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If you are craving a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, luscious cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta in one divine plate, this Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what your taste buds have been waiting for. Imagine biting into juicy chicken coated in a velvety sauce so rich and cheesy it feels like a warm hug on a chilly day. This recipe balances flavors and textures effortlessly, turning simple pantry essentials into a restaurant-quality dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but utterly essential to crafting that unbeatable creamy, cheesy texture and bold flavor that defines the dish. Each item plays a vital role, whether it’s the tender chicken, the mix of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses for richness, or the fresh parsley that adds a bright finishing touch.
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless: The centerpiece protein, cooked to juicy perfection and sliced for easy mixing.
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine): The comforting base that holds onto the creamy sauce effortlessly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing chicken and building layers of flavor with onions.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds subtle sweetness and depth once softened.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant punch that wakes up the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the creamy sauce, creating lusciousness you’ll swoon over.
- 1 cup chicken broth: Balances the richness and adds savory complexity.
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor to enhance every bite.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick that brightens the dish.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little heat to cut through the creaminess.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Enriches the sauce with a silky finish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds a fresh, vibrant garnish that makes the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by heating a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add your choice of pasta—penne or fettuccine work wonderfully here. Cooking the pasta to al dente ensures it holds its texture and doesn’t get mushy when tossed with the creamy sauce later on.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the chicken breasts in the hot oil and let them cook undisturbed for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. This method gives you juicy chicken with a lovely sear that adds flavor and keeps it tender. Once done, remove from heat and let them rest before slicing.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, no need to clean it out—you want all those flavorful brown bits! Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and translucent, which usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Then toss in the minced garlic, cooking just until fragrant for about a minute. This step builds the aromatic base of your sauce.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the pan. When it’s softly bubbling, stir in the heavy cream, and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Now it’s time for the magic: add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring constantly until melted and smooth. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to your liking for a subtle kick.
Step 5: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce
Slice the cooked chicken into strips or bite-sized pieces. Drain the pasta, then fold it into your silky cheese sauce in the skillet. Toss until every strand or piece is gloriously coated. Add the chicken and continue gently mixing everything together. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water can perfect the consistency. Finish by stirring in the butter—it melts into the sauce, giving it that final, velvety touch.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once your creamy cheesy chicken pasta is all combined and beautifully glossy with sauce, it’s ready to plate. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness right before serving. Get ready to savor every bite of this indulgent, satisfying favorite.
How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley is your best friend here—it adds a pop of color and a lively herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the sauce. A light sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds a finishing touch that will delight cheese lovers.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette to refresh your palate. Alternatively, some roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus offer nice texture contrasts and balanced nutrition.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the pasta in shallow bowls for an inviting, rustic feel or in individual ramekins for a fancy dinner party presentation. For a fun twist, sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts on top for extra crunch, making every forkful delightfully complex.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy cheesy chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool it completely before storing to keep the texture of the sauce intact.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish, but keep in mind that cream-based sauces sometimes separate when frozen. To freeze, place the pasta in a freezer-safe container and cover tightly. It’s best consumed within 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid the microwave if possible for a creamier texture, but if necessary, use medium power and stir halfway through reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese in the Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While mozzarella and Parmesan create a classic creamy and tangy balance, feel free to experiment with cheddar for sharpness or gouda for smokiness. Just choose good melting cheeses to keep that luscious sauce texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, roasted vegetables, or even tofu. The rich creamy sauce will still shine on its own, but for added protein, plant-based chicken alternatives work well too.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time for a party?
You can cook everything a day ahead and gently reheat before serving. Keep pasta and sauce separate if possible, then combine right before serving to avoid over-softening of the pasta.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne and fettuccine are popular because their shapes hold the sauce beautifully. However, feel free to use rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti—just make sure the pasta cooks to al dente for the best texture.
How spicy is the Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The recipe includes an optional ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a gentle heat that complements the creaminess. You can adjust or omit this based on your heat preference; the dish is still deliciously flavorful without it.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe feels like passing along a treasured secret. It’s a dish that brings comfort and joy to any table, simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to impress. If you’re in the mood for something rich, cheesy, and irresistibly tasty, dive right in—you won’t regret making this your new favorite!
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Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 35m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy cheesy chicken pasta is a comforting and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and tossed with al dente pasta in a rich, velvety sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, and a generous blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Enhanced by sautéed onions and garlic with a touch of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, this recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a special dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Heat a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat until it comes to a boil in preparation for cooking the pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, approximately 9-11 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside once done.
- Heat Skillet: While pasta cooks, warm a large skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil.
- Cook Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Rest Chicken: Remove chicken from skillet and let it rest on a cutting board to retain juices.
- Sauté Onion: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant.
- Add Broth and Simmer: Pour in the chicken broth, bring to a simmer, and scrape the skillet bottom to loosen any browned bits enhancing the sauce flavor.
- Incorporate Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer again.
- Melt Cheeses: Add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes smooth.
- Season Sauce: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, stirring to combine thoroughly.
- Slice Chicken: Slice the rested chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces for mixing.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce and toss to coat evenly and heat through.
- Add Chicken: Mix the sliced chicken into the pasta and sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or reserved pasta water to loosen it to desired consistency.
- Finish with Butter: Stir in the tablespoon of butter until melted and integrated into the sauce for extra richness.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and add more salt or pepper if necessary to enhance the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy cheesy chicken pasta in bowls garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Enjoy: Dig in and savor your homemade comforting creamy cheesy chicken pasta!
Notes
- Use pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for better texture and flavor binding.
- Cook chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley garnish adds a fresh and vibrant touch to the finished dish.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream alternative, adjusting thickness as needed.
