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Cheesy Chicken Pasta

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and loaded with juicy chicken, melty cheese, and tender pasta. Whether you make it on the stovetop or baked in the oven, it’s a family-friendly favorite that’s quick enough for weeknights and delicious enough for guests. With easy ingredient swaps and plenty of flavor variations, it’s a meal you’ll turn to again and again.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 43 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian-American, Weeknight Classics
Servings 6
Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Medium pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cheese grater
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Optional: baking dish (for broiling or casserole version)

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta & Chicken

  • 10–12 oz (280–340g) pasta (penne, rotini, shells, etc.)
  • 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk (or 1½ cups milk + ½ cup cream)
  • 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • 2 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions
 

  • Boil the Pasta
    Cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
  • Cook the Chicken
    Season chicken with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat and sear chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest, then slice or shred.
  • Make the Cheese Sauce
    In the same skillet or a clean one, melt butter over
    medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk until smooth. Simmer gently until thickened (about 3–5 minutes).
  • Add the Cheese
    Lower the heat and stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, and cream cheese. Add Dijon mustard and garlic powder if using. Stir until melted and creamy.
  • Combine and Serve
    Stir in the pasta and chicken. Toss to coat everything in the cheese sauce. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
  • Optional Broil Finish
    Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle with more cheese, and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

  • Shortcut: Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for faster prep.
  • Pasta swaps: Gluten-free or whole-wheat pasta work well too.
  • Add-ins: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrition.
  • Make-ahead: Assemble the dish, refrigerate, and broil before serving.
  • Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
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