Cheesy Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Comforting, and Easy to Make
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort meal that’s rich, creamy, and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta is about to become your new favorite dinner. It combines tender, seasoned chicken with perfectly cooked pasta and a velvety cheese sauce that coats every bite. The result? A warm, satisfying dish that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for a busy weeknight.
This creamy chicken pasta recipe strikes the perfect balance between hearty and comforting. It’s family-friendly, budget-friendly, and made with pantry staples you likely already have. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a cozy dinner, this easy chicken pasta dinner checks every box.
Let’s dive into how to make this homemade cheesy pasta from scratch — no fancy ingredients required.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Pasta
There are countless pasta recipes out there, but this one stands out for several reasons:
- Ultra creamy texture without being overly heavy
- Perfectly seasoned chicken for maximum flavor
- Ready in about 40 minutes
- Simple, accessible ingredients
- Easily customizable
This comfort food pasta is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table. The cheese melts into a smooth, luscious sauce that clings to every piece of pasta, while the chicken adds protein and heartiness.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this creamy cheesy chicken pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk (or half-and-half for extra richness)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. Season and Cook the Chicken
Pat the diced chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce Base
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes to create a light roux. This helps thicken the sauce.
4. Add Milk and Cream
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Add heavy cream and continue whisking. Let the mixture simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Melt the Cheese
Lower the heat. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese gradually, allowing each addition to melt fully before adding more. Stir until smooth and creamy.
If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
6. Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss gently to coat every piece with the cheese sauce.
Let everything simmer together for 2–3 minutes so the flavors blend beautifully.
7. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade cheesy pasta masterpiece.
Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Season and cook chicken in olive oil until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- Melt butter, sauté garlic, and whisk in flour to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk and cream. Simmer until thickened.
- Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Add chicken and pasta to sauce. Toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
The Secret to Extra Creamy Chicken Pasta
The magic lies in three key steps:
- Cooking the flour briefly before adding liquid removes the raw taste.
- Adding cheese off direct high heat prevents clumping.
- Using reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce naturally.
These simple techniques elevate your creamy chicken pasta recipe from good to unforgettable.
Best Pasta Types for Cheesy Chicken Pasta
While you can use almost any pasta shape, some work better than others:
- Penne – Holds sauce inside its tubes
- Rotini – Twists trap creamy sauce
- Fettuccine – Perfect for a luxurious feel
- Shells – Catch cheese in every bite
Choose shapes with ridges or curves to maximize sauce coverage.
Variations to Try
This easy chicken pasta dinner is endlessly adaptable. Here are a few delicious twists:
1. Add Vegetables
- Broccoli florets
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
- Sun-dried tomatoes
2. Make It Spicy
Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
3. Use Different Cheeses
Try cheddar, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend for deeper flavor.
4. Make It Baked
Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serving Suggestions
This comfort food pasta pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread
- Simple green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Steamed broccoli
For gatherings, serve it in a large skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Freezing: While possible, cream-based sauces may separate slightly. If freezing, reheat slowly and stir well.
Nutritional Benefits
While indulgent, this homemade cheesy pasta also provides:
- Protein from chicken
- Calcium from cheese
- Energy-boosting carbohydrates from pasta
For a lighter version, use whole wheat pasta and reduce the cheese slightly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Simply shred cooked chicken and add it when combining the pasta and sauce.
Can I make it ahead?
Absolutely. Prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time, then cook fresh pasta before serving.
How do I prevent a grainy sauce?
Keep heat low when melting cheese and avoid pre-shredded cheese with anti-caking agents.
Why This Recipe Works Every Time
The balance of fat (butter and cream), starch (flour and pasta water), and protein (cheese) creates a stable, silky sauce. Cooking the chicken separately ensures it stays juicy and tender, while finishing everything together allows the flavors to blend seamlessly.
It’s comfort food pasta at its finest — rich but not overwhelming, simple yet impressive.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the definition of comfort in a bowl. Creamy, savory, and irresistibly satisfying, it’s the kind of recipe that turns ordinary evenings into something special.
Whether you’re craving a cozy meal, planning a family dinner, or simply want a reliable creamy chicken pasta recipe, this dish delivers every time.
Make it once, and it’s guaranteed to become a regular on your weekly menu.
