Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Indulge in the ultimate cheesy chicken pasta recipe, a creamy, one-pot meal perfect for weeknights! This easy-to-make pasta dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with garlic, tomato paste, and mozzarella. Packed with flavor from spices like paprika, garlic powder, and oregano, this cheesy chicken pasta is comfort food at its best. Ready in under 30 minutes, this family-friendly recipe is sure to become a favorite. Discover tips, substitutions, and serving suggestions to make this dish even more delicious!

Ingredients

• 250g pasta, uncooked (about 8 oz)
• 2 tablespoons oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 275g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 9.6 oz)
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon oregano
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon chili sauce or sriracha
• 130 ml milk (½ cup + 1 tablespoon)
• 110 ml double cream (¼ cup + 3 tablespoons)
• 100g mozzarella cheese, shredded, plus extra for topping (1 cup + extra)
• 100-120 ml pasta water (about ½ cup)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil pasta in a pot with salted water and a drizzle of oil. Cook until al dente—firm but tender.
2. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute or until lightly golden and aromatic.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally for 3-4 minutes, until the chicken turns white.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

1. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano.
2. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.

Step 5: Add Tomato Paste and Chili Sauce

1. Add the tomato paste and chili sauce (or sriracha) to the pan.
2. Cook for about 1 minute over medium-high heat, stirring to blend with the chicken.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

1. Gradually add the milk and cream, stirring continuously over medium-high heat.
2. Continue cooking until the mixture begins to bubble, about 1 minute.

Step 7: Add Cheese

1. Add the shredded mozzarella and stir gently until it melts and blends into the sauce.

Step 8: Incorporate Pasta Water

1. Gradually add the reserved pasta water to the pan, stirring well. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil while stirring, for about 1.5 minutes, until it thickens.

Step 9: Combine Pasta and Sauce

1. Add the cooked pasta to the pan, stirring to fully coat with the creamy sauce.
2. Sprinkle extra cheese on top, cover the pan with a lid, and cook over low heat until the cheese melts.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot and enjoy your cheesy, creamy chicken pasta!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cheesy chicken pasta is rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s made in just one pan for easy clean-up and has the ultimate comfort food vibe. With tender pasta, juicy chicken, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love.

Tips

• Cook Pasta Al Dente: This keeps the pasta firm so it doesn’t get too soft once mixed into the sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Adding pasta water helps achieve a creamy sauce consistency.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the sauce a more robust flavor than pre-minced garlic.

Variations and Substitutions

• Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and sriracha for desired heat.
• Protein Variations: Swap chicken with shrimp or omit it for a vegetarian version.
• Cheese Options: Use cheddar, gouda, or parmesan for a different cheesy flavor.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, reheat with a little milk to maintain the creamy texture.

How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve this cheesy chicken pasta with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade for a balanced and satisfying dinner.