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cheesy chicken pasta Recipe

cheesy chicken pasta Recipe

4.7 from 29 reviews

A creamy and flavorful cheesy chicken pasta recipe featuring perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a rich garlic, tomato, and cheese sauce. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, aromatic spices, and melted mozzarella for an irresistible meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 250g pasta, uncooked (around 8oz)
  • Salt (for pasta water, to taste)
  • Oil (for pasta water, a little)

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsps oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 275g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (around 9.6 oz)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to your taste)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp oregano

Sauce

  • 2 tbsps tomato paste
  • 1 tsp chilli sauce/sriracha
  • 130ml milk (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp)
  • 110ml double cream (1/4 cup + 3 tbsps)
  • 100g mozzarella cheese (1 cup) + extra to sprinkle on top
  • 100120ml pasta water (around 1/2 cup)

Instructions

  1. Boil Pasta: Add uncooked pasta to a pot filled with cold water, some salt, and a little oil. Cook the pasta until al dente, meaning it should be slightly firm to the bite and not overcooked, so it maintains texture when added to the sauce.
  2. Cook Garlic: In a pan, warm 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until the garlic turns a light golden color and releases its aroma.
  3. Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized pieces of chicken to the pan with the garlic. Cook over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently until the chicken pieces turn white and are mostly cooked through.
  4. Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Stir well to evenly coat the chicken with the spices and enhance the flavor.
  5. Add Tomato Paste and Chilli Sauce: Mix in the tomato paste and 1 teaspoon of chilli sauce or sriracha. Cook over medium-high heat for about 1 minute to deepen the sauce’s flavor.
  6. Make the Sauce: Slowly pour in the milk and double cream, stirring continuously. Cook over medium-high heat for about 1 minute until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken slightly.
  7. Add Cheese: Incorporate the mozzarella cheese into the sauce. Gently stir until the cheese has melted completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  8. Add Pasta Water: Gradually add 100 to 120 ml of reserved pasta water into the sauce, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil and keep stirring for approximately 1.5 minutes to achieve a perfect sauce consistency.
  9. Add Pasta: Add the cooked pasta into the sauce, making sure each piece is fully coated. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top of the pasta, cover the pan with a lid, and let it cook over low heat until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  10. Serve: Once the cheese has melted, remove from heat and serve immediately while hot. Enjoy your creamy cheesy chicken pasta!

Notes

  • Use pasta water to adjust the thickness of the sauce for the perfect creamy consistency.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and chilli levels, to suit your preference.
  • For a healthier twist, substitute double cream with half-and-half or use low-fat milk.
  • Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase nutrition and flavor.
  • Leftover pasta can be refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, mozzarella pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, quick dinner, comfort food