Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that truly delivers on flavor, comfort, and ease, you absolutely need to try this Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta. Imagine juicy bites of chicken swirled together with a velvety, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta—pure cozy, weeknight-friendly magic in every bite!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta lies in its accessible, pantry-friendly lineup—yet every ingredient brings something special to the table. It’s all about balance: tender chicken, savory cheese, aromatic garlic, and just the right hit of spice and creaminess to tie it all together.

• Pasta (250g): Choose your favorite shape—penne, fusilli, or rotini all work beautifully and hold onto the sauce.
• Oil (2 tbsps): A neutral oil like canola or sunflower helps sauté the garlic and chicken without overpowering flavors.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic brings the essential aromatic punch and depth that makes this dish irresistible.
• Chicken (275g, bite-sized pieces): Boneless, skinless chicken breast stays juicy and soaks up the savory spices and sauce.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Start with 1/2 tsp each, adjusting for flavor—these basics quietly elevate every other ingredient.
• Red Chilli Powder (1/2 tsp): A touch of heat to balance the creaminess, but feel free to adjust for your spice comfort level.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Doubles down on savory flavor and rounds out the sauce.
• Paprika (1 tsp): Brings color and mild smokiness—try smoked paprika for extra depth!
• Onion Powder (1/2 tsp): Adds a hint of sweetness and more dimension to the overall dish.
• Oregano (1/4 tsp): A little herbaceous note—swap for Italian seasoning if you don’t have oregano.
• Tomato Paste (2 tbsps): Adds color, umami, and balances creaminess with a subtle tang.
• Sriracha/Chilli Sauce (1 tsp): A little goes a long way—this is where you can dial up or down the heat.
• Milk (130ml): Loosens the sauce and keeps it light and pourable.
• Double Cream (110ml): Adds pure silkiness and extra richness to the pasta sauce.
• Mozzarella Cheese (100g + extra to sprinkle): Melts gorgeously and creates that classic cheese pull!
• Pasta Water (100-120ml): Don’t skip this—starchy pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and adds body.

Variations

The best part about Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta? It’s endlessly customizable. Whether you’re working around dietary needs or simply craving a new twist, you can easily adapt this dish to suit your mood or whatever you have in the fridge!

• Veggie-Loaded: Stir in a handful of baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted peppers for extra color and nutrients.
• Spicy Lovers: Go bold! Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or use a spicier hot sauce for more kick.
• Lighter Version: Swap double cream for half-and-half, or use light cream cheese for a lower-calorie sauce that’s still super satisfying.
• Cheese Swap: Try a blend—cheddar, parmesan, or even a touch of goat cheese for tangy depth—mix and match to your heart’s content.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your tomato paste and spices are certified gluten-free.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add your favorite pasta shape, and cook until al dente. You want the pasta just firm enough to hold its shape—remember, it’ll finish cooking right in the sauce! Reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Chicken

In a large pan, heat oil over medium. Add the minced garlic, letting it turn lightly golden and fragrant—watch closely so it doesn’t burn! Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring frequently, until they’re opaque and just cooked through, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Season Up

Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Toss everything together so the chicken is evenly coated in all those savory spices, letting the aromas come to life.

Step 4: Sweet & Spicy Tomato Base

Add the tomato paste and sriracha or chili sauce straight into the pan. Sauté for about a minute, stirring well—this lets the tomato caramelize slightly and wakes up all that zesty flavor.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium, then gradually pour in the milk and double cream. Keep stirring as the sauce bubbles; within a minute, it will start thickening and looking ultra-luxurious—exactly what creamy cheesy chicken pasta dreams are made of.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Tip in the mozzarella cheese and gently stir until it has fully melted into the sauce. You’ll get that beautiful cheesy stretch and a sauce that hugs every bite.

Step 7: Emulsify & Finish the Sauce

Begin adding reserved pasta water little by little, stirring constantly. The pasta water helps the sauce become glossy and cling perfectly to each piece of pasta, so add enough until you reach your desired consistency—somewhere between thick and pourable.

Step 8: Toss It All Together

Add the drained, cooked pasta straight into the pan. Toss to coat every nook and cranny with the lush sauce. Sprinkle a little extra mozzarella over the top, cover, and let it sit on low heat just until the cheese melts. Serve piping hot, and get ready for pure comfort food bliss!

How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way! Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the finished Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta for a burst of color and freshness. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper and a grating of parmesan will make this feel straight out of a cozy trattoria.

Side Dishes

Pair this creamy, cheesy delight with warm garlic bread for sauce-mopping, or serve alongside a crisp green salad tossed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus make a fantastic, colorful side as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special touch, try serving Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta in individual oven-safe dishes, topped with more mozzarella, and give them a quick broil for a golden, bubbling crust. Or, heap it into a big serving bowl “family style” for an irresistibly inviting meal centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken, but it keeps its flavor and comforting vibe beautifully!

Freezing

Creamy sauces don’t always love the freezer, but you can freeze Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta if needed. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating, and add a splash of milk or cream to revive the texture.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a tablespoon or two of milk or pasta water to keep the sauce creamy and smooth. Stir frequently and heat just until warmed through—this helps prevent the cheese sauce from breaking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Nothing says “comfort food” quite like a big, bubbling pan of Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta. I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your table as it does to mine—don’t be surprised if it becomes a new weeknight favorite. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of cheesy, garlicky goodness!

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