Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish that combines pasta with tender chicken and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s a great meal for busy weeknights and can easily please any crowd, whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends. With simple ingredients, you can whip up a delicious plate of cheesy goodness in no time. This recipe is not just about filling your stomach; it brings warmth and joy to your dining table. So, let’s dive in and learn all about this delightful meal!
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Cheesy Chicken Pasta. First and foremost, it is quick and easy to prepare. You can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic weeknights. Secondly, it is packed with flavors that everyone loves. The combination of garlic, spices, and cheese gives it a rich taste that will make your mouth water.
Furthermore, this dish is versatile. You can adjust the spices to match your family’s preferences or add vegetables to make it even healthier. It’s also a budget-friendly meal, as it uses inexpensive ingredients that you can find in any grocery store. Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a wonderful choice for busy families, college students, or anyone who enjoys cooking simple yet delicious meals.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Making Cheesy Chicken Pasta is straightforward. Follow these steps to create a delightful dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
To make Cheesy Chicken Pasta, gather the following ingredients:
- 250g pasta, uncooked (around 8oz)
- 2 tbsps oil (any cooking oil will do)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 275g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (around 9.6 oz)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to your taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 1 tsp chili sauce or sriracha
- 130ml milk (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp)
- 110ml double cream (1/4 cup + 3 tbsps)
- 100g mozzarella cheese + extra to sprinkle on top (1 cup + extra)
- 100-120ml pasta water (around 1/2 cup)
Directions
Now that you have the ingredients, let’s get started with the preparation:
Boil the Pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Add some salt and a splash of oil to the water. Once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta, but save some of the pasta water for later.
Cook the Garlic: In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it until it turns light golden. Be careful not to burn it, as burned garlic can taste bitter.
Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the pan with the garlic. Cook the chicken for about 3-4 minutes, until it turns white on all sides.
Add the Spices: Once the chicken is cooked, add the salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano to the pan. Stir everything together and let it cook for a minute.
Mix in Tomato Paste and Sriracha: Add the tomato paste and sriracha to the chicken. Stir and cook for about 1 minute to combine the flavors.
Create the Sauce: Pour in the milk and double cream. Let the mixture simmer over medium-high heat until it starts to bubble and thickens. This may take about 3-5 minutes.
Add Cheese: Once the sauce is ready, stir in the mozzarella cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Adjust the Consistency: Gradually add the reserved pasta water while stirring until you reach your desired sauce consistency. You may not need all of it; just add enough to make it creamy.
Combine with Pasta: Finally, add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Stir everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the cheesy sauce. Heat through for another minute.
Serve: Serve the Cheesy Chicken Pasta hot. You can sprinkle a little extra mozzarella cheese on top for added flavor and presentation.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Serving Cheesy Chicken Pasta is simple, and you have plenty of options to make the meal even more enjoyable. Start by placing a generous serving of the pasta on each plate. You can garnish the dish with:
- Extra mozzarella cheese, which will melt slightly from the heat.
- Some chopped fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, for a pop of color.
- A sprinkle of red chili flakes for those who like it spicy.
Pair the pasta with garlic bread or a fresh salad to complete the meal. You can also serve a glass of white wine or a cold drink on the side for a more delightful dinner experience.
How to Store Cheesy Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, storing Cheesy Chicken Pasta is easy. Here’s how you can do it:
Cool Down: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation, which can make the pasta soggy.
Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the cheesy chicken pasta into an airtight container. Make sure it is sealed tightly to keep out air and moisture.
Refrigerate: Place the container in the refrigerator. It should last for about 3 to 4 days.
Reheat: When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat the pasta in a pan over medium heat. You can add a splash of milk or pasta water to help loosen the sauce and restore creaminess.
Tips to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Here are some useful tips to enhance your Cheesy Chicken Pasta experience:
- Pasta Choice: You can use different types of pasta, like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just choose your favorite!
- Chicken Alternatives: If you don’t have chicken, you can substitute it with shrimp or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option.
- Add Vegetables: Consider adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas for added nutrition and color. Simply sauté them along with the chicken.
- Spice Level: Adjust the chili powder and sriracha to control the spiciness based on your preference.
Variation
There are many variations for Cheesy Chicken Pasta that you can explore:
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta: Add buffalo sauce to the dish for a spicy, tangy twist.
- Pesto Chicken Pasta: Mix in some store-bought or homemade pesto for a fresh flavor.
- Baked Cheesy Chicken Pasta: After mixing the pasta with the sauce, transfer it to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
FAQs
1. Can I make Cheesy Chicken Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare most of the dish in advance, but it’s best to cook the pasta fresh. You can store the cooked chicken and sauce in the fridge and just boil the pasta right before serving.
2. Can I freeze Cheesy Chicken Pasta?
While it’s possible to freeze this dish, the texture may change when reheated. If you want to freeze it, avoid adding cheese, and do so before the final cooking step. When ready to eat, thaw, cook the pasta, and then add cheese before reheating.
3. What can I serve with Cheesy Chicken Pasta?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with a light vinaigrette on the side.
Now you have all the information you need to make a delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta dish! Enjoy cooking, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the pasta by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt and a splash of oil. Once boiling, add the pasta and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain the pasta, saving some pasta water.
- In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until light golden, avoiding burning.
- Add chicken pieces to the pan and cook for about 3-4 minutes until it turns white on all sides.
- Add salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
- Mix in tomato paste and sriracha, stirring for 1 minute to combine.
- Pour in milk and double cream, simmering until it bubbles and thickens (3-5 minutes).
- Stir in mozzarella cheese until melted and sauce is smooth.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired sauce consistency.
- Combine cooked pasta with the sauce, stirring to coat evenly and heat through for 1 minute.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra mozzarella cheese if desired.