Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

The aroma of bubbling cheese mingling with tender chicken is enough to make anyone weak in the knees. Picture this: you walk into the kitchen after a long day, and the rich scent of Cheesy Chicken Pasta wafts through the air like a warm hug from an old friend.

This dish isn’t just about satisfying your hunger; it’s a culinary love letter that brings families together around the dinner table. I remember one rainy evening when I whipped up this recipe, and my kids swarmed me like I had a secret ingredient. Spoiler alert: it was just cheese!

I once made this dish for my friends’ potluck party, and they all declared me the “Pasta Whisperer” that night!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Choose 3-4 breasts for juicy bites that won’t dry out during cooking.
• Pasta (Fusilli or Penne): I love fusilli because its curves hold onto that cheesy goodness perfectly.
• Fresh Spinach: Adds a pop of color and nutrition; opt for vibrant green leaves for freshness.
• Onion: A medium onion enhances flavor; sauté until soft and translucent for best results.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will elevate every bite; don’t skimp on this aromatic powerhouse.
• Heavy Cream: The secret to that luscious sauce; choose high-quality cream for the richest texture.
• Shredded Cheese (Cheddar or Mozzarella): Use your favorite melty cheese; sharp cheddar works wonders with this dish!
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs adds depth; feel free to sprinkle more if you’re feeling adventurous!
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make It Together

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt generously before tossing in the pasta until al dente—about 8-10 minutes should do!

Sauté Onions & Garlic: In a separate skillet over medium heat, melt some butter and sauté chopped onion until it’s soft and fragrant. Toss in minced garlic until golden brown—your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Add Chicken & Spinach: Slice boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Add them to the skillet along with fresh spinach; cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside—about 5-7 minutes.

Create Your Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with cooked chicken and spinach. Stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth—this is where magic happens!

Toss It All Together!: Drain your cooked pasta and add it directly into the skillet with your creamy mixture. Stir well to coat every noodle in cheesy goodness.

Season & Serve!: Finish with Italian seasoning plus salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with extra cheese on top if desired—and don’t forget a sprinkling of freshness from parsley!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Sear the chicken first to lock in flavor, then boil the pasta while prepping your creamy sauce for efficient cooking.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out chicken for shrimp or add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for extra flair and nutrition.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat on low heat to prevent drying out.

Cooking this cheesy chicken pasta always reminds me of that one dinner when my friends declared it “life-changing.” They practically begged me for the recipe, and I had to laugh because it felt like I had just revealed the secrets of the universe!

FAQ

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.

What type of cheese works best?

A combination of mozzarella and parmesan gives great flavor and creaminess.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using whole wheat pasta or adding more vegetables to increase nutrient content.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Cheesy Chicken Pasta

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish featuring tender chicken and melted cheese, perfect for family dinners or gatherings.

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Ingredients

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• 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz fusilli or penne pasta
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1.5 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot, add pasta, and cook until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté onion & garlic: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until soft. Stir in minced garlic until golden.
3. Add chicken & spinach: Cut chicken into bite-sized pieces; add to skillet with spinach. Cook until chicken is no longer pink (5-7 minutes).
4. Create the sauce: Pour in heavy cream and stir in shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, mixing well to coat noodles in the creamy sauce.
6. Season & serve: Sprinkle with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Serve hot with extra cheese if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 560
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 670mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 95mg