Go Back

Cheesy Chicken Pasta

A rich and creamy cheesy chicken pasta made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a smooth homemade cheese sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Pasta Base
  • 12 oz pasta penne or rotini
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb chicken breast cubed
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp paprika
Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Colander

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook seasoned chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Melt butter in the same skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  4. Add heavy cream and milk, simmering gently until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in cheeses gradually until the sauce is smooth.
  6. Return chicken to the skillet and add pasta.
  7. Toss everything together and simmer briefly before serving.

Notes

Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest sauce and add a splash of milk when reheating.