The Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Everyone Will Love

Whipping up a delightful cheesy chicken pasta recipe can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary celebration.

Creamy textures and savory flavors merge effortlessly in this comforting dish.

Weeknight dinners demand something special that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

Rich cheese cascades over tender chicken pieces, creating a mouthwatering combination that screams home-cooked goodness.

Pasta absorbs the delicate sauce, ensuring each bite delivers maximum flavor potential.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

You’ll find yourself craving this irresistible meal that promises to become a household favorite.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Comes Together Fast

• Whip Up Quickly: Preparation takes just 30 minutes from start to finish, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines classic comfort food elements like creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken, guaranteed to satisfy both kids and adults with its rich, familiar flavors.
• Budget-Friendly Meal: Uses simple, affordable ingredients like pasta, chicken, and cheese that are typically already in most home kitchens, helping families save money without compromising taste.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimizes kitchen cleanup by preparing the entire dish in a single skillet, reducing dishes and making post-meal cleanup a breeze for home cooks.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Base Ingredients

• Cooked Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the dish.
• Pasta: Provides a hearty base and catches the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that creates the rich, creamy texture.
• Heavy Cream: Adds luxurious smoothness and helps bind the sauce.
• Butter: Enhances richness and helps create a silky sauce base.

• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle flavor and helps sauté ingredients.
• Garlic: Brings depth and aromatic punch to the overall dish.
• Onion: Provides a sweet, savory foundation for the sauce.
• Paprika: Adds a warm, slightly smoky undertone.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing all flavors.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional bright garnish that adds a fresh herb note.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Full Recipe Steps

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook the pasta in salted water following the package directions.

Drain thoroughly and let it rest while preparing the other ingredients.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatics

Melt butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they become translucent and fragrant.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Introduce diced chicken to the skillet.

• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sauté the chicken until it’s fully cooked and golden brown on the edges.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and let it simmer gently.

Reduce heat and slowly add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a silky smooth sauce.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Fold the cooked pasta into the cheesy chicken mixture, ensuring every pasta piece gets thoroughly coated with the rich, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and added freshness.

Serve immediately while the dish is hot and the cheese is perfectly melted.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta – Must-Know Cooking Tips

• Choose medium-sized pasta like penne or fusilli to hold the creamy sauce better, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
• Use sharp cheddar for a more intense flavor, or mix cheeses like mozzarella and parmesan for a complex, rich taste profile.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve a nice golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming, which keeps the meat juicy and flavorful.
• If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to maintain a silky, smooth consistency.
• Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version of this comforting dish.

Save Cheesy Chicken Pasta for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed thoroughly.
• Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to restore creamy texture and prevent sauce from separating.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and texture.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Add-ons

• Elevate Cheese Flavor: Pair with sharp white cheddar or aged gouda for an extra tangy cheese experience that amplifies the dish's creamy richness.
• Wine Complement: Select a crisp Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc to balance the heavy cream and cut through the pasta's richness with its bright acidity.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a zesty, peppery contrast that refreshes the palate between creamy pasta bites.
• Herbal Garnish Boost: Sprinkle fresh thyme or chives over the dish to add a subtle herbal note that lifts the cheesy chicken pasta's deep flavors.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Fun Alternatives

• Gluten-Free Chicken Pasta: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa flour. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Dairy-Free Cheese Alternative: Swap cheddar cheese with dairy-free cheese made from nuts like cashews or nutritional yeast. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream for a plant-based version.
• Protein-Packed Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use vegetable broth for added flavor and maintain protein content.
• Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use full-fat cream and choose a high-fat cheese like gouda or parmesan to align with keto macronutrient requirements.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with mozzarella, parmesan, or a blend of cheeses for a unique flavor profile.

• Is this recipe spicy?

No, the recipe uses paprika for mild flavor. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to taste.

• Can I make this dish healthier?

Use Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream, opt for whole wheat pasta, and choose skinless chicken breast to reduce calories and increase nutrition.

• What can I do if the sauce is too thick?

Simply add a little pasta water or milk to thin out the sauce and achieve your desired consistency.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade cheesy chicken pasta delivers comfort and flavor in one spectacular dish. Family-friendly ingredients blend perfectly, creating a creamy masterpiece you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups (473 ml) cooked chicken, diced

Pasta and Cheese:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 1 1/2 cups (170 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 cup (237 ml) heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, ensuring a firm texture. Carefully drain and reserve.
2. Melt butter and olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, creating a fragrant cooking base.
3. Gently sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until translucent and aromatic, releasing their delicate flavors.
4. Introduce diced chicken into the skillet, seasoning generously with paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
5. Cook chicken pieces thoroughly, ensuring each morsel is evenly heated and develops a golden exterior.
6. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, allowing the mixture to gently simmer and develop a rich, velvety consistency.
7. Gradually sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously to create a smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
8. Fold the previously cooked pasta into the cheesy sauce, coating each strand completely and ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
9. Transfer the creamy chicken pasta to serving plates, garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant touch of color and additional flavor.
10. Serve immediately while the dish remains warm and the cheese sauce is at its most luxurious consistency.

Notes

• Select short pasta like penne or rotini for better sauce coverage and easier eating.
• Shred cheese at room temperature and add gradually to prevent clumping and ensure smooth sauce.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to achieve better browning and more flavor development.
• Swap heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for lighter version, use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly option.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg