Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Introduction

Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a true comfort food classic—a creamy, satisfying dish where tender chicken meets perfectly cooked pasta, all blanketed in a rich, gooey cheese sauce. It’s quick enough for weeknights and decadent enough for guests, making it a versatile meal that pleases everyone at the table.

The magic of this recipe is in its silky, melty sauce paired with savory chicken and a hint of garlic. You can customize it with your favorite add-ins, too, like spinach, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes. One pan, some pantry staples, and less than 40 minutes stand between you and a crowd-pleaser the whole family will love.

What Makes Cheesy Chicken Pasta Irresistible

The irresistibility of Cheesy Chicken Pasta boils down to its combination of hearty protein, al dente pasta, and ample cheese—all in every bite. The creamy sauce clings to every noodle, while bites of chicken add texture and big flavor. Freshly grated cheese creates a melt-in-your-mouth finish that elevates this dinner from simple to unforgettable.

How to Prep the Chicken and Veggies

Efficient chopping is essential for getting dinner on the table quickly. Use a Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper for speedy, uniform onions or peppers. For chicken, a set of Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen ensures clean prep and easy transfers.

If you like shredded chicken in your pasta, try using a Chicken Shredder Tool Twist for Kitchen to make shredding effortless and even.

Making Creamy Cheese Sauce

A successful cheese sauce starts with a smooth blend. Add cream cheese and shredded cheddar slowly over low heat to get a silky texture. For the ultimate melt, freshly grate your own cheese and briefly whisk the mixture in a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender—just a few seconds will do the trick and guarantee a lump-free sauce.

One-Pan Assembly for Quick, Comforting Dinner

Use a heavy-duty skillet like the SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet, 9.5 Inch for even heat distribution and effortless cleanup. After browning the chicken and sauteing aromatics, simply add cooked pasta, pour over the cheese sauce, and toss together gently.

Serving, Storing, and Reheating Cheesy Chicken Pasta

For weeknight convenience, portion leftovers into Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers—they keep the pasta fresh and make for easy reheating in the microwave. Pair the dish with a green salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

The recipe yields about 4 generous servings. Each bowl—assuming not too many cheesy add-ins—packs approximately 550–600 calories, delivering balanced carbs, protein, and calcium-rich cheese. It’s comforting, filling, and surprisingly simple!

Cheesy Chicken Pasta: A Comfort Classic (Recap)

This dish combines the everyday appeal of cheesy, creamy pasta with hearty chicken in an easy, weeknight-friendly package. It’s endlessly adaptable and always crowd-pleasing. Prep, cook, and enjoy—comfort food doesn’t get better than this!

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a SENSARTE Nonstick Frying Pan Skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with paprika, salt, and pepper, and sauté until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add diced onion and bell pepper (if using) and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
4. Reduce the heat to low. Add cream cheese, heavy cream, and chicken broth; whisk until smooth and bubbling. Stir in shredded cheddar a handful at a time, whisking until fully melted.
5. Return the cooked chicken to the pan and fold in the drained pasta. Toss until everything is well-coated with sauce.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Sprinkle with extra cheddar, cover, and let sit for 1 minute for a melty cheese topping.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes