If you’re craving a rich and comforting dinner, this cheesy chicken pasta is exactly what you need. Creamy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying, this dish combines tender chicken with a velvety cheese sauce for the ultimate family-friendly meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This cheesy chicken pasta is the perfect blend of comfort and simplicity. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights yet indulgent enough to feel special. The creamy texture, balanced spices, and gooey melted cheese make it a hit with both kids and adults.
Ingredients
- 10 ounces (300 g) penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (375 ml) half and half (single cream)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup (125 g) low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup (30 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Reserve 1–2 cups of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil.
- Stir in flour and whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Pour in the half and half, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and black pepper.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and toss well to coat. Use reserved pasta water if needed.
- Return chicken to the pan, mix well, then stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust seasoning and serve immediately. This cheesy chicken pasta is best enjoyed fresh.
Tips & Tricks
- Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Reserve pasta water—it helps create a silky sauce.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Halal-friendly
Notes
- Swap penne with fusilli or rigatoni.
- Use low-fat cream for a lighter version.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Nutrition (Approximate per serving)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 22g
FAQ
Can I make cheesy chicken pasta ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce and chicken ahead, then cook pasta fresh when serving.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be less rich. Add a bit more cheese for thickness.
What cheese works best?
Cheddar and Parmesan are ideal, but mozzarella can add extra stretchiness.
How do I make it spicy?
Increase chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free pasta and flour alternatives.
Storage
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (best without pasta).
- Reheating: Warm on stovetop with a splash of milk or stock.
Similar Recipes
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 10 ounces 300 g penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound 450 g chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
- 4 garlic cloves finely chopped
- 1 cup 250 ml chicken stock
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups 375 ml half and half (single cream)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup 125 g low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
- ⅓ cup 30 g Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until al dente. Reserve 1–2 cups of pasta water, then drain.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes until golden. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add chicken stock and bring to a boil.
- Stir in flour and whisk until smooth and creamy.
- Pour in the half and half, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Italian seasoning, chili flakes, and black pepper.
- Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and toss well to coat. Use reserved pasta water if needed.
- Return chicken to the pan, mix well, then stir in Parmesan cheese.
- Adjust seasoning and serve immediately. This cheesy chicken pasta is best enjoyed fresh.
Notes
- Swap penne with fusilli or rigatoni.
- Use low-fat cream for a lighter version.
- Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Conclusion
This cheesy chicken pasta is a comforting, creamy, and satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. Whether for a quick dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.