This cheesy chicken pasta is pure comfort in a bowl: think tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta shells, all cloaked in a velvety tomato cream sauce and topped with a blanket of gooey, melted cheese. If you’ve ever dreamed of a savory, hug-in-a-dish kind of meal, look no further! Each bite is lush, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to whip up, making it the sort of recipe you’ll want to keep in your weeknight dinner rotation. Nothing makes worries melt away quite like cheesy chicken pasta.

cheesy chicken pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe comes together with staple pantry ingredients and a few flavor-building additions. Each one plays a key role in delivering that crave-worthy taste, creamy texture, and irresistible color you love in cheesy chicken pasta.

Pasta: Opt for shells or any short pasta; they scoop up that creamy sauce beautifully.
Oil: Helps sauté the garlic and chicken, adding richness to the base.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic brings instant punch and warmth to the dish.
Chicken (bite-sized pieces): The star protein, making every forkful hearty and satisfying.
Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together—adjust as needed since cheese adds saltiness too.
Black Pepper: Gives a mild kick and depth to the overall flavor.
Red Chilli Powder: Adds just the right amount of background heat.
Garlic Powder: Layers another level of garlicky goodness.
Paprika: A sweet, smoky color booster for the sauce.
Onion Powder: Adds gentle savoriness without overpowering the sauce.
Oregano: Herbs bring that signature Italian flavor; swap for mixed herbs if needed.
Tomato Paste: The secret to that rich tomato base and gorgeous hue.
Chilli Sauce/Sriracha: Just a dash for an extra layer of heat and tang.
Milk: Makes the sauce creamy without being too heavy.
Double Cream: Luxurious, thick texture and a dreamy finish.
Mozzarella Cheese + Extra to Sprinkle: The signature stretch and melt—top with extra for true cheese lovers.
Pasta Water: The secret to a luscious, glossy sauce—add bit by bit for perfect texture.

How to Make cheesy chicken pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and a dash of oil, then cook until just al dente. You want it slightly firm, as it will finish cooking in the sauce. Drain, but don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of that starchy pasta water—it’s going to make your sauce silkier than ever.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a wide pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Toss in the fresh minced garlic and let it sizzle until lightly golden and fragrant—about one minute. The aroma should fill your kitchen with the promise of what’s to come!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Pop the chicken pieces into the pan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring often. You want the chicken to turn white on the outside and start to get a little golden at the edges, about 3 to 4 minutes. This is where it soaks up all the garlicky flavors.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Stir to coat every piece of chicken with those bold spices. It’s this mix that makes cheesy chicken pasta absolutely irresistible.

Step 5: Tomato Paste & Chilli Sauce

Add the tomato paste and a small squirt of sriracha or chili sauce straight into the pan. Stir and cook on medium-high for about a minute, letting those flavors come together and develop a deep, savory base.

Step 6: Make the Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-high and slowly pour in the milk and double cream. Stir continuously for about a minute. As the sauce heats up, you’ll notice it turning beautifully creamy and just starting to bubble.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

Toss in the mozzarella and gently mix until it’s melted and fully incorporated into the sauce. You should see ribbons of cheese stretching—arguably the most fun part of making cheesy chicken pasta!

Step 8: Loosen with Pasta Water

Pour in the reserved pasta water gradually, stirring as you go, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Let it come to a gentle boil for about a minute and a half. This will help the sauce thicken and cling perfectly to every shell of pasta.

Step 9: Finish with Pasta & Cheese

Add the cooked pasta into your sauce, stirring to coat every single piece. Sprinkle a bit more cheese on top, pop a lid onto the pan, and let everything sit on low heat until the cheese on top is gloriously melted. That last cheesy layer is what makes this dish truly special. Serve hot and dig in!

How to Serve cheesy chicken pasta

Garnishes

The finishing touch matters just as much as the cooking! I love scattering a generous handful of extra mozzarella or a sprinkle of Parmesan on top right before serving. If you want extra freshness, a smattering of chopped fresh basil or parsley adds color and a bright, herby lift. Don’t forget plenty of cracked black pepper, too.

Side Dishes

This cheesy chicken pasta is pretty much a meal in itself, but it plays nicely with others! A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted veggies make wonderful partners. Their crunch and freshness balance out the creamy richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

You can scoop cheesy chicken pasta into small ramekins for individual servings and bake them for a bubbly top, or serve it family-style in a large dish with cheese bubbling over. For a weeknight twist, try tucking leftovers into bell peppers, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until golden for a fun “stuffed pepper” remix.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow your cheesy chicken pasta to cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate—they’ll keep happily for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making next-day lunches something to really look forward to.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, let the pasta cool and transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to a month. When you plan to use it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best texture.

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat cheesy chicken pasta gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream stirred in to revive the luscious sauce. You can also microwave it, covered, in 30-second bursts, stirring each time until hot throughout. Add extra cheese on top for a melty finish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta shape works well for cheesy chicken pasta—penne, rigatoni, or fusilli all hold the sauce beautifully. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they don’t get too soft in the sauce.

Can I swap out the chicken for another protein?

Sure thing! Cooked turkey, sautéed shrimp, or even roasted vegetables make fantastic alternatives. The cheesy sauce is super versatile, so take the opportunity to use up what you have on hand.

What kind of cheese can I use?

Mozzarella is classic for that amazing stretch, but you can mix in Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for more depth. Just make sure whatever cheese you pick melts smoothly to keep the sauce velvety.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe as written has a gentle warmth from the red chilli powder and sriracha, but it’s very easy to dial the heat up or down. Prefer a mild version? Use less chilli or swap in sweet paprika. Want it bolder? Add a pinch more sriracha or some chopped jalapenos!

Can I make cheesy chicken pasta ahead for a party?

Definitely! Prepare everything through to adding the final sprinkle of cheese, then cover and keep in the fridge. Just before serving, reheat gently and let the cheese on top melt fully. It’s a cozy, crowd-pleasing make-ahead option.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that wraps you in warmth and fills the house with the best kind of cozy aromas, cheesy chicken pasta is absolutely it. It’s simple enough for any weeknight, but tastes special enough that you’ll want to share it with everyone you love. Give it a try—you’re in for a treat!