If you’re craving something irresistibly creamy, flavorful, and comforting, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender, spiced chicken pieces with a luscious blend of cheeses and a hint of tomato and chili, this dish offers a delightful balance of richness and a subtle kick. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend dinners, it’s a recipe that feels special without being complicated. Whether you’re serving family or impressing friends, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe will quickly become a beloved classic on your table.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple but each plays a vital role in making the dish sing. From the savory spices that bring the chicken to life, to the creamy cheeses that give the pasta its signature smooth texture, every element is essential for that perfect bite.

250g pasta, uncooked: Choose your favorite type, but something like penne or fusilli works great for holding the sauce.
2 tablespoons oil: Oil is perfect for sautéing the garlic and chicken to golden perfection.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic adds that aromatic depth that wakes up the whole dish.
275g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces: Tender pieces that soak up all the flavorful spices and sauce.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors naturally.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: A classic spice that adds mild heat and complexity.
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder: Just enough heat to keep things interesting.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts the garlic flavor for extra punch.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky sweetness and beautiful color.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: For subtle depth and savoriness.
1/4 teaspoon oregano: Brings a touch of herby brightness.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Concentrated tomato flavor to enrich the sauce.
1 teaspoon chili sauce or sriracha: Adds a slight spicy tang that complements the creaminess.
130ml milk: Helps create the silky sauce texture.
110ml double cream: Elevates the sauce with extra richness and indulgence.
100g mozzarella cheese + extra for topping: Melts beautifully, giving the dish that gooey, cheesy goodness.
100-120ml pasta water: The secret ingredient to bring your sauce closer to perfection by adjusting thickness and adding silkiness.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Start by cooking the pasta in salted, oiled boiling water until it’s al dente. This means it should be cooked through but still firm to the bite. Once done, drain the pasta but be sure to reserve about half a cup of the starchy pasta water. This water will work wonders later in the sauce, helping to achieve the perfect consistency and flavor melding.

Step 2: Cook Garlic

Heat oil in a pan over medium heat and toss in the minced garlic. Cooking garlic gently until it’s golden releases that sweet, fragrant aroma that’s absolutely essential for layering flavors. Be careful not to burn it, as burnt garlic can add bitterness.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Add your bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan, ramping up the heat slightly to medium-high. Sauté the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes until the surface turns white and the edges begin to sear, creating a delicious base for the spices to stick to.

Step 4: Season Chicken

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Stir well to coat every piece evenly with this flavorful blend. This step infuses the chicken with warmth and complexity, making each bite exciting.

Step 5: Add Tomato Paste and Chili Sauce

Mix in the tomato paste along with the chili sauce or sriracha. Let them cook together for about a minute over medium-high heat. This intensifies the tomato’s richness and adds a subtle spicy tang that balances wonderfully with the forthcoming creamy sauce.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

Slowly pour in the milk and double cream, stirring continuously on medium-high heat. As the mixture heats up and begins to bubble gently, it’s transforming into that luxuriously smooth, creamy sauce that wraps the chicken and pasta in comfort.

Step 7: Add Mozzarella Cheese

Now for the magic moment—add the mozzarella cheese. Stir it in until it melts completely, becoming part of the sauce and creating that irresistible, gooey texture that makes this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe so beloved.

Step 8: Add Pasta Water

Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water while stirring. This helps you adjust the sauce to the perfect thickness—thick and creamy enough to cling to pasta but not so heavy that it feels overwhelming. The pasta water also brings an added silkiness to the sauce thanks to its natural starch content.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

There’s something so satisfying about adding a finishing touch. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil over your cheesy chicken pasta for a pop of color and a hint of herbal brightness. A light dusting of grated parmesan on top can also add an extra layer of cheese-love to this already indulgent dish.

Side Dishes

This dish shines best when accompanied by light, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness beautifully. Garlic bread is another fan favorite, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that creamy sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add an earthy crunch and vibrant contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual oven-safe dishes topped with extra mozzarella and broiled until golden and bubbly—like a personal pasta gratin. Another great idea is layering the pasta and chicken in a casserole, then baking it with a crunchy, cheesy crust for a comforting family-style meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe will keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain freshness and avoid sogginess.

Freezing

This dish freezes nicely, making it ideal for meal prep. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you thaw it, you might want to add a splash of milk or pasta water before reheating to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, adding a little liquid if the sauce seems thick. This will help you enjoy your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe just as fresh as the first time.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While mozzarella provides that perfect melt and mild flavor, feel free to experiment with cheddar, gouda, or even a bit of parmesan for a sharper taste profile. Mixing cheeses can also add extra depth.

Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and tend to stay juicier and more flavorful. Just be sure to adjust cooking time slightly if your pieces are larger or thicker.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

To keep a similar creamy texture, try substituting dairy milk and cream with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use vegan cheese alternatives. For the chicken, you can swap in tofu or plant-based chicken substitutes and season them similarly.

How spicy is this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe?

The recipe has a moderate kick thanks to the red chili powder and sriracha, but you can easily adjust the heat level by reducing or omitting these ingredients, or adding more if you like it spicy.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a dinner party?

Definitely! Prepare everything up to the point of adding the pasta water and cheese, then refrigerate. When ready to serve, reheat gently and finish by stirring in pasta water and cheese. This makes hosting stress-free and enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something special about this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe that brings warmth and joy to the table every time. It’s a perfect blend of comfort and flavor that feels luxurious without fuss. I encourage you to give it a try—you might just discover your new go-to dinner that everyone will ask for again and again!

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

3.8 from 41 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender chicken pieces with a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta for a quick and satisfying meal. Enhanced with a blend of garlic, paprika, and chili spices, this dish offers a comforting, cheesy delight with a subtle kick.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

250g pasta, uncooked (around 8oz)
Salt, for pasta water
2 tablespoons oil (for boiling pasta and cooking)

Chicken and Seasoning

275g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (around 9.6 oz)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon oregano

Sauce

2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 teaspoon chili sauce or sriracha
130ml milk (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon)
110ml double cream (1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons)
100g mozzarella cheese + extra for topping (1 cup + extra)
100–120ml pasta water (around 1/2 cup), reserved

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Boil Pasta: Cook the pasta in salted, oiled boiling water until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about half a cup of pasta water for later use.
Cook Garlic: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns golden and fragrant, about one minute.
Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan and cook over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes until the chicken turns white and is partially cooked through.
Season Chicken: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano over the chicken. Stir thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
Add Tomato Paste: Stir in the tomato paste and chili sauce (or sriracha), cooking the mixture for about 1 minute on medium-high heat to deepen the flavors.
Make Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk and double cream while stirring constantly. Continue to cook over medium-high heat until the sauce starts to bubble and slightly thicken.
Add Cheese: Add the mozzarella cheese to the sauce and stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Add Pasta Water and Combine: Slowly add the reserved pasta water to the sauce, stirring until the sauce reaches a thick and creamy consistency. Mix the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring it is well coated.

Notes

Reserve some pasta water when draining as it helps to loosen the sauce and make it creamier.
Use freshly grated mozzarella for smoother melting.
Adjust chili sauce amount to control spiciness.
If preferred, garnish the dish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor and color.
For a richer taste, replace milk with half-and-half if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Italian