Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This dish is ideal for family dinners and busy weeknights, offering a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and comforting dish!

Ingredients

To make this mouthwatering Cheesy Chicken Pasta, you’ll need:

• Main Ingredients:
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your favorite shape)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Seasoning and Sauce Ingredients:
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

Prepping the Chicken:

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried basil, and dried oregano.
2. Set aside while you prepare the pasta and other ingredients.

Preparing the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Cooking the Chicken

Searing the Chicken:

1. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

Achieving a Juicy Interior:

1. Ensure the chicken breasts are not overcooked by checking for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Making the Cheesy Sauce

Ingredients for the Sauce:

1. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
2. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Steps to a Creamy and Cheesy Sauce:

1. Bring the mixture to a simmer and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).

Cooking the Pasta

Choosing the Right Pasta:

1. Use pasta shapes that hold sauce well, such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni.

Cooking to Al Dente:

1. Cook the pasta until al dente, following the package instructions, to ensure it maintains its texture when combined with the sauce.

Combining Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

Mixing Everything Together:

1. Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces.
2. Add the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.

Ensuring Even Coating:

1. Make sure the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the cheesy sauce.

Baking the Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Preparing the Baking Dish:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Transfer the pasta mixture to a greased baking dish.

Baking Time and Temperature:

1. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Serving Suggestions

Side Dishes to Complement:

1. Serve with a fresh green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to complete the meal.

Presentation Tips:

1. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Storage Tips

Keeping Leftovers Fresh:

1. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:

1. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick option.

Variations

Different Proteins and Vegetables:

1. Try using boneless chicken thighs, shrimp, or even tofu for a different take on this recipe.
2. Add vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Adjusting the Sauce:

1. For a lighter sauce, use half and half instead of heavy cream.
2. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, tangy flavor.

Tips for Success

Ensuring Even Cooking:

1. Make sure the chicken breasts are of similar size and thickness for even cooking.
2. Stir the sauce occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick to the pan and cooks evenly.

Balancing the Flavors:

1. Adjust the seasoning to your taste by adding more herbs or spices as desired.

FAQs

1. Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
   • Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to cook.
2. How Do I Store Leftovers?
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
3. Can I Use Different Cheeses?
   • Absolutely, you can use a combination of your favorite cheeses, such as Gouda, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack.
4. How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
   • Add or reduce the amount of red pepper flakes to adjust the spice level to your preference.
5. What If I Don’t Have All the Ingredients?
   • You can make substitutions, such as using different cheeses or adding other favorite ingredients.

Conclusion

Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender chicken, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and enjoy a hearty, satisfying meal!

Yield: 6

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe

Print

Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. This dish is ideal for family dinners and busy weeknights, offering a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and comforting dish!

Prep Time 25 minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the chicken:
• 2 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless;
• 1 ½ tbsp olive oil;
• 1 tsp dry mustard;
• ½ tsp dried thyme;
• ½ tsp dried oregano;
• salt, to taste;
• freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
• For the pasta:
• 1 pound short-cut pasta.
• For the cheesy and creamy sauce:
• 2 tbsp butter;
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour;
• 2 cloves garlic, minced;
• 1 yellow onion, diced;
• ¼ cup dry white wine;
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard;
• 8 oz white cheddar cheese, grated;
• 2 cups whole milk;
• 1-2 tbsp fresh thyme;
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes.

Instructions

• In a small bowl, combine dry mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.

• Slice chicken breasts into thin strips or cut into 1-inch cubes. Sprinkle with seasoning mixture.

• In a large skillet, heat olive oil, and cook chicken for a few minutes or until cooked and browned. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate. Set aside.

• Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add salt and rotini. Cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

• Melt butter in the same skillet in which you cooked chicken. When melted, add all-purpose flour and mix it together. Then, add dry white wine, minced garlic, diced onions, and Dijon mustard. Mix to combine. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until onions soften. Then, slowly pour milk in a few additions. Stir after each addition. Cook on low for 4-6 minutes or until thickened. Then, add shredded white cheddar cheese. Mix and cook until melted. Finally, add cooked chicken and pasta. Mix until completely covered with creamy and cheesy sauce. Serve immediately. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika.