This irresistible Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe combines tender chicken pieces with perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, creamy cheese sauce that will have your family asking for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner solution or a crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe delivers comfort food at its finest.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is the ultimate comfort food that brings together everything you crave in one satisfying dish. The combination of tender, seasoned chicken and al dente pasta swimming in a velvety three-cheese sauce creates a meal that’s both indulgent and surprisingly easy to make. What makes this recipe special is its perfect balance of flavors and textures – the chicken stays juicy, the pasta holds its shape, and the cheese sauce is luxuriously smooth without being heavy. It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite vegetables, quick enough for busy weeknights, and impressive enough for entertaining guests. Plus, most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making it an accessible go-to recipe whenever you need something delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
Chicken
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped parsley
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breast into uniform bite-sized pieces. In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Season the chicken pieces evenly with this spice mixture.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce Base In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to create a roux, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
Step 5: Add Milk and Create Sauce Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue cooking and stirring for 3-4 minutes until the mixture begins to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Incorporate the Cheeses Remove the pan from heat and gradually add the cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and Parmesan, stirring until completely melted and smooth. If using Dijon mustard, stir it in now for extra depth of flavor.
Step 7: Combine Everything Return the cooked chicken to the pan with the cheese sauce. Add the drained pasta and gently toss to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 8: Serve Transfer to serving bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot.
Helpful Tips
Choose the Right Pasta Shape: Penne and rotini work exceptionally well because their ridges and hollow spaces capture the cheese sauce beautifully. Avoid delicate pasta shapes that might break when mixing with the chunky chicken.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Cut chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. The chicken will continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot cheese sauce, so avoid overcooking during the initial searing.
Make a Smooth Roux: When making the flour and butter base, cook it long enough to eliminate the raw flour taste but don’t let it brown too much, as this can create a bitter flavor in your cheese sauce.
Temperature Control for Cheese: Remove the pan from heat before adding cheese to prevent the proteins from seizing up and creating a grainy texture. Add cheese gradually and stir constantly for the smoothest results.
Save That Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is perfect for adjusting sauce consistency and helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
Details
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4-6 people
Difficulty Level: Easy to Intermediate
This recipe creates approximately 6 cups of finished pasta dish, making it perfect for feeding a family or having leftovers for lunch the next day. The combination of three different cheeses creates a complex, rich flavor profile while maintaining the creamy texture that makes this dish so appealing.
Notes
Cheese Substitutions: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations. Gruyere, fontina, or sharp white cheddar can add interesting flavor variations to this base recipe.
Vegetable Additions: Consider adding steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers during the final combining step for extra nutrition and color.
Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the components separately and combine them just before serving. Store cooked chicken and pasta separately in the refrigerator, then gently reheat with the freshly made cheese sauce.
Spice Level: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce if you prefer a little heat in your dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use different types of pasta? A: Absolutely! While penne and rotini are recommended, any short pasta shape works well. Shells, cavatappi, or rigatoni are excellent alternatives that hold the cheese sauce beautifully.
Q: How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy? A: The key is temperature control. Remove the pan from heat before adding cheese, add it gradually, and stir constantly. Using freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded also helps create a smoother sauce.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time? A: While best served fresh, you can prepare components separately up to a day ahead. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency.
Q: What if my sauce is too thick or too thin? A: If too thick, add reserved pasta water or warm milk one tablespoon at a time. If too thin, simmer the sauce for a few more minutes to reduce, or mix a small amount of flour with cold milk and stir in.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Freezing isn’t recommended as dairy-based sauces can separate when thawed. However, leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover Cheesy Chicken Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken upon cooling, which is completely normal.
Reheating Instructions: For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore the original creamy consistency. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring every 30 seconds to ensure even heating.
Freezing Guidelines: While not ideal due to the dairy content, you can freeze portions for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly on the stovetop, whisking in additional milk as needed to restore texture.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. The rich, creamy cheese sauce paired with perfectly seasoned chicken and tender pasta creates a dish that satisfies both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight dinner or preparing a special meal for loved ones, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results every time. The versatility of this base recipe also means you can easily adapt it to your family’s preferences, making it a valuable addition to your regular meal rotation. Give this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe a try, and watch it become one of your most requested dishes.
