If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this cheesy chicken pasta is exactly what you need. Creamy, flavorful, and bursting with tender chicken and melted cheese, it brings together simple ingredients in a way that turns an ordinary pasta dinner into something truly special. The rich sauce clings perfectly to each strand of pasta, making every bite a comforting celebration of cheesy goodness. Once you try this cheesy chicken pasta, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals for an easy yet indulgent treat.

cheesy chicken pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a crucial role in building the flavors and textures that make this dish so irresistible. From the perfectly cooked pasta to the blend of spices and creamy cheese, every element comes together effortlessly to create that signature cheesy chicken pasta experience.

250g pasta, uncooked: Choose your favorite shape; al dente cooking is key for the best texture.
2 tablespoons oil: Helps sauté the garlic and chicken to perfection without sticking.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant, savory base that elevates the sauce.
275g chicken, bite-sized pieces: Tender and juicy protein that soaks up all the spices.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste; it’s essential for seasoning both the pasta and chicken.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to balance the creaminess.
1/2 teaspoon red chili powder: Gives a subtle kick without overpowering the dish.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor for a deeper taste.
1 teaspoon paprika: Brings a smoky warmth and beautiful color.
1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds depth and rounds out the seasoning.
1/4 teaspoon oregano: Provides a hint of herbaceous brightness.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Gives the sauce acidity and sweetness to balance the cream.
1 teaspoon chili sauce/sriracha: Adds a touch of tangy heat for complexity.
130ml milk: Creates a silky base for the sauce.
110ml double cream: Brings in indulgent richness and velvety texture.
100g mozzarella cheese + extra for topping: Melts beautifully for that signature cheesy pull.
100-120ml pasta water: Perfect for adjusting sauce consistency and helping it cling to the pasta.

How to Make cheesy chicken pasta

Step 1: Boil the pasta

Start by adding the pasta to a pot filled with cold water, a pinch of salt, and a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente – this means it should still have a slight firmness when you bite into it, which will help it hold up nicely once it gets tossed into the creamy sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the garlic

Warm the oil in a pan over medium heat, then add the freshly minced garlic. Cook it gently for about one minute or until it turns a lovely light golden color. This step infuses the oil with garlic’s aromatic goodness, setting the stage for everything that follows.

Step 3: Cook the chicken

Increase the heat to medium-high and add the bite-sized chicken pieces. Stir frequently as they cook, for about 3 to 4 minutes, until the chicken turns white and is cooked through. This is when the chicken starts soaking up the delicious flavors from the garlic oil.

Step 4: Season the chicken

Add salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano to the chicken. Mix everything thoroughly to make sure each bite is bursting with layered, well-rounded flavors. The seasoning blend is the magic that takes your cheesy chicken pasta from good to unforgettable.

Step 5: Add tomato paste and chili sauce

Stir in the tomato paste and the chili sauce or sriracha, cooking over medium-high heat for about a minute. This adds a tangy sweetness with just the right amount of heat, balancing out the creaminess that’s coming next.

Step 6: Make the creamy sauce

Pour in the milk and double cream gradually, stirring as you go. Keep the heat at medium-high and continue stirring for about one minute until the mixture begins to bubble gently. This silky sauce forms the heart of your cheesy chicken pasta, rich and ready to melt the cheese in the next step.

Step 7: Melt in the cheese

Add the mozzarella cheese and stir gently until it melts completely and becomes part of the sauce. This adds that luscious gooey texture that is absolutely essential for a dreamy cheesy chicken pasta experience.

Step 8: Incorporate pasta water and finish the sauce

Gradually add the reserved pasta water, stirring it into the sauce to loosen it up just enough. Bring the mixture to a boil and keep stirring for about 1.5 minutes. This step helps the sauce cling perfectly to your pasta without feeling heavy or clumpy.

Step 9: Combine pasta and sauce

Finally, add your cooked pasta into the pan and toss it thoroughly to coat every piece in the rich, cheesy sauce. Sprinkle a little extra cheese on top, cover with a lid, and let everything cook together on low heat until the cheese melts on top. Then, it’s ready to serve and enjoy!

How to Serve cheesy chicken pasta

Garnishes

Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or basil add a burst of color and freshness that brighten up the creamy richness of this cheesy chicken pasta. A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper or some red pepper flakes can also add a hint of spice to elevate each forkful.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple with a crunchy side salad featuring mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty loaf is perfect for sopping up every last bit of that glorious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve your cheesy chicken pasta in individual mini cast iron skillets or oven-safe ramekins. Top with some extra cheese and bake briefly under a broiler until golden and bubbly for a restaurant-worthy presentation that looks as good as it tastes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover cheesy chicken pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making leftovers even more delicious!

Freezing

This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Store portions in freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. For best texture, avoid freezing if you plan to add fresh herbs or extra cheese on top.

Reheating

Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring gently and adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating without drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While mozzarella melts beautifully and provides excellent creaminess, you can swap in cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses depending on your preference and what you have on hand.

Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes red chili powder and sriracha but keeps the heat gentle and balanced. You can easily adjust the spice levels by scaling these ingredients up or down to suit your taste.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the chicken with hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers, and follow the rest of the recipe as is for a delicious vegetarian cheesy chicken pasta-inspired meal.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

While any pasta works, shapes that hold sauce well, like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni, are ideal. They catch the creamy sauce in their crevices, making every bite extra satisfying.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming soggy?

Cooking the pasta al dente and tossing it into the sauce right after draining ensures it holds its shape and texture. Adding pasta water gradually also keeps the sauce silky without making it watery.

Final Thoughts

This cheesy chicken pasta is everything you want in a comforting dinner: creamy, cheesy, flavorful, and super satisfying. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but special enough to serve when friends drop by. Give it a try soon, and watch it become one of your all-time favorite dishes to whip up whenever you need a little cozy indulgence.