Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, look no further than this Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta! It’s the kind of dish that wraps you in a hug: luscious, velvety sauce, juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and melty mozzarella – all in one pan. It’s my top pick when I need something easy, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely delicious.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The heart of any great Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta is fresh, quality ingredients. Each element – from the silky double cream to the gooey mozzarella and fragrant spices – plays a role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color in every forkful.

• Pasta (250g, uncooked): Go with penne, fusilli, or any shape that hugs all that creamy sauce.
• Oil (2 tbsps): Helps sauté the garlic and chicken for flavor-infused bites.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Freshly minced garlic creates an aromatic, savory foundation for the sauce.
• Chicken (275g, bite-sized pieces): Tender, juicy chicken soaks up all the delicious spices and sauce.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Enhances and balances the flavors – season to your liking!
• Red Chilli Powder: Adds a gentle, warming heat – or make it bold for extra spice.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Onion Powder, Oregano: Each layer brings earthy, smoky, and herby undertones to your dish.
• Tomato Paste (2 tbsps): Deepens the color and provides a subtle tanginess that brightens the sauce.
• Sriracha or Chilli Sauce (1 tsp): For an exciting hit of flavor and spice.
• Milk (130ml): Loosens the sauce and makes it velvety, without making it heavy.
• Double Cream (110ml): This is the secret to supreme creaminess and luxurious texture.
• Mozzarella Cheese (100g, plus extra): Melts into long, cheesy strands that make every bite irresistible.
• Pasta Water (100-120ml): The starch in reserved pasta water helps emulsify and thicken the sauce perfectly, so don’t skip it!

Variations

One of the joys of Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta is how easily it can be tailored to your fridge and cravings. Mix and match flavors or swap in your favorite proteins, veggies, or dairy – this dish is all about making it your own!

• Swap the Protein: Try diced turkey, ham, or even shrimp in place of chicken for a tasty twist.
• Veggie Boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers to load up on color, flavor, and nutrition.
• Different Cheeses: Blend parmesan or cheddar with mozzarella for a signature flavor and extra cheesiness.
• Lighter Cream: Substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk if you’re looking for a slightly lighter but still creamy result.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly feast.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Begin by bringing a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta with a drizzle of oil and cook until al dente – tender but with a bite. This prevents the noodles from becoming mushy after mixing with the creamy sauce. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of pasta water before draining!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

While the pasta cooks, heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for a minute until it turns fragrant and lightly golden. This step sets up a beautiful flavor base that brings the whole dish together.

Step 3: Cook Chicken Pieces

Add the chicken pieces to the pan, cooking over medium-high heat. Stir regularly for around 3–4 minutes, making sure the chicken turns white on the outside – that’s your signal it’s cooked through and perfectly juicy.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

Time for pizzazz! Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Toss everything together, letting the chicken soak up all those rich, aromatic spices.

Step 5: Tomato Paste & Sriracha Next

Stir in the tomato paste and a splash of sriracha or chili sauce. Let it all cook for about a minute, bringing out a tantalizing tomato depth and mild heat—it smells incredible at this stage!

Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat just a notch and gradually pour in the milk and double cream, stirring continuously. Let the mixture bubble gently for about a minute so it becomes rich, dreamy, and coats the spoon.

Step 7: Add Mozzarella

Toss in the mozzarella and keep stirring until it melts completely into the sauce. This is where Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta really earns its name – the cheese will turn your sauce into a gooey, glossy blanket.

Step 8: Blend in Pasta Water & Combine

Gradually mix in as much reserved pasta water as you need for your preferred sauce thickness (start with about half a cup). Bring to a gentle boil while stirring – you’ll see the sauce become gloriously silky and thick.

Step 9: Add Pasta & Finish

Add your drained pasta right into the sauce. Stir well so every piece is smothered. Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top, cover with a lid, and let it melt for a few moments over low heat. The result? Irresistibly cheesy, creamy, and ready to devour!

How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

The finishing touch for Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a simple shower of freshly chopped parsley or basil. It adds a pop of color and a fresh, herby lift. For extra flair, a small sprinkle of grated parmesan or a crack of black pepper looks beautiful and tastes fantastic.

Side Dishes

This decadent pasta pairs perfectly with warm garlic bread or crusty baguette for scooping up every last bit of sauce. For balance, I love serving a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus on the side. A cool, lemony cucumber salad also works wonders to cut through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve your pasta in individual ovenproof ramekins with a cheesy top broiled until bubbly for homemade “pasta bake” vibes. Or, pile it high in a big serving bowl, swirling the pasta for a dramatic “cheese pull” moment right at the table. It’s a guaranteed show-stopper!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit, but it’ll still be delicious when reheated.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta, but keep in mind that creamy sauces can sometimes separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, pack portions tightly and let them thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the pasta in a pan or microwave-safe bowl with a splash of milk or water. Warm gently – stirring often – until the sauce regains its creaminess. Add an extra sprinkle of mozzarella for that fresh cheese-pull effect!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If your idea of happiness is a big bowl of Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta, you’re in for a real treat. This recipe is as comforting as it is crowd-pleasing, and perfect for busy weeknights or sharing with loved ones. I hope you make it soon and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, flavor-packed bite!

Print