Cheesy Chicken Pasta: Comfort Food at Its Best
There’s something magical about a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that makes it a go-to for any occasion, and this Cheesy Chicken Pasta is no exception. I remember the first time I whipped this up for a quick weeknight dinner, and my family couldn’t stop raving about it. It’s a fantastic blend of tender chicken, rich cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta, creating a filling meal that warms the soul. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish is sure to please just about everyone.
What Makes This Recipe Special
Why should you consider making Cheesy Chicken Pasta? Here’s why:
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Quick and Easy: It takes just under 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
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Budget-Friendly: Simple ingredients that won’t break the bank!
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Kid-Approved: With its cheesy goodness, this dish is a hit with the little ones.
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Versatile: Serve it for dinner, or even bring it to a potluck. It’s just as good reheated the next day!
"This recipe has become a staple in our house! My kids love it, and it always feels like a treat. Five stars!" – Happy Home Cook
Preparing Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Making Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a breeze! Here’s how it unfolds:
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Cook the Pasta: Start with boiling the pasta until it’s al dente, and remember to save some pasta water.
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Sauté and Season: In a hot pan, sauté garlic and chicken, adding spices to build flavor.
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Create the Sauce: Combine milk, cream, and cheese to create a creamy cheese sauce that envelops the pasta.
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Combine and Serve: Mix everything together, adjusting the sauce consistency with reserved pasta water.
Gather These Ingredients
To make this comforting dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 250g pasta, uncooked (around 8oz)
- 2 tbsps oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 275g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (around 9.6 oz)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to your taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 1 tsp chilli sauce/sriracha
- 130ml milk (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp)
- 110ml double cream (1/4 cup + 3 tbsps)
- 100g mozzarella cheese + extra to sprinkle on top (1 cup + extra)
- 100-120ml pasta water (around 1/2 cup)
Feel free to swap chicken for turkey or even a plant-based alternative if you prefer!
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Cook your pasta until it’s al dente in salted water with a splash of oil. Drain it, but make sure to reserve some pasta water.
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Heat oil in a large pan and sauté the minced garlic until it’s light golden.
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Add chicken pieces and cook for about 3–4 minutes until browned.
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Season: Stir in salt, black pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano; mix well.
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Incorporate the tomato paste and a touch of sriracha, cooking for about 1 minute to blend the flavors.
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Pour in milk and double cream: Allow it to simmer over medium-high heat until it begins bubbling and thickening.
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Add in mozzarella cheese: Stir continuously until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth.
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Adjust the consistency: Gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired thickness, bringing it back to a boil while stirring.
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Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing well to coat each piece. Heat through and serve hot with an extra sprinkle of cheese.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
To elevate your Cheesy Chicken Pasta experience, consider the following serving suggestions:
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Fresh Herbs: Top your dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and flavor.
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Side Salad: Pair it with a simple green salad drizzled with balsamic vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
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Garlic Bread: Nothing beats the classic combo of cheesy pasta and garlic bread on the side.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
If you happen to have any leftovers, here’s how to store them properly:
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers.
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Reheat: When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk to revitalize the sauce.
Pro Chef Tips
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Cheese Variety: While mozzarella is delicious, mixing in some cheddar or Parmesan can enhance the flavor even more.
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Don’t skip the pasta water: This starchy liquid helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a creamy texture.
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Cook chicken thoroughly: Ensure your chicken is cooked through to keep it juicy and tender.
Creative Twists
Looking to mix things up? Here are some variations you might enjoy:
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Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach or broccoli for added nutrition.
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Spice it Up: Increase the chili sauce or add jalapeños for a spicy kick.
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Swap Proteins: Try shrimp or even a vegetarian version with mushrooms or chickpeas for different tastes.
Common Questions
How long does it take to prepare?
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta can be made in about 30 minutes, making it a fast weeknight meal.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Absolutely! Just ensure to adjust the cooking time as gluten-free pasta may require different timing.
What can I use instead of double cream?
You can substitute with heavy cream or a plant-based alternative like coconut cream for a lighter option.
With its creamy sauce and cheesy goodness, Cheesy Chicken Pasta is sure to become a favorite on your dinner table. Happy cooking!
Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Pasta and Cooking Essentials
- 250 g pasta, uncooked around 8oz
- 2 tbsp oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Chicken and Spices
- 275 g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces around 9.6 oz
- 1/2 tsp salt adjust to your taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp oregano
Cheesy Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp chilli sauce/sriracha
- 130 ml milk 1/2 cup + 1 tbsp
- 110 ml double cream 1/4 cup + 3 tbsps
- 100 g mozzarella cheese 1 cup + extra to sprinkle on top
- 100-120 ml pasta water around 1/2 cup
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook your pasta until it’s al dente in salted water with a splash of oil. Drain it, but make sure to reserve some pasta water.
- Heat oil in a large pan and sauté the minced garlic until it’s light golden.
- Add chicken pieces and cook for about 3–4 minutes until browned.
- Stir in salt, black pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano; mix well.
- Incorporate the tomato paste and a touch of sriracha, cooking for about 1 minute to blend the flavors.
- Pour in milk and double cream, allowing it to simmer over medium-high heat until it begins bubbling and thickening.
- Add in mozzarella cheese and stir continuously until it's melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired thickness, bringing it back to a boil while stirring.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, mixing well to coat each piece. Heat through and serve hot with an extra sprinkle of cheese.
