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Ultimate Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta: A Family Favorite

Close-up of a bowl filled with creamy, bright orange cheesy chicken pasta topped with cracked black pepper.
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Make this ultimate creamy cheesy chicken pasta for a rich, satisfying comfort food dinner. This easy recipe delivers a hearty, family-approved meal perfect for quick weeknight suppers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining. Set the drained pasta aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour the chicken broth into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 1 minute.
  5. Add the heavy cream and cubed cream cheese to the skillet. Stir constantly until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Stir in the Italian seasoning. Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese, stirring until the cheese melts into a rich cheese sauce.
  7. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the gooey chicken pasta sauce.
  8. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, one splash at a time, until you reach your desired creamy consistency.
  9. Stir in the Parmesan cheese just before serving. Serve this cheesy chicken pasta immediately.

Notes

  • For a baked cheesy chicken pasta, transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with extra mozzarella, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly.
  • You can substitute the chicken with 1 can (15 ounces) of drained, cooked white beans for a vegetarian option.
  • Use a blend of Gruyère and Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile in your rich cheese sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://gourmetgaze.com/cheesy-chicken-pasta-recipe-ultimate-comfort/