Introduction
Cheesy chicken pasta dinner isn’t just a meal. It’s that warm, familiar dish you reach for when the day’s been long and you just want something easy, filling, and ridiculously satisfying. Think tender bites of chicken wrapped in creamy tomato sauce, tangled with pasta and bubbling cheese. That kind of meal.
This recipe works whether you’re feeding a busy family, cooking for two, or just meal-prepping a few easy good food recipes for the week. It’s flexible enough to pass as both lunch and dinner, and indulgent enough to feel like a treat without blowing your day. Bonus: it’s one of those foods with chicken that even picky eaters love.
You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen. Just a handful of basics, a bit of stirring, and boom, cheesy chicken pasta meal on your table. If you’re after something cozy, comforting, and still doable on a weeknight, this is it.
Table of Contents
Cheesy chicken pasta is an easy, creamy dish made with tender chicken, pasta shells, and a rich tomato-cream sauce topped with melted cheese. It’s perfect for a comforting dinner or a quick lunch, and can be customized with vegetables, spices, or dairy-free alternatives.
Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy chicken pasta dinner. These are all easy-to-find, everyday ingredients that come together fast.
- 250g pasta shells
Any shape works but shells hold the sauce well. Choose your favorite. - 2 tablespoons cooking oil
Neutral oil like sunflower or vegetable is ideal. Olive oil works too. - 4 garlic cloves, minced
Fresh garlic adds depth and a little heat. - 275g chicken breast, diced
Boneless and skinless. You can also use thighs or leftover chicken. - 2 tablespoons tomato paste
For rich color and bold tomato flavor. - 1 teaspoon sriracha or other chili sauce
Optional but adds a gentle kick. - 130ml milk
Helps balance the cream and keeps the sauce light. - 110ml double cream
Brings the creaminess without overpowering. - 100g mozzarella cheese
Melts beautifully. Add extra if you want a stronger cheese pull. - 100 to 120ml pasta water
Reserved from cooking the pasta. Helps the sauce bind. - Seasonings
Use 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, black pepper, red chili powder, and onion powder
Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon oregano
This simple list covers everything. It’s a true food pasta recipe that you can adjust to your taste or pantry.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Dinner
Follow these steps to bring this easy food recipe to life. The process is straightforward, and the payoff is pure comfort.
- Boil the pasta
Cook the pasta shells in salted water with a splash of oil. Boil until al dente, then drain and set aside. Remember to save about half a cup of the pasta water for later. - Sauté the garlic
In a large pan, heat the oil and add minced garlic. Cook over medium heat until lightly golden and fragrant. - Add the chicken
Toss in the diced chicken. Stir occasionally and cook until the pieces turn white and begin to brown slightly. - Season it well
Mix in all the seasonings along with the tomato paste and sriracha. Stir everything together and let it cook for about one minute. - Pour in the milk and cream
Add both slowly while stirring. Let the mixture bubble gently. This forms the base of the creamy sauce. - Melt in the cheese
Sprinkle in the mozzarella and stir until it fully melts into the sauce. The texture should start to thicken. - Adjust with pasta water
Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time. Stir and let it simmer until the sauce is smooth and creamy. - Combine with pasta
Add the cooked pasta into the pan. Stir well until all the pasta is coated with sauce. If you like, add more cheese on top and cover with a lid for a few minutes to melt.
This recipe works great as a cheesy chicken pasta meal or a comforting lunch idea. It’s quick, flavorful, and satisfying every time.
Tips for a Perfect Cheesy Chicken Pasta Meal
Making cheesy chicken pasta is easy, but a few small tweaks can take it from good to unforgettable.
Cook pasta just until al dente
Slightly undercooked pasta holds its shape better once mixed with the sauce. It also absorbs flavor without getting mushy.
Don’t skip the pasta water
That starchy liquid helps the sauce cling to the pasta and keeps the texture creamy. Add it slowly until the sauce feels just right.
Taste and balance your seasoning
The cheese and pasta water already carry some salt. Start light, then adjust the flavor once everything is mixed together.
Use a cheese that melts well
Mozzarella is a solid pick for a smooth pull. For a stronger flavor, try a mix of cheddar, provolone, or parmesan. Just avoid pre-shredded cheese as it can turn gritty.
Let the cheese melt gently
If you’re going for that signature very yummy food cheese pull, give the dish a minute with the lid on. Low heat helps the cheese melt smoothly on top.
Serve it hot
This dish tastes best fresh and warm. It also makes a great kid friendly dinner when paired with simple sides like breadsticks or veggies.
Substitutions and Variations
Cheesy chicken pasta is flexible enough to fit different diets, budgets, and flavor preferences. Here are a few easy swaps and upgrades.
Go vegetarian
Skip the chicken and add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. These add texture and nutrition without much effort.
Make it dairy free
Use a plant-based cream like coconut cream or a dairy-free milk. Replace regular cheese with vegan mozzarella or a cashew-based alternative. This version still gives that creamy comfort without the dairy.
Use leftover chicken
Rotisserie or grilled chicken works perfectly if you’re short on time. Just add it in during the sauce step to heat through.
Choose budget-friendly options
Pasta and chicken are already affordable but you can stretch this dish further with more vegetables or by using less cheese. That makes it a solid choice for cheap dinners for a family.
Make it healthier
Swap cream for more milk or a low-fat alternative. Use whole wheat pasta or add in fiber-rich veggies. These tweaks turn this cheesy chicken pasta into one of those easy healthy meals you can feel good about.
Adjust the spice
If you’re cooking for kids or prefer a milder flavor, leave out the sriracha and red chili powder. On the other hand, if you like heat, toss in crushed red pepper or fresh chili.
Want something with a bold twist? Try our Santa Fe Chicken Skillet Recipe for a Tex-Mex spin on easy chicken dinners. It’s smoky, spicy, and just as fast to make.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Cheesy chicken pasta holds up well for leftovers and makes an excellent next-day meal.
Store it properly
Let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it into an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days.
Reheat gently
Warm the pasta on the stove over low to medium heat. Add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.
Make it a lunch idea
This dish is a great option if you’re looking for easy lunch recipes or quick lunch ideas for work. Pack it into a microwave-safe container and reheat just before eating. It tastes just as satisfying as it did fresh.
Healthy lunch upgrades
Add steamed broccoli or grilled vegetables to the leftovers for easy healthy lunches with extra nutrients. This is a simple way to keep the meal balanced and avoid food waste.
Plan ahead
If you’re prepping for the week, double the recipe and portion it into containers. That turns this comforting dinner into an easy healthy meal ready to go any day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes. Add red chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the seasonings. For even more heat, sauté fresh chopped chilies with the garlic at the start.
Is this a kid friendly dinner?
It can be. Skip the sriracha and reduce the chili powder to keep the flavors mild. Kids often enjoy the creamy texture and cheesy topping without the spice.
How do I make it creamier?
Use more cream or stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone. This creates a thicker, richer sauce without needing extra ingredients.
Can I turn this into a healthy lunch recipe?
Absolutely. Reduce the cream, increase the vegetables, and use whole grain pasta. You can also pair it with a side salad for a complete lunch idea.
What if I don’t have tomato paste?
Use a bit of marinara sauce or crushed tomatoes instead. Let it simmer a little longer so the flavors concentrate.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is possible, but the texture of the cream sauce might change slightly when thawed. If you do freeze it, reheat slowly and stir in a bit of milk or cream to restore the consistency.
Nutrition Information
Cheesy chicken pasta is rich, comforting, and surprisingly balanced when served in moderate portions.
Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 520 to 580
- Protein: 30 to 35 grams
- Carbohydrates: 40 to 45 grams
- Fat: 25 to 30 grams
- Fiber: 2 to 4 grams
These values may vary depending on the type of pasta, cream, and cheese you use. Swapping in whole wheat pasta or adding vegetables can boost the fiber and lower the glycemic load. Using less cream and more milk brings down the fat content while keeping the texture creamy.
For those looking to build easy healthy meals, this recipe offers a strong foundation. Pairing it with a salad or roasted vegetables can create a more complete and nutritious plate.
Conclusion
If you’ve been craving a cheesy chicken pasta meal that’s creamy, cozy, and quick to make, this recipe checks every box. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table, no questions asked.
Whether you serve it for dinner or prep it for lunch the next day, it delivers rich flavor without requiring fancy techniques or ingredients. From busy weeknights to slow weekends, this is one of those easy good food recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
Try it once and you’ll see why it belongs on your list of go-to yum dinner recipes. If it hits the spot, don’t forget to share it or save it for later. Your future self will thank you.
Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Equipment
- Pot
- Pan
- Wooden Spoon
- Knife
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 250 g pasta shells uncooked
- 2 tbsp cooking oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 275 g chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sriracha or other chili sauce
- 130 ml milk
- 110 ml double cream
- 100 g mozzarella cheese plus extra for topping
- 100 ml pasta water reserved from boiling
Seasonings
- 0.5 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 0.5 tsp black pepper
- 0.5 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.25 tsp oregano
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water with a splash of oil until al dente. Drain and reserve 100 ml of pasta water.
- In a large pan, heat oil and sauté garlic until lightly golden.
- Add chicken pieces and cook until no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in salt, pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Add tomato paste and sriracha. Cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in the milk and cream. Stir continuously over medium heat until the mixture starts to bubble.
- Add mozzarella and mix until melted into the sauce.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water. Simmer until sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta and stir to coat evenly. Top with extra cheese, cover, and let it melt. Serve hot.
Notes
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