Description
A rich and creamy cheesy chicken pasta made with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious blend of melted cheeses for the ultimate comfort meal.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 6–8 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour to form a roux, then slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth.
- Simmer sauce for 3–4 minutes, then stir in mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan until melted and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and chicken to the sauce. Toss until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version.
- Add cooked bacon or sautéed spinach for extra flavor.
- For baked cheesy pasta, transfer mixture to a casserole dish, top with cheese, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian