Description
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender cubed chicken and perfectly cooked pasta bathed in a rich blend of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses. Seasoned with garlic, onion powder, paprika, and Italian herbs, this recipe delivers a flavorful and hearty meal ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 2 cups uncooked pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce and Cheese
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Garnish
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir in paprika, Italian seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cheeses: Gradually add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses to the cream mixture, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together until well coated and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- You can use rotini or penne pasta as preferred or available.
- Adding steamed or sautéed vegetables like spinach or peas can enhance nutritional value and texture.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially salt, as cheese and broth can add saltiness.
