Cheesy Chicken Pasta
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort meal—tender chunks of juicy chicken tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce. The combination of savory chicken, gooey melted cheese, and just the right blend of seasonings makes every bite irresistible. It’s a family-friendly dish that’s quick to make, filling, and always a crowd-pleaser. You can keep it classic or customize it with veggies, extra spices, or a hint of heat.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4–6)
8 oz (225 g) pasta of choice (penne, rotini, shells, etc.)
1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
2 tbsp olive oil or butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional for color & flavor)
2 cups chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and lightly golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make sauce:
In the same skillet, add onion and garlic, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing it to a gentle simmer.
Add cheese:
Reduce heat to low. Stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.
Combine:
Return cooked chicken to the pan along with pasta. Toss everything until pasta is coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Tips for Success
Use freshly shredded cheese for the creamiest sauce (pre-shredded can be grainy).
Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrients.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of milk or pasta water.
Serving Ideas
Pair with garlic bread and a side salad.
Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper for a spicy version.
If you want, I can also give you an air fryer baked version of this Cheesy Chicken Pasta so it comes out with a bubbly, golden cheese crust. That would make it extra irresistible.