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Cheesy Chicken Pasta

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Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish featuring juicy chicken, tender pasta, and a rich cheddar sauce. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or any occasion that calls for comfort food.

  • Author: Tina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

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

Instructions

  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.

Notes

  • 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: 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.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/cheesy-chicken-pasta/