There are few things more comforting than a bubbling skillet of pasta loaded with golden, tender chicken and an ultra-creamy cheese sauce. That’s exactly what you get with this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe—a dish that brings together rich flavor, gooey cheese, and savory bites of chicken for a family-friendly meal everyone will crave. Every twirl of pasta is coated in a glossy blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, all mingling perfectly with seasoned chicken and just a hint of gentle heat. This recipe can go from weeknight dinner hero to potluck superstar, and the best part? It’s ready in just over half an hour and tastes like a labor of love.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is that it calls for simple ingredients that you might already have on hand, yet they come together to create something extraordinary. Each element plays a key role in building layers of flavor—don’t be tempted to skip anything!

Penne pasta: Holds plenty of creamy cheese sauce in its ridges and tubes for maximum cheesy goodness.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cooks up juicy and tender, perfect for absorbing all those savory seasonings.
Olive oil: Adds flavor and ensures the chicken browns beautifully without sticking.
Garlic: Delivers aromatic depth and that unmistakable swoon-worthy scent while cooking.
Salt: Essential for bringing out all the other flavors in the dish.
Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and balances the richness of the cheese.
Paprika: Gives a warm color and subtle smoky flavor to the chicken.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into a bold, tangy cheese sauce.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Brings that stretchy, gooey factor that makes the pasta so satisfying.
Milk: The base of the sauce, making it silky and luxurious.
All-purpose flour: Forms the roux that helps thicken the cheese sauce.
Butter: Adds richness and helps the sauce come together smoothly.
Grated Parmesan cheese: A nutty, salty finish that amps up the umami flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): Offers a hint of gentle heat for spice lovers.
Chopped fresh parsley: Brightens the whole dish and adds a pop of color right before serving.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your penne pasta. Cook until just al dente, following the package instructions—usually about 10-11 minutes. You want the pasta with a slight bite, as it will continue cooking when combined with the sauce later. Once done, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook for 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and completely cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a clean plate—you’ll add it back soon.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Make Roux

In the same skillet (so you keep all those delicious browned bits!), melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle for about a minute, just until fragrant. Stir in the flour, whisking constantly to create a smooth roux. This is your secret to a thick, luscious sauce later on.

Step 4: Create the Cheese Sauce

Slowly pour in your milk, whisking constantly as you scrape up anything left on the bottom of the skillet. Keep whisking for about 4-5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken—patience pays off here! Reduce the heat to low and add your shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until all the cheese melts into a silky, decadent sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now for the best part: Add your cooked chicken and drained pasta right into that glorious cheese sauce. Give everything a good stir to ensure each morsel is coated in cheesy perfection. Let it simmer together for 2-3 minutes so all the flavors meld beautifully and the pasta soaks up a bit more of the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and shower your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe with fresh parsley and, if you crave a little extra kick, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes. Serve it up immediately while the cheese is still bubbling and gooey.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A final flourish of freshly chopped parsley brightens up the dish, making the colors pop and adding a hint of herbal aroma. Extra Parmesan sprinkled over the top invites everyone to dig in, while a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can awaken the cheesy pasta with just the right amount of pizzazz.

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is a true one-bowl wonder, but it shines alongside a zippy side salad, roasted or steamed broccoli, or warm garlic bread to mop up every last drop of sauce. A simple green bean or asparagus side also provides a crisp contrast to the creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For fun family meals, serve the pasta straight from the skillet, or scoop it into individual ramekins for a cozy, personal touch. If you’re entertaining, arrange the cheesy pasta in a large, shallow serving platter and top with an extra scatter of herbs and cheese for a feast-worthy presentation. For a colorful twist, toss in a handful of fresh cherry tomatoes or baby spinach before serving.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen beautifully overnight, and leftovers are perfect for easy lunches or fuss-free dinners the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes quite well, making it a lifesaver for busy weeks. Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works too—just cover and heat in short intervals, stirring in between to keep the cheese sauce smooth and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Short pasta shapes like rotini, fusilli, or even shells work perfectly in this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe. Just aim for a noodle that holds sauce well.

What’s the best cheese combination for extra gooeyness?

A blend of cheddar and mozzarella gives you the perfect balance of flavor and melt, while a touch of Parmesan brings bold, nutty richness. Feel free to experiment with Monterey Jack, provolone, or Gruyère for your own twist.

How can I make this recipe a bit healthier?

You can lighten things up by using reduced-fat cheese and milk, or throw in extra veggies like steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas. Whole wheat pasta is a great swap too, without sacrificing heartiness.

Can I use cooked or rotisserie chicken?

Definitely! Shredded rotisserie chicken makes this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe even quicker—just skip the searing step and add the chicken directly to the sauce before mixing in the pasta.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s a guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike! If you’re serving little ones, just leave out the red pepper flakes. The cheesy flavor and creamy texture are always popular at the family table.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is comfort food at its best—warm, satisfying, and brimming with flavor in every bite. I truly hope your family loves it as much as mine does. Don’t wait for a special occasion to make it; treat yourself to a bowlful of cheesy goodness tonight!

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy and comforting goodness of Cheesy Chicken Pasta with this easy and delicious recipe. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich cheese sauce come together to create a satisfying meal the whole family will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta

Chicken:

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat, then stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
Combine and serve: Add cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, stir to coat in the cheese sauce. Cook until heated through. Garnish with parsley and crushed red pepper flakes. Serve hot.