Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course / Dinner
Cuisine: American Comfort Food

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Introduction

When you think of the ultimate comfort food, Cheesy Chicken Pasta is likely at the top of the list. Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken and gooey melted cheese, this one-pan dish is everything you crave after a long day.

This recipe takes the classic combination of pasta and cheese and elevates it with juicy, seasoned chicken breast and a rich, velvety sauce that clings to every noodle. It’s easy to prepare, family-friendly, and perfect for weeknights when you want something warm, filling, and satisfying — without spending hours in the kitchen.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta is guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it’s a great way to use leftover chicken or cooked rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.

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Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces pasta (penne, rotini, or fusilli work best)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

For the Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk (whole milk or half-and-half for extra creaminess)

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

Optional Add-Ins

• 1 cup baby spinach or chopped broccoli (for veggies)

• ½ cup cooked bacon bits

• Red pepper flakes (for a little kick)

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Equipment

• Large pot

• Large skillet or sauté pan

• Whisk

• Wooden spoon or spatula

• Colander

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Directions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.

Drain, drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

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Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon olive oil.

Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then add them to the pan in a single layer.

Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).

Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

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Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce

Reduce heat to medium, then add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux — this will help thicken the sauce.

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue whisking for 3–4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.

Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.

Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.

If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of milk until it reaches your desired consistency.

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Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta.

Toss everything together until well coated in the creamy cheese sauce.

If you’re adding vegetables (like spinach or broccoli), stir them in now and cook for another 2–3 minutes until the greens wilt and the sauce bubbles gently.

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Step 5: Serve

Remove from heat and let the pasta rest for 2 minutes — this allows the sauce to cling to the noodles perfectly.

Serve hot, topped with extra shredded cheese or a sprinkle of parsley for garnish.

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Serving Suggestions

• Family Dinner: Serve with garlic bread and a green salad.

• Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat.

• Baked Version: Transfer the pasta to a casserole dish, sprinkle with more cheese, and broil for 3–5 minutes for a bubbly golden top.

• Meal Prep: Divide into containers for quick lunches — it reheats beautifully!

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Tips for Perfect Cheesy Chicken Pasta

1. Don’t overcook the pasta. It will continue to cook slightly in the sauce, so aim for firm al dente texture.

2. Use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.

3. Flavor the sauce. Add a touch of garlic or onion powder for depth, or stir in roasted garlic for an elevated flavor.

4. Balance the richness. A squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of parsley brightens up the dish.

5. One-pan option: Cook the pasta directly in the sauce with 2 extra cups of broth for a quick, easy clean-up meal.

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Time & Intensity Breakdown

Total Time: ~40 minutes
Overall Intensity: Easy

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months.

• Reheat: Warm in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess, or microwave for 1–2 minutes.

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Nutrition Information (per serving)

Values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

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Why You’ll Love This Dish

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta hits all the right notes — it’s creamy, cheesy, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. The combination of melted cheddar and mozzarella gives it a stretchy, gooey texture that coats each piece of pasta, while the chicken adds protein and heartiness to make it a complete meal.

It’s a crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will devour, and it’s versatile enough to adapt to your tastes — add veggies for balance, bacon for smokiness, or swap the cheeses to make it your own.

The best part? It’s a one-pan wonder that turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal in under an hour.

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Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something warm, cheesy, and deeply comforting, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta delivers every single time. It’s a family favorite that strikes the perfect balance between creamy and savory, making it a timeless dish you’ll want to cook again and again.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a Sunday comfort meal, this pasta proves that sometimes, the simplest recipes bring the most joy. So grab your skillet, melt that cheese, and dig into a bowl of pure comfort — you’ve earned it!