If you’re searching for the ultimate weeknight comfort meal, look no further than this cheesy chicken pasta. Imagine tender bites of chicken and toothsome shells, all wrapped up in a lusciously creamy, garlicky tomato sauce and finished with more gooey cheese on top. This is the kind of pasta you want to hurry home for—it’s just begging for a big bowl, a sprinkle of extra cheese, and a cozy night in. The flavors are rich yet balanced, and every forkful is pure comfort. Trust me, once you try cheesy chicken pasta, you’ll want to add it to your dinner rotation again and again.

cheesy chicken pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this cheesy chicken pasta so satisfying is how each simple ingredient plays a special part in creating layers of flavor, creaminess, and a little zing. Don’t be tempted to skimp—each item brings something essential to the party!

Pasta: Choose your favorite shape, but shells do a great job of catching that creamy sauce in every bite.
Oil: For sautéing the garlic and chicken; olive oil is a classic, but any neutral cooking oil works well.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic sets the stage with its aromatic flare and boldness.
Chicken: Boneless, bite-sized pieces of chicken will stay juicy and soak up all the savory sauce.
Salt: Season to taste—remember there’s salt from the cheese and pasta water too!
Black Pepper: Adds a mild, earthy heat that rounds out the flavors.
Red Chilli Powder: For just the right touch of warmth and depth (not too spicy, I promise!).
Garlic Powder: Doubles down on the garlicky flavor for extra savory notes.
Paprika: Gives a gentle smokiness and beautiful color.
Onion Powder: Enhances the sauce’s savoriness without overpowering it.
Oregano: Brings those classic Italian herby undertones; use Italian seasoning in a pinch.
Tomato Paste: Packs a punch of rich, concentrated tomato flavor for the sauce.
Chilli Sauce/Sriracha: Adds a little zesty tang and a pop of excitement.
Milk: Lightens the sauce and helps make it silky smooth.
Double Cream: The secret to that luscious, luxurious texture and velvety mouthfeel.
Mozzarella Cheese (plus extra for topping): Melty, gooey goodness that brings the whole cheesy chicken pasta together.
Pasta Water: Helps emulsify the sauce, adding body and flavor—don’t skip it!

How to Make cheesy chicken pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Get things started by cooking your pasta in a generous pot of salted water with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking. Cook it until just al dente, as the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce and you want it to hold up nicely. Don’t forget to set aside some of that starchy pasta water before you drain it!

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat up your oil over medium heat. Toss in the fresh minced garlic and cook it gently until it turns toasty and golden. That irresistible aroma is the base of our entire cheesy chicken pasta.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Turn up the heat slightly and add your chicken pieces to the pan. Stir and cook until the chicken is just turning white on the outside—with a little golden color if you can manage it! This keeps the chicken ultra-tender and juicy for our pasta.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Give everything a good mix so the chicken gets beautifully coated with those fragrant spices.

Step 5: Stir in Tomato Paste and Sriracha

Spoon in the tomato paste and a little squirt of chilli sauce or sriracha for zing. Stir for about a minute to let everything blend together, and to give the tomato paste time to caramelize a bit—that’s what unlocks its rich, savory taste.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour in the milk and double cream, stirring continuously. Let the mixture come up to a gentle bubble so it thickens and turns that gorgeous blush pink color. The cream is what makes every bite of cheesy chicken pasta so melt-in-your-mouth.

Step 7: Add Cheese

Time for the best part! Stir in the mozzarella cheese until it’s completely melted and smooth—watch it transform the sauce into a gooey, glossy blanket that hugs every piece of chicken.

Step 8: Finish the Sauce with Pasta Water

Gradually add your reserved pasta water, stirring as you go. This step is crucial for getting just the right thickness and helping the sauce cling to every pasta shell. Bring the mixture to a boil for about 1.5 minutes, stirring all the while.

Step 9: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your drained pasta into the pan, gently tossing so every shell or piece is completely coated with sauce. Sprinkle the top generously with extra mozzarella, cover the pan, and let it all simmer on low heat until the cheese on top is perfectly melted and gooey.

Step 10: Serve and Savor

Uncover and inhale that cheesy aroma! Spoon the cheesy chicken pasta into bowls, top with another sprinkle of cheese if you wish, and enjoy every creamy, flavorful bite.

How to Serve cheesy chicken pasta

Garnishes

Make your cheesy chicken pasta unforgettable with a final flourish—think a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley for color, a pinch of extra black pepper, or even a few shavings of Parmesan for another layer of cheesy decadence. A drizzle of olive oil or fresh basil also brings out the aromas beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair your cheesy chicken pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette, or some garlic bread for swooping up every drop of sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus make for a colorful, wholesome addition that complements the richness of the pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your cheesy chicken pasta in mini cast iron pans for individual portions, or bake the pasta in a casserole dish with a final cheesy topping for a bubbly, golden-brown finish. You can even fill large pasta shells with the mixture and arrange them in a baking dish for a fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover cheesy chicken pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and tastes just as delicious the next day!

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze your cheesy chicken pasta in individual portions for easy lunches or cozy dinners down the road. Use airtight containers or freezer bags, and enjoy within 2 months for the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your cheesy chicken pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce, or heat it in the microwave until hot throughout. Add a little extra cheese on top before reheating for maximum melty goodness!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While shells do a wonderful job catching the creamy sauce, you can swap in penne, fusilli, or even rigatoni for your cheesy chicken pasta—just aim for a shape with ridges or cavities to hold all that luscious sauce.

Can I make cheesy chicken pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire dish up to a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat gently in a skillet or casserole with a splash of milk and some extra cheese for a fresh, melty finish.

What cheese works best for this recipe?

Mozzarella is wonderfully gooey and melts beautifully in cheesy chicken pasta, but feel free to get creative! Mixing in a bit of cheddar or Monterey Jack adds extra tanginess and flavor.

How spicy is this pasta?

The recipe has a gentle, warming heat from the chilli powder and sriracha, but it’s easy to adjust! Omit or reduce the spices for a milder version, or add extra chilli sauce for more fire.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

You can lighten up your cheesy chicken pasta by using light cream or half-and-half instead of double cream, and adding extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms to bulk up the dish with freshness and fiber.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magic about a big, cheesy bowl of pasta—especially when it’s packed with juicy chicken and a luscious tomato cream sauce. I hope you’ll give this cheesy chicken pasta a try and savor every bite of its cozy, creamy goodness. Your next comfort food favorite is waiting!