If you are looking for a comforting, flavorful, and absolutely satisfying dinner, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine tender chicken strips seasoned with aromatic herbs, entwined with perfectly cooked spiral pasta, all bathed in a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce that’s bursting with the vibrant tang of sun-dried tomatoes. This dish isn’t just about the cheese and chicken—it’s a beautiful harmony of textures and tastes that will have you coming back for seconds, and maybe even thirds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a special role in building layers of flavor, adding texture, and contributing to that irresistible cheesy, creamy finish.
- 500g chicken breast: The star protein, providing tender, juicy bites.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps coat the chicken with herbs.
- 2 Tbsp dried mixed herbs: Infuse the chicken with fragrant, earthy notes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- 500g spiral pasta: Perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce with every twist.
- 40g butter: Adds richness and helps soften the vegetables.
- 1 onion, finely diced: Provides a sweet and savory base for the sauce.
- 1 carrot, finely diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and lovely color contrast.
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed: Offers a punch of aromatic flavor.
- 100g sun-dried tomatoes, sliced: Brings tangy, slightly sweet bursts that lift the dish.
- 2 Tbsp flour: Thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.
- 2 cups milk: Creates that silky smooth cheese sauce.
- 100g cheese, grated (cheddar or tasty cheese): Melts into a luscious, gooey texture.
- 1 cup pasta water (reserved): Helps loosen the sauce while keeping it silky.
- 20g parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a nutty, salty finish topping.
- Fresh herbs, for serving: Brightens the dish with a fresh, herbal aroma.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by slicing your chicken breast horizontally into 1cm thick strips. This thickness ensures quick, even cooking and keeps the chicken juicy. Coat the pieces generously with olive oil, sprinkle over the dried mixed herbs, and season well with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning makes all the difference by infusing the chicken with flavor perfect for the creamy sauce ahead.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a frying pan until it’s hot and then grill the chicken strips for about 4 minutes on each side. You want a beautiful golden color with slightly crisp edges while ensuring the chicken is fully cooked. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside to cool just enough so you can handle it comfortably for shredding later.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your chicken cooks, boil a large pot of salted water and cook the spiral pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Al dente means the pasta still has a slight bite, which makes for the best texture overall. Don’t forget to scoop out one cup of pasta water before draining—that little trick is the secret to your sauce’s perfect consistency!
Step 4: Start the Sauce Base
Return the pan to medium-low heat and melt butter along with a small splash of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. This oil carries rich tomato flavor and adds depth. Toss in the finely diced onion and carrot, then sauté for a few minutes until they soften and release their natural sweetness. This mellow vegetable base sets the tone for the whole sauce.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Add the crushed garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes, stirring well to combine those flavors. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir to remove any raw taste—cooking the flour briefly helps the sauce thicken evenly. Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly so the sauce thickens smoothly, developing into a creamy canvas ready for cheese and chicken.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Cheese
While your sauce is bubbling and thickening, shred the grilled chicken using two forks—this is the moment your protein turns into tender, bite-sized strands ready to melt into the sauce. Mix in the shredded chicken and grated cheese, stirring gently until the cheese melts fully, creating that signature rich, cheesy texture everyone loves.
Step 7: Adjust Consistency
Every batch of sauce is different, so add some reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce feels too thick. This trick keeps your sauce luxuriously creamy without losing flavor or richness. Be sure to taste and adjust salt and pepper to balance the sauce perfectly before combining the pasta.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, folding carefully to coat every spiral in that dreamy cheesy mixture. Serve this comforting dish straight from the pan with a shower of grated parmesan cheese and a handful of fresh herbs for a pop of color and freshness. You’ll be amazed how this simple Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe turns into an irresistible star at your dinner table.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or oregano add a bright, fragrant touch that balances the richness of the cheese sauce. A sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top provides a salty, nutty crunch that’s simply irresistible. For an extra pop of color, a few sun-dried tomato slices or a light drizzle of chili oil can elevate the presentation and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish is wonderfully filling on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is always a welcome companion, perfect for mopping up every last bit of cheesy sauce. Steamed or roasted green vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add freshness and texture to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual mini casserole dishes topped with extra cheese and broiled until golden and bubbly. Alternatively, you can stuff the cheesy chicken pasta into bell peppers and bake them for a colorful, hands-on meal. These ideas take your presentation up a notch, impressing guests or simply making family dinners feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cheesy chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days and is perfect for quick lunches or reheated dinners. The sauce might thicken overnight, so you may want to loosen it with a splash of milk or pasta water when reheating.
Freezing
If you want to make this recipe even more convenient, freeze portions for up to 2 months. Use freezer-safe containers and leave a bit of room at the top as the sauce may expand slightly. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat cheesy chicken pasta gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a little milk or reserved pasta water to bring back that creamy consistency and avoid drying out. This way, the dish tastes almost as fresh as when you first made it.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While spiral pasta works wonderfully because it holds onto the sauce well, feel free to use penne, fusilli, or even shells. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type you’re using.
What can I substitute for sun-dried tomatoes?
If you don’t have sun-dried tomatoes on hand, roasted red peppers or even fresh cherry tomatoes sautéed down in the sauce provide a great alternative, adding a sweet, tangy depth to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing and reheating?
Yes, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe freezes beautifully. Just remember to thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently with a splash of milk or water for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can! Simply omit the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach. Using a vegetarian cheese and vegetable stock can make it just as rich and satisfying.
How can I make this dish creamier?
To amp up the creaminess, add a splash of cream or extra cheese towards the end of cooking. Using full-fat milk also helps achieve an indulgent, silky sauce texture perfect for the pasta and chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines the comfort of creamy cheese sauce with all the goodness of tender chicken and vibrant veggies. It’s straightforward to make, hearty enough to satisfy a hungry family, and flexible enough to adapt to your personal taste. Give it a try on your next cozy night in—you won’t regret the melt-in-your-mouth joy it brings to your table.
Print
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
A creamy and comforting Cheesy Chicken Pasta dish that features tender herb-coated chicken breast grilled to perfection and tossed with al dente spiral pasta in a rich, cheesy sauce enhanced by sun-dried tomatoes and fresh aromatics. This simple yet flavorful recipe can be prepared in about 25 minutes and serves six, perfect for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 500g chicken breast
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp dried mixed herbs
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 500g spiral pasta
Sauce
- 40g butter
- 1 tbsp oil from sun-dried tomato jar
- 1 onion, finely diced
- 1 carrot, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed
- 100g sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 2 Tbsp flour
- 2 cups milk
- 100g cheese, grated (cheddar or tasty cheese)
- 1 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking pasta)
- 20g parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh herbs, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breast horizontally into 1cm thick pieces. Coat the slices with olive oil, dried mixed herbs, and season well with salt and pepper.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a frying pan over high heat and grill the chicken strips for about 4 minutes on each side or until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, boil spiral pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- Start the Sauce Base: Return the frying pan to medium-low heat. Melt butter along with a tablespoon of sun-dried tomato oil. Sauté the finely diced onion and carrot for several minutes until softened and aromatic.
- Build the Sauce: Add crushed garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes to the pan. Sprinkle flour over the vegetables and stir constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring continuously to thicken the mixture into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Cheese: Shred the grilled chicken using two forks. Add shredded chicken and grated cheese to the sauce, stirring to blend thoroughly and allow the cheese to melt smoothly.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta into the cheesy chicken sauce, combining all ingredients evenly. Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs as garnish.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency for a creamier texture.
- Use sun-dried tomato oil in the sauce for enhanced flavor.
- Shredding the cooked chicken helps distribute it evenly throughout the sauce.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and taste; leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
- You can substitute pasta shapes if spiral pasta is not available.
