Description
A quick and easy Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe that combines tender diced chicken breasts with perfectly cooked penne or rotini pasta, all coated in a rich, creamy, and cheesy sauce made from mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. This comforting and family-friendly dish is ready in under 30 minutes and can be adapted with various veggies, cheese types, and pasta options for a delicious homemade meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 8 ounces penne or rotini pasta
Cheese Blend
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Sauce and Seasoning
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prep and Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter and add diced chicken seasoned with salt and black pepper. Sauté until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually stir in shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce, then add the pasta. Toss everything together until well coated with the cheesy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a teaspoon at a time to reach your preferred consistency.
- Finish and Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then sprinkle with fresh parsley if using. Serve warm and enjoy this comforting bowl of cheesy goodness.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting compared to pre-shredded blends.
- Do not overcook pasta; keeping it al dente ensures perfect texture when mixed with sauce.
- Cook chicken in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan for better searing and flavor.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without watering down flavor.
- Season throughout the cooking process to keep the dish balanced and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg