If you’re craving a comforting, dreamy dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a luscious pasta creation packed with tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and just the right balance of herbs and spices. Every bite bursts with rich, gooey goodness balanced by fresh spinach and a sprinkle of parsley that brightens the plate. Trust me, once you make this dish, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your weeknight rotation — simple enough to prepare but impressive enough to share with family and friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously together. Each element brings something special, whether it’s the hearty chicken, the creamy cheeses, or the subtle herbal notes that make this dish sing.
- Olive oil: Provides a perfect base for cooking the chicken with a mild, fruity richness.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, cut bite-sized for quick, even cooking.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Garlic: Adds a fragrant, savory depth that wakes up the palate.
- Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and complexity without overpowering the dish.
- Penne pasta: Perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce with its tubular shape.
- Chicken broth: Infuses moisture and subtle flavor while the pasta cooks.
- Heavy cream: Creates that irresistible silky texture in the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to give the dish its signature gooey stretch.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty contrast that elevates the sauce.
- Fresh spinach leaves (optional): Adds a splash of green and a nutritious touch.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Used for a fresh, herbal finish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Toss in the bite-sized chicken pieces that have been seasoned with salt and pepper. Let them sizzle and brown nicely, cooking through in about 5 to 7 minutes. This step ensures the chicken gets a beautiful golden crust, sealing in the juices. Once perfectly cooked, set the chicken aside to rest.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
In that same skillet, don’t clean out the flavorful bits left behind. Add minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it releases that irresistible aroma. Garlic is the humble hero here, setting a savory foundation that enhances every other ingredient in this recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta with Seasoning
Next, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and the uncooked penne pasta, stirring to coat the pasta with the seasoning and garlic oil. Pour in the chicken broth and bring everything to a gentle boil. Then reduce the heat, cover the skillet, and let the pasta cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. This one-pot approach steeps the pasta in flavorful broth, making every bite savory and tender.
Step 4: Make it Creamy
Once the pasta is perfectly tender, pour in the heavy cream and let the skillet return to a gentle simmer. This is where the sauce begins to thicken, transforming the dish into a luscious, creamy delight.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Cheeses
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely into the sauce, binding everything in a gooey, cheesy embrace. This step is pure magic, turning simple ingredients into a comfort food masterpiece.
Step 6: Add Fresh Spinach (Optional)
If you’re including spinach, now’s the time to toss it in. Cook it for about a minute until it wilts, bringing a fresh, vibrant green color and a subtle earthiness that balances the richness of the cheese.
Step 7: Let it Rest and Garnish
Remove the skillet from heat and allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes. This resting time lets the sauce thicken to that perfect consistency. Before serving, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top to add a burst of color and a fresh herbal note that makes the dish pop.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan right before serving really lift this dish. If you want a little zing, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes adds a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This rich and hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh salads like a tangy arugula salad or a classic Caesar. Roasted vegetables or garlic bread also make fantastic companions, offering crunchy textures that complement the creamy pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual oven-safe ramekins topped with extra mozzarella and broiled until bubbly and golden. It’s a show-stopper for dinner guests and makes portioning a breeze!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop beautifully overnight, but be sure to cool the pasta before sealing to keep it fresh and safe.
Freezing
You can freeze this cheesy dish, but for best results, leave out the spinach if possible as it may become mushy when thawed. Pack the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently over low-medium heat on the stovetop, stirring often to keep the sauce creamy and prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, and add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, feel free to swap in fusilli, rigatoni, or even farfalle based on what you have on hand or personal preference.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly. Adding more fresh veggies like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes can also lighten the overall dish.
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Definitely! Using pre-cooked chicken can save time—just add it in step 5 so it gently warms through without drying out.
What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?
Mozzarella and Parmesan provide the ideal melt and flavor combo, but you can experiment with fontina, gouda, or even sharp cheddar for different textures and tastes.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. Make sure the chicken broth and all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is a wonderful way to bring comfort and joy to your dinner table with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or a cozy gathering, it delivers creamy, cheesy satisfaction that feels genuinely special. I hope you give it a try and love it just as much as I do!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
A creamy and comforting Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe featuring tender chicken, rich cheeses, and perfectly cooked penne pasta all combined in a single skillet for an easy and delicious meal ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook the Pasta: Stir in the Italian seasoning and uncooked penne pasta. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, cover the skillet, and cook the pasta for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
- Add Cream: Once pasta is cooked through, add the heavy cream and gently bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Combine Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the cooked chicken pieces, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan cheeses. Mix well until the cheeses melt and the dish is creamy and well combined.
- Wilt Spinach: If using, add fresh spinach leaves and cook for an additional minute until wilted, incorporating them into the creamy sauce.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and allow the pasta to sit for a few minutes to thicken. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use chicken broth with low sodium if you want to control salt levels.
- Fresh spinach is optional but adds a nice color and nutrition boost.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and melt.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter cream option.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during pasta cooking to prevent sticking.
