Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying dinner? This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the perfect dish! Packed with tender chicken, a rich and creamy cheese sauce, and your favorite pasta, this meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a hungry crowd. It’s easy to make and customizable with different vegetables, cheese, and seasonings. Read on to learn how to prepare this easy and cheesy chicken pasta that’s sure to become a family favorite!
What Is Cheesy Chicken Pasta?
Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a hearty dish made by combining cooked chicken, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce. It’s a rich and filling meal, perfect for busy weeknights when you need something quick and comforting. The combination of melted cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Plus, you can easily add vegetables or different seasonings to suit your family’s tastes.
Ingredients List for Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to make Cheesy Chicken Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed, rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese blend)
- ½ cup cream cheese (optional for extra creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup shredded Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 cup steamed broccoli (or other vegetables, optional)
Substitutions and Variations
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe is very flexible, so feel free to customize it to suit your preferences:
- Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or substitute with leftover grilled chicken, baked chicken breasts, or even turkey.
- Pasta: You can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne, rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is classic, but you can use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Swiss, or a combination of cheeses for different flavors.
- Milk: Whole milk gives the sauce a rich texture, but you can use 2%, half-and-half, or even a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk.
- Vegetables: Add vegetables like steamed broccoli, spinach, peas, or bell peppers to make the dish more nutritious and colorful.
- Toppings: You can top the dish with breadcrumbs or crispy bacon for added texture and flavor.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make Cheesy Chicken Pasta step by step:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the chicken (if needed): If you’re using raw chicken, season it with salt and pepper, and cook it in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked through. Once done, shred or cube the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make the cheese sauce: Sprinkle the flour over the onions and garlic, stirring constantly to form a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, stirring until the sauce begins to thicken, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add the cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, cream cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more milk or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Combine the pasta and chicken: Add the cooked pasta and shredded chicken to the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta and chicken are well coated with the cheesy sauce. If you’re adding vegetables like steamed broccoli, stir them in at this point as well.
- Optional Parmesan topping: For extra cheesiness, sprinkle shredded Parmesan cheese on top of the pasta. You can also transfer the pasta to a baking dish and broil it for 2-3 minutes to get a golden, bubbly topping.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve the cheesy chicken pasta warm. Garnish with fresh parsley or extra shredded cheese if desired.
How to Cook Cheesy Chicken Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap to help you make the perfect Cheesy Chicken Pasta:
- Cook the pasta until al dente and set it aside.
- Sauté onions and garlic for extra flavor.
- Make the creamy cheese sauce with milk, broth, and shredded cheese.
- Combine the chicken, pasta, and sauce until everything is well coated.
- Top with Parmesan cheese or broil for extra cheesiness, then serve warm.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common mistakes to avoid when making Cheesy Chicken Pasta:
- Overcooking the pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the hot cheese sauce.
- Lumpy sauce: To avoid lumps, make sure to whisk the flour thoroughly into the butter or oil to form a smooth roux before adding the milk and broth.
- Not seasoning enough: Don’t forget to taste the cheese sauce before adding the pasta and chicken. Adjust the seasoning as needed, since cheese can sometimes mute other flavors.
- Using cold cheese: For a smooth sauce, make sure your cheese is at room temperature or freshly shredded. Cold or pre-shredded cheese can make the sauce grainy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a satisfying dish on its own, but here are a few ways to enhance your presentation and serving:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of fresh parsley, basil, or thyme adds color and freshness to the rich, cheesy pasta.
- Serve with a side salad: A crisp green salad or Caesar salad pairs well with the creaminess of the pasta.
- Add bread on the side: Serve with garlic bread, dinner rolls, or even a French baguette to complete the meal.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta
This cheesy pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are some great side dishes to complement it:
- Salads: A light, crisp salad like Caesar salad, cucumber salad, or mixed greens can balance out the richness.
- Vegetables: Serve with steamed or roasted vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or broccoli.
- Bread: Pair with garlic bread, dinner rolls, or biscuits for a truly comforting meal.
Presentation Ideas for Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Even though Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a casual dish, you can still make it look great with a few simple touches:
- Use a colorful dish: Serving the pasta in a vibrant or decorative bowl makes the dish look more appetizing.
- Garnish with fresh herbs or cheese: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or chopped parsley adds a nice touch.
- Top with breadcrumbs or bacon: Add a crispy element by topping the dish with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon bits before serving.
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Tips
To ensure your Cheesy Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Make it ahead: You can prepare the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then simply cook the pasta and combine when ready to serve.
- Freeze leftovers: This dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
- Customize the flavor: Add a dash of hot sauce, Dijon mustard, or a pinch of paprika to the cheese sauce for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Cheesy Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the sauce and cook the chicken ahead of time, then combine everything with freshly cooked pasta when you're ready to serve. The dish can also be stored in the refrigerator and reheated before serving.
Q: Can I freeze Cheesy Chicken Pasta?
A: Absolutely! Let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.
Q: What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
A: Short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work best because they hold the sauce well. You can also use rigatoni or farfalle.
Q: How can I make this dish spicier?
A: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
Conclusion
This
Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Whether you’re looking for a hearty main dish or a meal to feed a crowd, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Try it out and enjoy a delicious, comforting dinner that’s sure to become a household favorite!
PrintCheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe is a creamy, easy-to-make dinner that combines tender chicken, pasta, and lots of melted cheese. It’s a family-friendly comfort food that comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Delicious, filling, and packed with flavor, this dish is sure to be a hit!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup chopped parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to make a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually add chicken broth and heavy cream, whisking until smooth. Bring to a simmer and let thicken for 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses to the sauce, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat with the cheese sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a combination of cheeses like Parmesan or gouda.
- You can add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added texture and nutrients.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
Leave a Reply