Name: My Favorite Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes); 2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (divided); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (more or less to taste); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil (divided); 8 ounces elbow pasta; 1 yellow onion (peeled and finely diced); 1 rib celery (trimmed and finely diced); 1 bell pepper (trimmed, seeded, and finely diced); 3 cloves garlic (peeled and minced); ⅓ cup parsley (minced; plus more for garnish); 1 tablespoon flour; 1½ cups chicken stock; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided); Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 45 reviews

If you’re anything like me, comfort food holds a special place in your heart, and that’s exactly why I am so excited to share My Favorite Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe with you. This dish effortlessly marries tender chunks of seasoned chicken, melty mozzarella, and perfectly cooked pasta swimming in a luscious, aromatic sauce. It’s the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside, making weeknights feel a little warmer and family dinners an absolute treat. Trust me, once you try this cheesy delight, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen rotation just like it did in mine.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with small pieces of raw chicken seasoned with various spices, including visible red chili flakes and green herbs, giving the chicken a speckled reddish-brown color and textured look. A white spatula rests inside the bowl, partly covered with the seasoned chicken pieces. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with soft peach and brown veins. The photo is taken from above, focusing clearly on the mixed spices and chicken texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of My Favorite Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmony of its ingredients. Each item here is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color, making every bite feel like a celebration.

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cubed for quick, even cooking and juicy bites.
2 tablespoons Italian seasoning (divided): Infuses the chicken and sauce with an herbaceous, Mediterranean flair.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic depth that complements fresh aromatics perfectly.
1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper: Brings a gentle kick—adjustable to your spice preference.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Freshly cracked for that mild warmth and earthiness.
8 ounces elbow pasta: The perfect shape to catch the cheesy sauce in every nook.
1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil (divided): For searing and sautéing, providing a smooth mouthfeel.
1 yellow onion (finely diced): Adds natural sweetness and texture to the base.
1 rib celery (finely diced): Brings crunch and subtle freshness to balance the creaminess.
1 bell pepper (finely diced): Introduces vibrant color and mild sweetness.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic elevates aroma and flavor beautifully.
⅓ cup parsley (minced, plus extra for garnish): For a fresh, herbaceous lift at the end.
1 tablespoon flour: Thickens the sauce to that irresistibly creamy consistency.
1½ cups chicken stock: Builds the saucy base with depth and richness.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (divided): The star ingredient that makes everything ooze with cheesy goodness.
Salt and pepper to taste: To season perfectly at every stage.

How to Make My Favorite Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by preheating your oven to 400ºF. Toss the cubed chicken breasts in a bowl with half the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, kosher salt, crushed red pepper, black pepper, and a tablespoon of olive oil. This step is crucial because it ensures the chicken is bursting with flavor before cooking, setting the stage for the entire dish.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add your elbow pasta. Cooking it just under al dente, around 5 to 6 minutes, keeps the pasta perfectly tender after baking. Once done, drain it and set it aside to join the party later on.

Step 3: Brown the Chicken

Heat a teaspoon of olive oil in a large, ovenproof skillet and spread the chicken out in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for 3 to 5 minutes so it achieves a beautiful, caramelized crust, then flip and brown the other side for 2 to 3 minutes. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet since it will finish in the oven, but this step ensures those savory browned flavors.

Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics

Add another teaspoon of olive oil to the skillet and toss in the diced onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cook them gently for 8 to 10 minutes until they soften and release their sweetness. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then add the remaining Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and parsley. Let it all cook for a minute more until the fragrance fills your kitchen.

Step 5: Build and Thicken the Sauce

Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir for about a minute to cook off the raw taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken stock, making sure it blends smoothly without lumps. Bring it just to a low boil, then turn down the heat and simmer until thickened to luscious perfection—about 3 to 4 minutes.

Step 6: Assemble the Pasta

Return the cooked pasta and chicken, along with any juices from the bowl, to the skillet. Stir them into the sauce so everything is luxuriously coated. Mix in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese, then sprinkle the remaining half on top, finishing with freshly cracked black pepper for that final touch.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pop the skillet into your preheated oven for 10 minutes until the cheese melts, bubbles, and turns golden brown. If you want even more cheesy crisp, broil the pasta for an extra 1 to 2 minutes. Once out of the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley and get ready to dive into pure comfort.

How to Serve My Favorite Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a black pan filled with cooked curly elbow pasta mixed with small pieces of cooked seasoned chicken and finely chopped orange and green vegetables. On top of the pasta and chicken, there is a pile of shredded white cheese adding a creamy texture detail. The whole dish looks warm with a mix of tan, orange, and white colors, with herbs sprinkled evenly. The background has a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly minced parsley adds a bright, herby note that contrasts perfectly with the gooey mozzarella cheese. If you love a little heat, you could also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top for an exciting kick. These simple garnishes make the dish look as inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread is another crowd-pleaser, perfect for scooping up any extra sauce. For a veggie boost, steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus create a fresh balance to the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning family-style presentation, serve the cheesy chicken pasta straight from the oven in the skillet, allowing everyone to scoop their own portions. Alternatively, plate it individually with a drizzle of olive oil and a handful of freshly grated Parmesan for an elegant twist. Turning it into a baked pasta gratin in a casserole dish works brilliantly for potlucks or meal prep too.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover cheesy chicken pasta to an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to meld in the fridge, making the leftovers taste even better the next day. Just be sure to store it promptly to maintain quality and safety.

Freezing

You can freeze My Favorite Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little space for expansion. To prevent the pasta from becoming too soft, freeze before baking if possible; then thaw completely before baking and broiling for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken stock or water if the sauce has thickened too much. For an oven reheat, cover with foil and warm at 350ºF for about 15 minutes until bubbly and heated through. This keeps the chicken tender and the pasta creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of mozzarella?

Absolutely! While mozzarella gives that delightful melt and stretch, you can substitute with provolone, fontina, or even cheddar for a sharper flavor. Mixing cheeses can also create a unique, delicious twist.

Is it okay to use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully here. They stay juicier and offer a richer flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly since thighs can take a bit longer to reach the right doneness.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for thickening. Just make sure your chicken stock is also gluten-free.

What vegetables can I add if I want more color and nutrition?

Feel free to experiment with diced carrots, zucchini, eggplant, or fennel alongside or instead of the celery and bell pepper. These veggies add lovely texture and keep the dish vibrant and fresh.

Can this be made ahead of time for a busy weeknight?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken, pasta, and sauce components a day ahead and assemble just before baking. This saves you time and still delivers that fresh-from-the-oven experience when dinner time rolls around.

Final Thoughts

There is just something so satisfying about the comforting blend of tender chicken, creamy mozzarella, and perfectly seasoned pasta that makes My Favorite Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe an absolute must-try. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or feeding a crowd, this recipe is sure to earn a cherished spot in your recipe box. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get cooking — I promise, every cheesy, flavorful bite will make you glad you did!