Creamy Chicken and Cheese Pasta
Description
This rich and comforting creamy chicken and cheese pasta is a family favorite. Tender chicken breast chunks are seared and tossed with a luscious garlic-parmesan cream sauce, then mixed with your favorite pasta. It’s cheesy, hearty, and ready in under 40 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend indulgence.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the pasta:
300g (10.5 oz) penne or fettuccine
Water and salt (for boiling)
For the chicken:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500g total)
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp olive oil
For the creamy sauce:
2 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 cups (480ml) whole milk (or half-and-half)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: chopped parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Prepare the Chicken:
Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized cubes.
Season with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and olive.oil
Add chicken and cook until golden and fully cooked (about 5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
Make the Cream Sauce:
In the same skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Slowly whisk in milk and cream. Let simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Stir in parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine:
Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the pasta and toss to combine.
If sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen.
Cook for 1–2 more minutes until everything is hot and well coated.
Serve:
Garnish with chopped parsley or basil.
Serve immediately with extra cheese, if desired.
Cooking Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 680 kcal
Protein 45g
Carbohydrates 48g
Fat 32g
Saturated Fat 15g
Fiber 2g
Sugar 4g
Sodium 640mg
Calcium 300mg
Values may vary depending on exact ingredients used.
Common Questions & Answers
Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken?
A: Yes! Just shred or cube it and add it when mixing with the sauce.
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Absolutely. Use gluten-free pasta and a GF flour alternative for the roux, like rice flour or cornstarch.
Q: Can I substitute the cheese?
A: You can use cheddar, gouda, or a blend—just avoid overly oily cheeses.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Not recommended—the
sauce may separate when thawed. Fresh is best.
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