Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is everything you crave in a pasta dish — creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor! It combines succulent chicken, perfectly cooked penne, and a smooth cheddar sauce, creating a rich and hearty meal that’s both satisfying and lighter than traditional creamy pasta dishes. The addition of Parmesan and Italian seasonings makes the flavors pop, while the optional chili flakes give it just the right amount of heat. Plus, it’s made in one pan, making cleanup a breeze!

Ingredients

• 10 ounces (300 g) penne pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 pound (450 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces

• 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped

• 1 cup (250 ml) chicken stock

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1 ½ cups (375 g) half and half, single cream

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes

• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 cup (125 g) low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded

• ⅓ cup (30 g) Parmesan cheese, grated

• Extra salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it generously, and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1-2 cups of pasta water before draining.

2. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat and melt the butter in it. Add the chicken and cook for 6-7 minutes or until golden on all sides. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

3. In the same pan, add the garlic and cook for one minute on medium heat. Add the chicken stock and bring to a boil.

4. Stir in the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture becomes creamy. Pour in the half and half and whisk well, ensuring there are no lumps. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Add the Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, and black pepper, and stir to combine.

6. Stir in the cheddar cheese and whisk until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

7. Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss well to coat in the sauce. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water to make the sauce silkier.

8. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and toss to combine. Stir in the grated Parmesan, adjust the seasoning to taste, and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Make It Spicy: Add more red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to increase the heat.

• Different Cheese: Swap the low-fat cheddar for mozzarella or a mix of cheeses for a different flavor profile.

• Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

• Use Leftover Chicken: If you have leftover cooked chicken, simply skip the initial cooking step and add the chicken directly to the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a pan over medium heat with a splash of chicken stock or cream to bring back its creamy consistency. You can also microwave it, but stir occasionally to ensure even heating.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, feel free to substitute penne with any other pasta shape, such as rotini, fusilli, or spaghetti.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure the flour is a gluten-free alternative, such as rice flour or cornstarch.

3. Can I use milk instead of half and half?

Yes, you can use whole milk, but the sauce will be slightly less creamy. For a richer taste, you can substitute with heavy cream.

4. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! You can add spinach, peas, broccoli, or bell peppers to this pasta for an added burst of flavor and nutrition.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time. Simply store everything separately in the fridge and combine them when you’re ready to serve.

6. How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, you can let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can add a little extra flour or cornstarch to the sauce and whisk continuously until it thickens.

7. Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze this dish. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding extra liquid if necessary to regain the creamy texture.

8. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Frozen chicken can be used, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. It’s best to cut the chicken into bite-size pieces after thawing for even cooking.

9. Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this dish works well for meal prep. Prepare it in advance and store it in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

10. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, you can replace the chicken with a plant-based protein such as tofu, tempeh, or a variety of roasted vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and packed with juicy chicken and tender pasta. With its rich, velvety sauce and the perfect balance of flavors, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Plus, it’s quick and easy, making it the ideal meal for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. Whip it up, serve it to your loved ones, and enjoy a meal that will satisfy everyone at the table!

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