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–+ servings
cheesy chicken pasta

Easiest Cheesy Chicken Pasta for Cozy Weeknight Dinners

This cheesy chicken pasta is a comforting classic, perfect for quick weeknight dinners and customizable to your taste.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 500
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces pasta shells Substitute with any preferred pasta shape for variety.
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oil Neutral oils or olive oil work best.
  • 2 cloves garlic Freshly minced for flavor.
  • 1 pound boneless chicken Can swap with thighs or shredded rotisserie chicken.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder Part of seasoning blend.
  • 1 teaspoon red chili powder Part of seasoning blend.
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper Part of seasoning blend.
  • 1 teaspoon salt Part of seasoning blend.
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder Part of seasoning blend.
  • 1 teaspoon paprika Part of seasoning blend.
  • 1 teaspoon oregano Part of seasoning blend.
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste Adds color and depth.
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha Optional for spice.
  • 1 cup milk Lightens the sauce base.
  • 1 cup double cream Or heavy cream for richness.
For the Cheese
  • 1-2 cups cheese Mozzarella recommended; mix different cheeses for variety.
To Finish
  • 1 cup pasta water Reserve some for adjusting sauce.

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • large skillet
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water, then add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about a cup of pasta water.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil and heat for about 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  3. Add the boneless chicken pieces into the skillet, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  4. Add the seasoning blend and stir in the tomato paste and sriracha, cooking for an additional minute.
  5. Pour in milk and double cream, stirring continuously until bubbling, about 3-4 minutes.
  6. Add cheese and mix until fully melted, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Slowly pour in reserved pasta water while stirring until desired sauce consistency is achieved.
  8. Add cooked pasta shells to the skillet, tossing gently to coat in the sauce.
  9. Transfer to serving plates, sprinkle extra cheese on top if desired, and garnish with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 3gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

For an even richer sauce, use all heavy cream instead of mixing with milk. Adjust seasoning as necessary after combining pasta and sauce.

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