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