Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re hunting for a crowd-pleasing, ultra-comforting dinner that you can whip up in no time, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine juicy, herb-coated chicken mingling with bouncy spiral pasta, all tossed together in an irresistibly creamy sauce dotted with sweet sun-dried tomatoes and studded with gooey, melty cheese. It’s cozy, it’s fuss-free, and it’s bound to become your new weekday hero!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless and Fast: From start to finish, this recipe takes under 30 minutes. Ideal for those nights when you need something guaranteed-delicious with minimal effort.
• Seriously Satisfying: Between the golden chicken, silky cheese sauce, and perfectly-cooked pasta, every bite is pure comfort.
• Family Friendly: The flavors are familiar, crowd-pleasing, and honestly, who can say no to cheesy pasta?
• Adaptable: There’s plenty of room to play around with your favorite add-ins or even use up leftovers—details in the Variations section!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather a short, straightforward list of ingredients for maximum flavor payoff:

• Chicken Breast: Sliced for quick, even cooking. The star protein—always tender when sliced thin!
• Olive Oil: Helps coat the chicken with herbs and locks in juiciness.
• Dried Mixed Herbs: Adds lovely herby notes that infuse both the chicken and the sauce.
• Spiral Pasta (or your favorite shape): Spirals are perfect for catching all that luscious sauce, but feel free to use penne or fusilli.
• Butter: For richness and the base of the creamy sauce.
• Onion & Carrot: Adds subtle sweetness and a little texture—always dice these super fine so they melt into the sauce!
• Garlic: Because every great pasta needs a garlicky punch.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sliced for pops of tangy, bold flavor throughout.
• Flour: Makes the sauce silky by thickening the milk.
• Milk: The liquid gold for your sauce, making it creamy but not heavy.
• Cheese (your choice): Melts into the sauce for gooey, cheesy goodness—cheddar or mozzarella are perfect, but use what you have.
• Pasta Water: The not-so-secret ingredient that saves any sauce. Don’t forget to save a little before draining!
• Parmesan: For that finishing salty, umami flourish.

Tip: Season each layer—especially the chicken and the sauce—to keep the flavors balanced and lively.

Variations

Love to tinker with recipes? Switch things up:

• Protein Swap: Leftover roast chicken? Use it! Chopped rotisserie chicken or even cooked turkey is also excellent.
• Vegetarian-Friendly: Skip the chicken and double up the vegetables. Try mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for color and flavor.
• Spicy Twist: Sprinkle in a little red chili flake or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• Cheese Variety: Mix cheeses—Gruyere, gouda, or pepper jack will all melt beautifully and add a twist.
• Pasta Change-Up: Short pasta like penne or shells work if that’s what you have, or try whole wheat for extra nuttiness.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Chicken

Slice chicken breast into 1cm thick strips. Toss them with olive oil, dried herbs, and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat a pan to high and grill the chicken—4 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Set aside to cool, then shred when you’re ready.

Step 2: Get the Pasta Going

Boil your pasta until al dente according to the package. Before draining, scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water—crucial for perfect sauce! Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Using the same pan, drop the heat to low and melt your butter with a spoonful of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar—big flavor move here. Add onion and carrot and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes, then sprinkle over the flour. After a minute, pour in milk, stirring as it thickens into a luscious sauce.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Shred your cooked chicken and add to the sauce along with the grated cheese. Stir as it melts into gooey perfection. If the sauce is too thick, pour in a little reserved pasta water until it’s just right.

Step 5: Pasta Party!

Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Give everything a gentle toss until every twist and curl is drenched in that creamy, cheesy sauce.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Top with grated parmesan and your favorite fresh herbs. That’s it—you’ve just made a weeknight dinner to remember.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Always save some pasta water. It can thin the sauce and helps it cling to the pasta.
• Slice chicken evenly. This ensures it cooks fast and stays juicy.
• Sauté slowly. Let the vegetables soften gently; it’s worth the extra minute for more flavor.
• Use cheese you love. Cheddar makes the sauce super creamy; parmesan adds the best finish.
• Season all the way. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper—you build flavor in every step.

How to Serve

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is plenty hearty as a meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or crunchy garlic bread for dunking. For a fresh touch, garnish with basil or parsley. Leftovers make a fantastic lunch, too—just reheat and enjoy all over again!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it sits—never a bad thing!

Freezing

Freeze cooled pasta in single-serve containers for up to 2 months. It reheats beautifully in the microwave straight from the freezer or after a night in the fridge.

Reheating

Splash a tiny bit of milk or water in before microwaving or warming gently on the stove to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Any short pasta—penne, farfalle, or even shells—will work just fine. The key is to pick one that catches the sauce.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free flour for the sauce. It turns out just as creamy and delicious.

What vegetable can I add for extra nutrition?
Toss in fresh spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli florets at the end for a boost of color and vitamins.

How do I keep the chicken from drying out?
Slice it thin and don’t overcook—just four minutes per side is plenty. Resting the chicken before shredding helps retain juiciness.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the secret weapon every busy cook needs: fast, flexible, and unforgettably tasty. With its creamy sauce, golden chicken, and that crave-worthy cheesy finish, it promises all the comfort you want with none of the stress. Give it a try—your weeknights (and your taste buds!) will thank you.

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