauce irresistible.

• 250g pasta, uncooked: Choose your favorite shape; this will be the perfect base to soak up all the cheesy goodness.
• 2 tablespoons oil: A neutral oil to cook your garlic and chicken to golden perfection.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the dish with subtle but vibrant flavor.
• 275g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender chicken gives protein and soaks up all those spices beautifully.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances every ingredient and balances the flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
• 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder: Kickstarts a mellow heat that deepens the dish’s profile.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives an extra layer of garlicky richness.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and gorgeous color.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Compliments the garlic and rounds out the seasoning.
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano: Brings in a hint of herbal freshness.
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens and enriches the sauce.
• 1 teaspoon chili sauce or sriracha: Provides a tangy-spicy punch that livens up the sauce.
• 130 ml milk: Adds creaminess and lightness to the sauce base.
• 110 ml double cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously rich and silky.
• 100g mozzarella cheese + extra to sprinkle: The star ingredient for that melty, stringy cheesy delight we all crave.
• 100-120 ml pasta water: The secret ingredient that helps to marry the sauce and pasta perfectly, creating a smooth, clingy coating.

How to Make cheesy chicken pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta in a pot of water seasoned with salt and a splash of oil. The key is to cook it until al dente, which means the pasta will still have a slight firmness when you bite into it. This prevents it from becoming mushy later when mixed with the sauce, ensuring every bite has a perfect texture.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic

While the pasta cooks, warm the oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it turns a light golden color. This step releases garlic’s aromatic oils, which form a flavorful foundation for your cheesy chicken pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the garlic-infused oil. Keep the heat on medium-high and stir occasionally. Within 3 to 4 minutes, your chicken will change from pink to a tender white, setting the stage for the spices and sauce to shine.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Now, sprinkle in salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Mix these spices with the chicken, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This combination creates a rich, layered taste that will permeate the entire dish.

Step 5: Add Tomato Paste and Chili Sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and chili sauce or sriracha, cooking for about a minute on medium-high heat. This infuses the chicken with a tangy, spicy kick and deepens the sauce’s color, making your cheesy chicken pasta both tasty and visually inviting.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in the milk followed by the double cream while stirring continuously. Keep cooking over medium-high heat for about a minute until the mixture starts bubbling. This silky base will eventually envelop the pasta and chicken in creamy heaven.

Step 7: Melt in the Cheese

Add the mozzarella cheese, stirring gently until it melts completely into the sauce. The cheese will thicken the sauce and give it that addictive stretch and gooey texture that defines cheesy chicken pasta.

Step 8: Incorporate Pasta Water and Boil the Sauce

Gradually mix in the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce slightly. This step is essential as the starchy water helps the sauce cling better to the pasta. Bring the sauce to a boil while stirring constantly, which usually takes around 1.5 minutes.

Step 9: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Once your sauce is thick and creamy, add the cooked pasta into the pan and toss thoroughly to coat every strand and piece with the sauce. Sprinkle some extra mozzarella on top, cover the pan, and let it simmer on low heat until the cheese melts perfectly and everything is united in cheesy glory.

How to Serve cheesy chicken pasta

Garnishes

Topping your cheesy chicken pasta with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil instantly brightens the dish, adding color and fresh notes. If you like a bit of heat, a dusting of chili flakes complements the spiciness of the sauce beautifully. For extra texture, some toasted breadcrumbs make an irresistible crunchy contrast.

Side Dishes

To balance the richness of the cheesy chicken pasta, serve it alongside a fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, which cuts through the creaminess perfectly. Garlic bread is another classic pairing that helps scoop up any leftover sauce, making sure none of that cheesy goodness goes to waste.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, spoon your cheesy chicken pasta into individual ramekins, sprinkle with extra cheese, and broil for a few minutes to create a bubbly, golden crust on top. Or transform it into a baked pasta casserole by layering with extra cheese and a sprinkle of herbs, then baking until deliciously bubbling and golden brown.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the cheesy chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting meal again with minimal effort.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen but keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may soften slightly after thawing. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, making it a convenient option when you want a quick, satisfying meal later on.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir frequently to preserve the creamy texture and prevent the cheese from becoming rubbery — this will bring your cheesy chicken pasta back to life beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella is perfect for meltiness and stretch, you can experiment with cheddar for sharpness, gouda for smokiness, or even a parmesan sprinkle for a salty kick. Just keep in mind that each cheese will change the flavor and texture slightly.

What pasta shape works best with cheesy chicken pasta?

Any pasta shape that holds sauce well works great. Penne, fusilli, or rotini are wonderful choices because their twists and tubes catch the sauce beautifully, but feel free to use spaghetti or fettuccine if that’s what you have.

How spicy is this dish? Can I adjust it?

The recipe has a mild to moderate kick from the red chili powder and sriracha, which can easily be adjusted. Reduce or omit these spices if you prefer something milder or add extra if you crave more heat.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas. The sauce remains deliciously cheesy and creamy regardless.

Is it okay to use regular cream instead of double cream?

You can substitute regular cream, but double cream gives a richer, thicker sauce. If using regular cream, you might want to reduce the milk slightly to keep the sauce from becoming too thin.

Final Thoughts

This cheesy chicken pasta recipe is truly a delightful hug on a plate, blending flavors and textures that comfort and satisfy like no other. Whether you’re cooking for yourself on a cozy night or impressing friends and family, this dish has a way of bringing everyone together with smiles and full bellies. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite in your kitchen.

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