The smell of melting cheese mingling with succulent chicken wafting through your kitchen is pure bliss. You can almost hear the angels sing as you dive into a bowl of cheesy chicken pasta, where every bite is a gooey, flavorful hug for your taste buds.

This dish doesn’t just fill your stomach; it fills your heart with nostalgia. Picture this: a chilly winter evening, cozying up with loved ones as you pass around a big platter of this irresistible meal. It’s the kind of comfort food that makes even the grouchiest Uncle Bob crack a smile and ask for seconds.

I remember the first time I served this dish at a family gathering; my cousin practically licked his plate clean!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 breasts work best for tenderness; feel free to chop them into bite-sized pieces.
• Pasta of Choice: I recommend penne or rotini; they hold onto that delightful sauce like best friends.
• Heavy Cream: This makes everything rich and dreamy; don’t skimp on it unless you want to miss out!
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar adds flavor depth; I usually go heavy on cheese – who doesn’t love extra?
• Garlic Powder: A must-have seasoning that brings all the flavors together; use fresh garlic if you’re feeling fancy!
• Italian Seasoning: A blend isn’t just for pizza; it gives this dish that authentic Italian vibe.
• Salt and Pepper: Season generously to enhance all those yummy flavors.
• Fresh Parsley (optional): For garnish and a pop of color; because we eat with our eyes first!

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

First things first: Prep Your Ingredients. Gather all your ingredients on the counter so you’re not running around like a headless chicken halfway through cooking.

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while you tackle the sauce.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add some oil and toss in your diced chicken. Cook until golden brown and no longer pink inside – about 6-8 minutes should do it.

Create That Creamy Sauce: Pour in heavy cream over the cooked chicken while stirring gently. Add garlic powder and Italian seasoning, letting it bubble away into creamy perfection – oh yes!

Add Cheese Galore: Stir in shredded cheddar cheese gradually until fully melted. The sauce should now be thickening beautifully – take a moment to admire your creation!

Toss Everything Together: Combine cooked pasta with the cheesy sauce in the skillet. Ensure each piece of pasta gets lovingly coated – we want every bite heavenly!

Serve It Up: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve hot! Get ready for compliments that’ll make you blush.

Enjoying cheesy chicken pasta means diving into layers of flavor while savoring every bite! Whether it’s cold outside or you’re just craving comfort food, this recipe has got you covered. Happy cooking!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the chicken until golden brown, then cook the pasta while preparing a creamy sauce. Timing is everything!

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or add spinach for an extra veggie boost. Customize it to your palate!

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk.

Cooking Cheesy Chicken Pasta has become my secret weapon for impressing friends at dinner parties; they rave about it every time!

FAQ

Can I use leftover chicken for this recipe?

Yes, using leftover chicken makes this dish even quicker and easier.

What type of cheese works best?

Creamy cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar melt beautifully in this dish.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute chicken with mushrooms or tofu for a delightful vegetarian option.

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Cheesy Chicken Pasta

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• Author: Mery Mack
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines tender chicken and pasta in a rich cheese sauce, perfect for satisfying weeknight dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz penne or rotini pasta
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prep your ingredients by gathering everything on the counter.
2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté diced chicken in oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
4. Pour in heavy cream over the chicken; stir in garlic powder and Italian seasoning, allowing it to bubble gently.
5. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese until melted and the sauce thickens.
6. Combine the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce in the skillet, ensuring even coating.
7. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: Substitute chicken with shrimp or add spinach for extra nutrition. Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.