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+ servings
CREAMY CHEESY CHICKEN PASTA

Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta That Will Melt Your Heart

A comforting and customizable meal that combines tender chicken with a luscious cheesy sauce, perfect for quick dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil For searing chicken
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder Optional
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Optional for a smoky twist
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
  • 2 cloves minced garlic Freshly minced
For the Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour Or cornstarch for gluten-free
  • 1 cup milk Half-and-half can be used for indulgence
  • 1 cup chicken broth Can be substituted with vegetable broth
  • 8 ounces cream cheese Ricotta can be used as a substitute
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese Or Gruyere or provolone
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese Any melting cheese can be used
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Nutritional yeast is a vegan alternative
For Garnish
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley Chopped

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • large pot

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Season the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl. Drizzle olive oil over the chicken, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss until well coated.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the skillet over medium heat and add the seasoned chicken. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  3. Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente. Drain the pasta.
  4. Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, lower the heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Create the Sauce Base: Whisk in flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes. Gradually pour in milk and chicken broth while whisking. Cook until it simmers and thickens.
  6. Add the Creaminess: Reduce heat and add cream cheese along with Italian seasoning. Stir until cream cheese is melted.
  7. Melt the Cheeses: Fold in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until melted and sauce is creamy.
  8. Combine the Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta into the sauce. Toss gently until everything is coated. Adjust consistency if needed.
  9. Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta and garnish with parsley. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 65gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 800IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 500mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For richer flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth. Add veggies like spinach or broccoli for more nutrition.

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