Description
Creamy cheesy chicken pasta delivers comfort on a plate, blending golden chicken with velvety sauce and perfectly cooked noodles. Hearty ingredients and simple preparation promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Pasta and Seasonings:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite kind)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Dairy:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
Optional Toppings:
- Fresh parsley (chopped)
- Red pepper flakes
- Crumbled bacon
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes, then drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Heat butter in a large skillet over medium temperature, creating a gentle sizzle and releasing aromatic garlic until softened and golden.
- Whisk cream cheese and milk together, creating a silky, smooth base with no lumps, stirring continuously for even consistency.
- Gradually incorporate shredded cheddar, allowing each handful to melt completely before adding more, resulting in a velvety, rich sauce.
- Fold cooked chicken and drained pasta into the cheese mixture, ensuring every morsel is generously coated with the creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting flavors to personal preference and balancing the richness of the cheese.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant garnish and added freshness, then serve immediately while the sauce remains warm and glossy.
Notes
- Choose short pasta shapes like penne or rotini to help sauce cling better and create more cheesy bites.
- Keep extra milk nearby to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick during cooking.
- Shred your own cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother, more authentic melting texture.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for quicker meal preparation and added flavor depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 682 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 49 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 43 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg