Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This cheesy chicken pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. With tender chicken, a creamy cheese sauce, and a hint of spice, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s simple yet satisfying.

Ingredients

• 250g pasta, uncooked (around 8oz)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 275g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (around 9.6oz)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to your taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon chilli sauce or sriracha
• 130ml milk (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon)
• 110ml double cream (1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons)
• 100g mozzarella cheese, plus extra to sprinkle on top (1 cup + extra)
• 100-120ml pasta water (around 1/2 cup)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a pot of water to a boil with some salt and a little oil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, meaning it should be slightly firm. Drain and set aside some pasta water.
2. Step 2: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, for 3-4 minutes until the chicken turns white.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.
5. Step 5: Add tomato paste and chilli sauce, cooking over medium-high heat for about 1 minute, stirring constantly.
6. Step 6: Gradually stir in the milk and double cream. Continue cooking over medium-high heat, stirring frequently for about 1 minute until the sauce begins to bubble.
7. Step 7: Add the mozzarella cheese and gently mix until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
8. Step 8: Slowly pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously, then bring the mixture to a boil and keep stirring for about 1.5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
9. Step 9: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly. Sprinkle extra cheese on top, cover with a lid, and cook over low heat until the cheese melts.
10. Step 10: Serve hot and enjoy your creamy, cheesy chicken pasta!

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a deeper smoky flavor.
• Swap mozzarella with cheddar or a mix of cheeses for varied taste and texture.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red chilli powder and chilli sauce.
• Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley on top before serving adds freshness.
• For a lighter version, substitute double cream with Greek yogurt added off the heat.

Storage

Store leftover cheesy chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave to restore creaminess without drying out the pasta.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute milk and cream with coconut milk or other plant-based alternatives, and use a dairy-free cheese blend to keep it creamy yet suitable for a dairy-free diet.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 65 reviews

This cheesy chicken pasta is a creamy, flavorful dish combining perfectly cooked pasta with tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich, spiced cheese sauce. Infused with garlic, paprika, and a hint of chili, this meal is comfort food at its finest, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3–4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 250g pasta, uncooked (around 8oz)
• Salt, to taste (for boiling pasta)
• A little oil (for boiling pasta)

Chicken and Seasonings

• 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

Sauce

• 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)

Instructions

1. Boil Pasta: Add pasta to a pot with cold water, some salt, and a little oil. Cook the pasta until al dente, meaning it should be slightly firm to the bite and not overly soft, to prevent it from becoming mushy when cooked further in the sauce.
2. Cook Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes a light golden color and fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
3. Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan with the garlic. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring continuously, for 3 to 4 minutes or until the chicken turns white and is nearly cooked through.
4. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano over the chicken. Stir well to evenly coat the meat with the spices and enhance flavor.
5. Add Tomato Paste and Chilli Sauce: Mix in the tomato paste and chilli sauce or sriracha. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat for about 1 minute to deepen the flavors and slightly caramelize the paste.
6. Make the Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk and double cream while stirring continuously. Cook at medium-high heat for about 1 minute until the sauce starts bubbling and thickening slightly.
7. Add Cheese: Stir in the mozzarella cheese gently until it melts completely and incorporates smoothly into the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture.
8. Add Pasta Water: Pour in the reserved pasta water gradually while stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil, which will take approximately 1.5 minutes, allowing the sauce to loosen up and become silky smooth.
9. Add Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce and toss to coat fully. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top, cover the pan with a lid, and let it cook over low heat until the cheese on top melts thoroughly.
10. Serve: Once melted and bubbly, serve the cheesy chicken pasta hot for a delightful and indulgent meal.

Notes

• Use pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency; it helps bind the sauce and pasta together.
• Cook pasta al dente to avoid mushy pasta after adding to the sauce.
• Adjust chili sauce amount to suit your preferred spice level.
• For a lighter version, substitute double cream with half-and-half or use low-fat milk.
• Feel free to add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner, comfort food, mozzarella pasta, chicken dinner