Description
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish loaded with tender chicken, gooey melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce. A quick and easy dinner perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly meal will be a hit at the table!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- For the Pasta & Cheese Sauce:
- 10 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Garnish (Optional):
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup crispy bacon bits (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken pieces, season with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Cook for about 5-6 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Make the Cheesy Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
- Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking continuously.
- Gradually pour in milk and chicken broth, whisking to remove lumps.
- Bring to a simmer, then add cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine & Serve:
- Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and crispy bacon bits if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Use grilled chicken instead of pan-fried for a lighter version.
- Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Can be made gluten-free by using GF pasta and flour alternatives.
- Details
Nutrition
- Calories: ~650 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
