If you’re craving a comforting and flavorful meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is an absolute winner. Creamy, cheesy sauce mingling perfectly with tender chicken and al dente pasta creates a delightful balance of textures and tastes that everyone will love. The blend of sun-dried tomatoes and herbs adds that little extra burst of flavor, making this dish a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or casual family dinners. Once you try this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe, it’s bound to become one of your favorites too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every great dish starts with simple yet essential ingredients that bring the magic together. These ingredients each play a key role in achieving the creamy texture, rich flavor, and colorful appearance that make this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe so irresistible.
- 500g chicken breast: Tender and lean protein that takes on the herbs beautifully.
- 2 Tbsp olive oil: For coating the chicken and adding a subtle richness while cooking.
- 2 Tbsp dried mixed herbs: A fragrant blend that seasons the chicken perfectly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- 500g spiral pasta: Fun-shaped pasta that holds onto the creamy sauce wonderfully.
- 40g butter: Provides a luscious base for sautéing and sauce creation.
- 1 onion, finely diced: Adds a sweet, aromatic foundation to the sauce.
- 1 carrot, finely diced: Brings subtle sweetness and a bit of texture.
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed: For a punch of savory depth in the sauce.
- 100g sun-dried tomatoes, sliced: Bursts of tangy sweetness that elevate the dish.
- 2 Tbsp flour: Thickens the sauce into that perfect creamy consistency.
- 2 cups milk: Creates the smooth, velvety sauce base.
- 100g grated cheese (cheddar or tasty cheese): Melts into the sauce for irresistible cheesiness.
- 1 cup pasta water (reserved after cooking pasta): Used to loosen the sauce if needed and helps it cling to the pasta.
- 20g parmesan cheese, grated: A sharp, nutty topping that finishes the dish beautifully.
- Fresh herbs, for serving: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and lovely color contrast.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breast horizontally into 1cm thick pieces. This ensures quick, even cooking and tender bites. Coat the chicken strips with olive oil, sprinkle on the dried mixed herbs, and season with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning sets the stage for amazing flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat a frying pan over high heat to get a nice sizzle. Grill the chicken strips for about 4 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are cooked through. Once done, remove from the pan and let them cool slightly—this resting step helps keep the chicken juicy when shredded later.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While your chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spiral pasta according to package instructions, just until al dente. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s a handy trick for adjusting sauce consistency effortlessly.
Step 4: Start the Sauce Base
Lower the heat to medium-low and return the frying pan to the stove. Melt the butter together with a little oil from the sun-dried tomato jar for an extra flavor boost. Add the finely diced onion and carrot, sautéing until they soften and release their natural sweetness.
Step 5: Build the Sauce
Next, stir in the crushed garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle the flour over the veggies and stir well, cooking for about a minute to eliminate any raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly—this step is where the sauce thickens and transforms into creamy perfection.
Step 6: Combine Chicken and Cheese
While the sauce thickens, shred the grilled chicken into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Fold the chicken and grated cheese into the sauce, stirring gently until the cheese melts smoothly, enriching the sauce’s creamy texture.
Step 7: Adjust Consistency
If the sauce looks too thick for your taste, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your ideal silkiness. Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed—this customization step makes all the difference in flavor balance.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Finally, toss the cooked spiral pasta into the sauce, ensuring every strand is evenly coated in cheesy goodness. Serve hot, garnished with grated parmesan cheese and fresh herbs for a beautiful and tasty finish to this splendid Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil as a garnish brings a lovely pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the creamy sauce wonderfully. A sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top not only enhances the flavor but adds a touch of elegance to each serving.
Side Dishes
Serve this delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe alongside crisp green salads or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also pairs beautifully for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the pasta in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled until golden and bubbly. Alternatively, spoon it over a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted zucchini noodles to add extra veggies and variety to your meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Chicken Pasta should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 2-3 days for the best flavor and texture. The sauce might thicken overnight, so a quick stir and splash of milk or pasta water before reheating will revive its creamy consistency.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if stored properly in a freezer-safe container. Freeze in portions for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, ensuring the pasta retains its wonderful texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a little milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and keep it velvety smooth while warming through evenly—this will bring your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe back to life with every bite.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While spiral pasta works great because it holds the sauce well, you can use penne, fusilli, or even macaroni—just cook it al dente and reserve some pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency.
What cheese works best for this recipe?
Cheddar or tasty cheese are excellent choices for their melting qualities and flavor. However, feel free to experiment with mozzarella, gouda, or a mix of cheeses to tailor the dish to your liking.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Of course! Simply omit the chicken and add more sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or your favorite vegetables to keep the dish hearty and satisfying without sacrificing taste.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prep the chicken and chop the vegetables ahead of time to save some cooking time later. The sauce and pasta taste best freshly combined but can be refrigerated and gently reheated as needed.
What can I add to make this dish spicier?
If you like a little heat, try adding a pinch of chili flakes with the garlic or mix in some chopped jalapenos while sautéing the vegetables. This adds a nice kick without overpowering the cheesy flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that combines simplicity with rich, comforting flavors you’ll want to make again and again. It’s perfect for busy days when you crave something satisfying without fuss. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your dinner rotation!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe is a quick and delicious meal that combines tender herb-seasoned chicken with a creamy sun-dried tomato cheese sauce, tossed with al dente spiral pasta. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and serves 6 people with comforting flavors and a rich, cheesy finish.
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 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 (such as cheddar or tasty cheese)
- 1 cup pasta water (reserved from cooking pasta)
- 20g parmesan cheese, grated
- Fresh herbs, for serving
- Dash of oil from sun-dried tomato jar
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Slice the chicken breast horizontally into 1cm thick pieces. Coat the chicken pieces with olive oil and dried mixed herbs, then season well with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a frying pan over high heat and grill the chicken strips for about 4 minutes on each side or until the chicken is golden and fully cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spiral pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta and setting it aside.
- Start the Sauce Base: Reduce the frying pan to low heat and melt the butter along with a dash of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar. Add the finely diced onion and carrot and sauté for a few minutes until they become softened and aromatic.
- Build the Sauce: Stir in the crushed garlic and sliced sun-dried tomatoes. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable mixture and stir continuously for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the milk while stirring constantly to thicken the sauce and create a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Combine Chicken and Cheese: While the sauce thickens, shred the cooked chicken using two forks. Add the shredded chicken and grated cheese (cheddar or tasty) to the sauce, stirring until the cheese fully melts and the mixture is well combined.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, slowly add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired sauce consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
- Finish and Serve: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Serve the pasta hot, topped with grated parmesan cheese and a sprinkling of fresh herbs for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Use chicken breast for lean protein, but you can substitute with chicken thighs if preferred.
- Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavor.
- The dash of oil from the sun-dried tomato jar adds extra depth—don’t skip it if available.
- Feel free to swap cheddar cheese for mozzarella or a blend for different cheesy flavors.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add a bright contrast to the rich sauce and are recommended as a garnish.
- This dish can be prepared ahead by making the sauce and shredding the chicken in advance; assemble and heat just before serving.
