Cheesy Chicken Pasta: 40 Min Comfort

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Daniel here, and I’m so excited to share my absolute favorite cheesy chicken pasta recipe with you today. Cooking has always been my happy place, a way to connect with people and create those warm, fuzzy feelings around the table. That’s why I started Reciqa – to bring simple, delicious recipes into everyone’s kitchen, no matter your skill level. It’s all about making joyful, nourishing food that’s genuinely fun to make and even more fun to eat. And what’s more comforting and universally loved than a big bowl of cheesy chicken pasta? This dish is pure comfort food, and it’s surprisingly quick to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you still want something special.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Seriously, this cheesy chicken pasta is a game-changer! It hits all the right notes for a perfect weeknight meal. Here’s why it’s going to become your new go-to:

• Super Quick Prep: You can have this on the table in about 40 minutes total, thanks to a straightforward cooking process.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and that rich, creamy cheese sauce is just irresistible. Everyone loves it!
• Ultimate Comfort Food: It’s warm, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying. Exactly what you need after a long day.
• Easy-to-Find Ingredients: No fancy stuff here! You probably have most of what you need in your pantry and fridge already.

Gathering Your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Ingredients

Alright, let’s get down to business! To make this gloriously cheesy chicken pasta, you’ll need a few things. Don’t worry, they’re all pretty standard kitchen staples. Having everything prepped and ready to go is my secret to keeping things moving smoothly in the kitchen. It makes the whole cooking process feel less like a chore and more like a fun little culinary adventure!

Pasta	250g, uncooked (your favorite shape!)
Olive Oil	2 tablespoons
Garlic	4 cloves, minced (don’t be shy!)
Chicken	275g, cut into bite-sized pieces (boneless, skinless breast or thigh works great)
Salt	1/2 teaspoon, plus more for pasta water (adjust to your taste)
Black Pepper	1/2 teaspoon
Red Chilli Powder	1/2 teaspoon (for a little warmth)
Garlic Powder	1 teaspoon
Paprika	1 teaspoon
Onion Powder	1/2 teaspoon
Dried Oregano	1/4 teaspoon
Tomato Paste	2 tablespoons
Chilli Sauce/Sriracha	1 teaspoon (or more if you like it spicy!)
Milk	130ml (whole milk gives the best creaminess)
Double Cream	110ml (heavy cream works too!)
Mozzarella Cheese	100g, grated, plus extra for topping (low-moisture works best)
Pasta Water	100-120ml, reserved from cooking the pasta

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

So, why these specific ingredients? The spices like paprika and garlic powder give our chicken that lovely savory depth without needing a marinade. And the tomato paste and chilli sauce? They add a fantastic little kick and color to the sauce, making it more than just plain cheesy. If you don’t have dried oregano, no worries! You can absolutely swap it out for Italian seasoning or even a mix of dried basil and thyme. It’ll still be delicious!

Crafting Your Perfect Cheesy Chicken Pasta: Step-by-Step

Now for the fun part – making this amazing cheesy chicken pasta! It’s a pretty straightforward process, and I promise, the results are totally worth it. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a piping hot, incredibly satisfying meal in no time. My kitchen is usually a little chaotic when I’m cooking, but for this recipe, I try to keep things organized so everything flows perfectly. It’s all about building those layers of flavor!

Cooking the Pasta Perfectly

First things first, let’s get that pasta going. Grab a big pot, fill it with water, add a good pinch of salt (like a tablespoon or so!) and a tiny splash of oil. Bring it to a rolling boil, then toss in your pasta. You want to cook it until it’s just *al dente* – that means it still has a slight bite to it. Nobody likes mushy pasta, right? While it’s cooking, make sure you scoop out about a cup of that starchy pasta water before you drain it. This stuff is liquid gold for our sauce later on!

Building the Flavorful Chicken Base

While the pasta is doing its thing, grab a nice big skillet. Pop it over medium heat and add your oil. Once it’s shimmering, toss in your minced garlic. Let it sizzle for about a minute until it smells amazing and is just starting to turn golden. Be careful not to burn it! Now, add your chicken pieces. Crank the heat up a bit to medium-high and let the chicken cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it’s all white and no longer pink. Then, sprinkle in all those fantastic spices: salt, pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Give it a good stir to coat the chicken. Finally, add the tomato paste and your chilli sauce or sriracha. Cook for another minute, stirring it all together. This really wakes up the flavors!

Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Okay, time for the magic! Gradually pour in the milk and cream while stirring constantly. Let it bubble gently for about a minute until it starts to thicken just a tiny bit. Now, here comes the best part – the cheese! Add your grated mozzarella and stir until it’s all melty and gooey, creating a beautiful, creamy sauce. Don’t stop stirring until it’s perfectly smooth. If the sauce looks a little too thick, don’t panic! This is where that reserved pasta water comes in. Slowly stir in about half of it, then add more as needed until you reach your dream consistency. You want it luscious and coating, not watery. Let it come to a gentle boil for about 1.5 minutes, stirring like crazy, so it thickens up nicely.

Bringing It All Together

Now that your sauce is perfect and your pasta is drained (remember, save that water!), it’s time to combine everything. Add the cooked pasta right into the skillet with that glorious cheese sauce. Toss it all together gently until every single piece of pasta is coated in cheesy goodness. Then, sprinkle a little extra mozzarella cheese right over the top. Pop a lid on the skillet and let it cook over low heat for just a few minutes until that topping cheese is all melted and bubbly. And voilà! Your incredibly delicious cheesy chicken pasta is ready to serve. Dig in!

Essential Equipment for Cheesy Chicken Pasta

To whip up this delightful cheesy chicken pasta, you won’t need a whole professional kitchen setup! Just a few trusty tools will do the trick. You’ll need a large pot for boiling your pasta, a good-sized skillet or frying pan for cooking the chicken and making the sauce, a colander or strainer for draining the pasta (don’t forget that pasta water!), measuring cups and spoons, and a grater for your cheese. Oh, and a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula for all that important stirring!

Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Want to make your cheesy chicken pasta absolutely sing? A few little tricks can take it from great to absolutely unforgettable! First off, don’t skimp on the pasta water – it’s seriously the secret to a silky, perfectly emulsified sauce. Also, taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper before you add the pasta. If you’re feeling fancy, stir in some fresh parsley or chives right at the end for a burst of freshness, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a bit more heat. And please, please, please don’t overcook your pasta; that *al dente* bite is crucial!

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Got questions about making this incredible cheesy chicken pasta? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries I get, along with my best advice:

Q1. Can I make this cheesy chicken pasta ahead of time?
You can definitely prep some components ahead! Cook the pasta and chicken separately, and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the chicken, make the sauce, and then combine everything with the pasta and a splash of pasta water. It’s best assembled right before serving to keep that amazing texture, but it’s totally doable for a quicker meal!

Q2. What kind of cheese works best for this creamy chicken pasta?
Mozzarella is fantastic because it melts so beautifully and gives that classic stretchy cheese pull. For an extra flavor boost, try mixing in some grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano with the mozzarella. Some people even love a bit of sharp cheddar for a tangier taste. Just make sure whatever cheese you use is grated for the smoothest melt!

Q3. How can I make this chicken pasta recipe spicier or milder?
It’s super easy to adjust the heat! For spicier chicken pasta, simply add more red chilli powder or a bigger splash of sriracha. You could even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the spice mix. If you prefer it milder, just reduce or omit the red chilli powder and chilli sauce. You can also skip the extra cheese topping if you want to dial back the richness slightly.

Storing and Reheating Your Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Leftover cheesy chicken pasta is a treasure, but it needs a little TLC to taste its best when reheated. For storing, let the pasta cool down a bit first, then pop it into an airtight container. It’ll keep nicely in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to dive back in, the key is to add a little liquid – think a splash of milk or even just a bit of water – before reheating. This helps bring back that creamy sauce texture that can sometimes get a bit stiff in the fridge. You can reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, or pop it in the microwave for a quick warm-up. Just make sure it’s heated all the way through for safety!

Storage Method	Refrigerator
Duration	3-4 days
Reheating Tip	Add a splash of milk or water before reheating on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Estimated Nutritional Information for Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Just so you know, this is an estimate per serving, and the actual numbers can vary a bit depending on the specific ingredients you use. But this gives you a good idea of what you’re working with in this delicious cheesy chicken pasta!

Serving Size	1 serving
Calories	650 kcal
Fat	35g
Saturated Fat	18g
Carbohydrates	45g
Sugar	5g
Protein	35g
Sodium	700mg

Print