Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

If you’ve been dreaming of a dish that wraps tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious blanket of melted cheese into every bite, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is your new best friend. It’s comfort food elevated with fresh herbs and creamy richness, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing loved ones without breaking a sweat. Every forkful sings with the harmony of gooey mozzarella, sharp Parmesan, and that punch of Italian seasoning that makes this meal unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple pantry staples that come together to create layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color that make this dish truly special. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s the creamy cheeses, the fresh spinach, or the perfectly cooked chicken.

• Olive oil: Essential for a golden sear on the chicken and a flavorful base for the garlic sauté.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and easy eating.
• Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that amplify all other flavors.
• Garlic cloves: Minced to release a fragrant aroma that sets the stage for the dish.
• Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that gives the dish an authentic Italian touch.
• Penne pasta: Holds sauce beautifully and provides a satisfying bite.
• Chicken broth: Adds depth and moisture, enhancing the pasta’s flavor as it cooks.
• Heavy cream: Creates a rich, velvety sauce that ties everything together.
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts perfectly for that gooey, stretchy texture we all crave.
• Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty kick that balances the creamy base.
• Fresh spinach leaves (optional): A pop of color and a boost of nutrition with a mild, fresh flavor.
• Chopped fresh parsley: For a bright, herbaceous garnish that lifts the whole dish.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your bite-sized chicken pieces, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook them until they’re nicely browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial for building a flavorful base and ensuring the chicken stays juicy and tender. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside so you can continue with the sauce and pasta in the same skillet.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

Using the leftover oil and fond in the skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it becomes fragrant and golden. This quick step infuses your dish with that irresistible savory aroma that will have everyone’s taste buds waking up. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta with Seasoning

Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and stir it together with the garlic. Add the uncooked penne pasta and pour in the chicken broth, then bring it all to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Let the pasta cook gently for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s tender and has absorbed the flavorful broth. This method makes the pasta incredibly tender and infused with delicious herbs and broth without needing to boil a separate pot of water.

Step 4: Add the Cream and Simmer

Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer again. This step transforms the broth into a creamy sauce that’s luxurious without being heavy, creating the perfect base for the cheeses.

Step 5: Combine with Chicken and Cheeses

Now it’s time to bring everything together—stir in your cooked chicken pieces, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything thoroughly until the cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, coating every bit of pasta and chicken with rich, gooey goodness.

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach

If you’re adding fresh spinach leaves, toss them in now and cook for just another minute or so until they’re wilted but still vibrant. This not only adds a lovely burst of color but also a delicate freshness that balances the richness of the dish perfectly.

Step 7: Let It Rest and Garnish

Remove the skillet from heat and allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes. This resting time helps the sauce thicken slightly and all the flavors marry together beautifully. Just before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a final touch of brightness and an inviting presentation.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Adding chopped fresh parsley is a classic choice that adds a pop of green and a subtle peppery flavor. For an extra treat, sprinkle with a little extra grated Parmesan or some crushed red pepper flakes if you want a kick of heat. Freshly ground black pepper on top enhances all the savory layers too.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad or some roasted vegetables adds wonderful texture contrast and balance. Garlic bread or crusty French bread are perfect companions to soak up every bit of that creamy sauce. A light white wine or sparkling water with lemon can elevate the meal even more.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the cheesy chicken pasta in mini cast-iron skillets or individual ramekins to make it feel extra special for guests. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of infused olive oil on top for an unexpected flair. Layering it in a clear glass dish shows off the noodles and greens invitingly, making it almost too pretty to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cheesy chicken pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool it completely before sealing to maintain the creamy texture and prevent sogginess. When refrigerated properly, the flavors deepen and meld, making leftovers just as enjoyable.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully, which is a total bonus for busy weeknights. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion. It freezes well for up to 2 months. To avoid separation or texture changes, it’s best to freeze before adding any fresh greens like spinach—add those fresh when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of milk or broth to revive that creamy sauce. Stir continuously to prevent sticking or clumping. You can also reheat in the microwave, stirring every minute or so, but stovetop reheating tends to preserve the best texture. Add fresh spinach during reheating to refresh the greens.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully to hold the sauce, you can substitute with fusilli, rotini, or even farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on the pasta shape and thickness.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Yes! You can swap heavy cream for half-and-half or a light cream to reduce fat content, and use part-skim mozzarella. Adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers can also boost the nutritional value without sacrificing flavor.

Can I prepare this dish without fresh spinach?

Definitely. The fresh spinach is optional and mainly adds color and a fresh note. If you don’t have it on hand, the dish will still taste fantastic without it.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?

No worries! You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water, although chicken broth adds more depth of flavor. If using plain water, consider adding a bouillon cube or extra seasoning to keep the taste rich.

Can this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, just swap the penne pasta for a gluten-free variety. Most gluten-free pastas work well in this recipe, but be sure to check the cooking time since they can vary.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about a meal that feels both indulgent and homey, and this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe does exactly that. It’s straightforward enough to whip up on a busy night but impressive enough to serve to family and friends. Once you try it, I’m confident it will become a staple in your recipe rotation—comfort food that feels like a big, warm hug on a plate.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting one-pan dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Tender bite-sized chicken pieces are sautéed and combined with penne pasta cooked in flavorful chicken broth, then simmered with heavy cream and generous amounts of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition, while fresh parsley provides a bright garnish. Ready in just 45 minutes, this hearty Italian-inspired meal is creamy, cheesy, and sure to become a family favorite.

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Ingredients

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Protein & Dairy

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables & Herbs

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Pantry

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups chicken broth

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Instructions

1. Cook the chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
2. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
3. Cook the pasta: Stir in the Italian seasoning and the uncooked penne pasta. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to simmer and cover the skillet. Let the pasta cook for about 10-12 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Add heavy cream: Once the pasta is cooked, add the heavy cream to the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine.
5. Combine chicken and cheese: Stir in the cooked chicken pieces, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until the cheeses melt and the sauce is creamy and well combined.
6. Add spinach: If using, add the fresh spinach leaves and cook for an additional minute or until the spinach is wilted.
7. Finish and serve: Remove the skillet from heat and let the pasta sit for a few minutes to thicken. Garnish with the chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
• For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Spinach is optional but adds color and nutrients; you can substitute with kale or arugula.
• Feel free to add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian