If you’re craving something comforting, indulgent, and downright delicious, this Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe will absolutely hit the spot. Imagine tender, juicy chicken breasts mingling perfectly with al dente pasta, all enveloped in a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Every bite feels like a warm hug, making this dish perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple yet essential to bringing out the best in this dish. Each one plays a special role, from the tender chicken that adds protein, to the rich cheeses that create that irresistible creamy texture, and the fresh parsley that gives a pop of color and freshness.
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless for easy cooking and slicing.
- Pasta: Penne or fettuccine works great for holding the creamy sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle richness to sauté the chicken and veggies.
- Onion: Diced small, it sweetens the sauce as it softens.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse the dish with aromatic depth.
- Heavy cream: The secret to that velvety, luscious sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds an extra layer of savory flavor without overpowering the dish.
- Mozzarella cheese: Brings a gooey, melty goodness.
- Parmesan cheese: Provides sharp, nutty notes that elevate the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance all flavors.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle hint of heat and complexity.
- Butter: Adds a silky finish to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped to brighten the dish with a fresh touch.
How to Make Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water on medium-high heat. Add your pasta—penne or fettuccine work perfectly—and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture, perfect for absorbing the creamy sauce later on.
Step 2: Sear the chicken
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts, cooking them until they develop a beautiful golden crust, about 6 to 7 minutes per side. The key is cooking them through without drying out, so aim for an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once done, set the chicken aside to rest; this keeps it juicy when sliced.
Step 3: Build the sauce base
In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and sauté until translucent and soft, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, just until fragrant. These foundational flavors are what make the sauce truly irresistible.
Step 4: Create the creamy sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful browned bits from the pan. Bring it to a simmer before stirring in the heavy cream. Let it gently bubble while you add mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until everything melts into a smooth, glossy sauce. Season with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little kick.
Step 5: Combine pasta, chicken, and sauce
Slice the rested chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces, then drain the cooked pasta and add it straight into the skillet with your cheese sauce. Toss well so every noodle is luxuriously coated. Add the chicken last, mixing it through to unite all the flavors perfectly. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of pasta water or more chicken broth thins it out just right.
Step 6: Final touches and serve
Stir in a tablespoon of butter to enrich the sauce with silky smoothness, then taste and adjust any seasonings. Once everything is just right, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serving this warm, dreamy dish right away is the best way to enjoy the perfect marriage of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and pasta.
How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a touch of brightness that balances the richness beautifully. For extra flair, a few cracked black peppercorns or a dusting of Parmesan on top can elevate the look and taste even further. Freshly grated lemon zest can also brighten the dish in an unexpected but delightful way.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm focaccia with olive oil is perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce. Steamed or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli add color, crunch, and extra nutrition to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the creamy cheesy chicken pasta in rustic individual cast iron skillets for a cozy feel. Layer freshly shredded herbs on top, and place lemon wedges alongside for guests to add a hint of citrus. You can also turn leftovers into a baked pasta casserole by adding breadcrumbs and extra cheese, then baking until golden and bubbly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Put any leftover creamy cheesy chicken pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. It’s normal for the sauce to thicken, so a quick stir and a splash of broth or water when reheating can bring back that lovely creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you plan to save it for longer. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. To keep the texture at its best, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing and add a bit of extra sauce after thawing if needed.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream to help loosen the sauce and keep the pasta from drying out. Microwaving works too, just use medium power and stir halfway through to heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan create that classic creamy, cheesy texture, you could swap in fontina, provolone, or even a bit of sharp cheddar for a twist. Just make sure your cheeses melt well to keep the sauce smooth.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or even crispy tofu to keep it hearty. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to maintain the rich flavor without the meat.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Penne and fettuccine are ideal because their shapes hold onto the creamy cheese sauce beautifully. However, farfalle, rigatoni, or even shells can also work just as well, depending on your preference.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Try swapping heavy cream for half-and-half or a mix of milk with a little cream. Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber, and reduce the cheese quantity slightly. Adding extra vegetables like spinach or zucchini also boosts the nutrition while keeping taste intact.
Can I prepare any parts of the dish ahead of time?
You can cook and slice the chicken in advance and refrigerate it separately. The sauce also holds well if made ahead and gently reheated. Just combine everything right before serving to preserve the best texture and flavor in this Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is a true kitchen winner, blending simplicity with irresistibly rich flavors that comfort and delight. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish delivers every time. I’m so excited for you to try it out and make it your own—it’s sure to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!
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Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy cheesy chicken pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and tossed with al dente pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce made from mozzarella, Parmesan, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Enhanced with sautéed onions, garlic, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Boil the pasta: Heat a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat until boiling, then add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 9-11 minutes, until al dente.
- Cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat with olive oil. Add chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest the chicken: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest on a cutting board to retain its juices.
- Sauté onions: In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
- Deglaze with broth: Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping the skillet bottom with a wooden spoon to release any browned bits.
- Add cream: Stir in heavy cream and bring mixture back to a gentle simmer.
- Melt cheeses: Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
- Season sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes, mixing well.
- Slice chicken: Meanwhile, slice rested chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Drain pasta and add it to the skillet with the cheese sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Add chicken to pasta: Mix the sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce thoroughly.
- Adjust sauce consistency: If sauce is too thick, add extra chicken broth or reserved pasta water to thin as desired.
- Add butter for richness: Stir in a tablespoon of butter until melted into the sauce.
- Finalize seasoning: Taste and adjust with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Spoon the creamy cheesy chicken pasta into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor this comforting, cheesy chicken pasta dish.
Notes
- Use penne or fettuccine pasta for best texture, but any pasta shape can work.
- Resting the chicken after cooking helps keep it juicy.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes based on your desired spice level or omit for mild flavor.
- If sauce thickens too much after resting, thin it with chicken broth or pasta water before serving.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid curdling the cream sauce.
