This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is everything you want in a comforting meal: tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety cheese sauce that clings to every bite. It’s quick, simple, and completely irresistible—ideal for busy weeknights, fall-inspired cozy dinners, or when you’re craving something cheesy and satisfying.
Whether you need a cheesy lunch idea, a reliable go-to dinner, or a comforting pasta bowl to warm you up, this recipe delivers every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Creamy, cheesy, and ultra comforting
• Ready in under 30 minutes
• Kid-friendly and adult-approved
• Great for meal prep or leftovers
• Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients
• Easy to customize with veggies or different cheeses
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
• 1 lb boneless chicken breast or chicken tenders, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup milk or cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar or mozzarella
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sauté until golden and fully cooked. - Add Aromatics:
Add onions and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant. - Build the Sauce:
Pour in chicken broth and milk. Bring to a gentle simmer. - Make it Cheesy:
Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and creamy. - Combine:
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the cheesy sauce. - Serve:
Garnish with parsley and enjoy warm.
Variations
• Add broccoli, spinach, or peas
• Use spicy cheese for extra heat
• Swap chicken for turkey or rotisserie chicken
• Make it smoky with smoked paprika or bacon bits
• Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra richness
FAQs
Can I use leftover chicken?
Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly.
Can I make it lighter?
Use low-fat milk and reduce cheese slightly.
Does it reheat well?
Yes—reheat with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Nutrition Summary
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Sugar | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 serving | 540 | 32g | 48g | 22g | 4g | 3g |
Nutrition values are approximate.
