Description
Indulge in the creamy and comforting goodness of Cheesy Chicken Pasta with this easy and delicious recipe. Tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich cheese sauce come together to create a satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta
Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat, then stir in cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Combine and serve: Add cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, stir to coat in the cheese sauce. Cook until heated through. Garnish with parsley and crushed red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Use any short pasta like rotini or fusilli.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
