Cheesy Chicken Pasta Delight
Indulging in Cheesy Chicken Pasta
There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, cheesy dish served up on a busy weeknight. I first whipped up Cheesy Chicken Pasta when I was looking for a quick dinner that could please both kids and adults alike. This dish is creamy, savory, and utterly satisfying, making it the perfect choice for family dinners or a cozy night in. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delightful meal that’s sure to become a favorite in your household.
Reasons to Try It
You might be wondering why Cheesy Chicken Pasta stands out from the sea of pasta recipes available today. For starters, it’s a one-pot wonder that brings the cheese and chicken together in a creamy, decadent sauce. Plus, it’s quick to make—perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is of the essence. The kids will absolutely love it, and who can blame them? The melty cheese and tender chicken are practically irresistible!
“I made this for a family dinner, and it was a hit! Everyone went back for seconds. The creaminess of the sauce is to die for!” — Sarah J.
Preparing Cheesy Chicken Pasta
This recipe is simple yet impactful, combining pasta with sautéed chicken in a luxurious cheese sauce. Follow along with the steps to see just how easily this meal comes together.
What You’ll Need
- Pasta: 250 g (uncooked)
- Oil: 2 tbsp (for sautéing)
- Garlic: 4 cloves (minced)
- Chicken: 275 g (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- Seasonings:
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- Tomato Paste: 2 tbsp
- Chili Sauce or Sriracha: 1 tsp (optional for spice)
- Milk: 130 ml
- Double Cream: 110 ml
- Mozzarella Cheese: 100 g (plus extra for topping)
- Pasta Water: 100–120 ml (reserved from boiling pasta)
If you’re looking to switch things up, you can use different types of cheese or even swap the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option.
Directions to Follow
- Boil the Pasta: Start by boiling the pasta in salted water until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining!
- Sauté the Garlic: In a large pan, heat your oil and sauté the minced garlic until it turns a light golden brown. This will release a beautiful aroma.
- Cook the Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they turn white, ensuring they’re cooked through.
- Add the Seasonings: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Mix well for an even distribution.
- Incorporate Tomato Paste and Sriracha: Stir in the tomato paste and sriracha, cooking for about 1 minute to enhance the flavors.
- Pour in Milk and Cream: Add your milk and double cream, simmering over medium-high heat until bubbling, stirring constantly to create a creamy texture.
- Melt the Cheese: Stir in the mozzarella cheese and keep mixing until melted and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add Pasta Water: Pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring well to loosen the sauce. Bring it to a boil for a couple of minutes.
- Combine with Pasta: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every strand is coated in that cheesy goodness. Top with extra cheese if desired, and let it cook on low heat until it melts.
- Serve Hot: Dish up your Cheesy Chicken Pasta while it’s hot, ready to be devoured!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Cheesy Chicken Pasta is fantastic on its own, but you might want to elevate the experience. Consider serving this dish with a crisp side salad or some garlic bread to complement its richness. A sprinkle of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, can also add a lovely touch of freshness.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you happen to have leftovers (which seems unlikely with a dish this delicious), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or more cream to revive its creamy texture. Do not microwave directly as it may become rubbery.
Helpful Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to pull it off the heat just as it reaches al dente. It will continue to cook once combined with the sauce.
- Season to Taste: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preference. More heat? Add extra chili powder or sriracha.
- Cheese Options: While mozzarella is fantastic, using a mix of cheeses like parmesan or cheddar can add even more depth to the flavor.
Creative Twists
Want to switch things up? Try incorporating vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition. You can also substitute the chicken with cooked sausage or even shredded rotisserie chicken for a time-saver. If you’re feeling adventurous, add some pesto for an Italian twist!
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare?
The entire process, including cooking, should take about 30-40 minutes. It’s a swift option for any weeknight!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and boil the pasta beforehand, then combine and bake just before serving to maintain the best texture.
What type of pasta works best?
While any pasta type can work, penne or fettuccine hold the sauce beautifully, making each bite delicious.
If you’re looking for a simple, cheesy, and comforting meal, Cheesy Chicken Pasta ticks all the boxes! Enjoy creating and sharing this delectable dish.
Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
- In a large pan, heat the oil and sauté the minced garlic until light golden brown.
- Add the chicken pieces and cook until they turn white and are cooked through.
- Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Mix well.
- Stir in the tomato paste and sriracha, cooking for about 1 minute.
- Add milk and double cream, simmering over medium-high heat until bubbling, stirring constantly.
- Stir in mozzarella cheese until melted and the sauce thickens to desired consistency.
- Pour in the reserved pasta water, stirring well, and bring to a boil for a couple of minutes.
- Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until well coated. Top with extra cheese if desired.
- Serve hot.
