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Mark Anthony

Cheesy Chicken Pasta

A rich and creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta made in just one skillet! This quick weeknight dinner combines tender chicken, cheddar, Parmesan, and perfectly cooked pasta into the ultimate comfort food—ready in 40 minutes with minimal cleanup. Perfect for family dinners or cozy meals.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American comfort food
Calories: 510
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Core Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast cubed
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups uncooked short pasta penne, rotini, or shells
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley for garnish
Optional Add-ins:
  • 1/2 cup cooked spinach or broccoli
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
  • Diced tomatoes for color and freshness

Method
 

Sear the Chicken
  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add cubed chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Build the Sauce
  1. In the same pan, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and milk, then stir in uncooked pasta. Bring to a simmer.
Cook the Pasta
  1. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Add the Cheese
  1. Lower the heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Mix until melted and creamy.
Combine and Finish
  1. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat. Garnish with parsley and serve hot!

Notes

Cheesy Chicken Pasta – Helpful Tips

Cooking Tips & Techniques
Use boneless chicken breast or thighs—dice into bite-sized chunks and season well with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before searing.
Cook pasta until just al dente, as it will finish cooking while simmering in the cheesy sauce.
Sauté onions and garlic first to build the flavor base, then add chicken and brown it for extra depth.
Make the cheese sauce with a combo of cream, broth, and shredded cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or Colby Jack—melt slowly to keep it smooth.
Reserve some pasta water and stir it in as needed to loosen the sauce and make it cling to every bite.
Serving Suggestions
Top with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, or extra shredded cheese for added flavor and visual appeal.
Serve with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted veggies for a complete comfort meal.
Perfect for family dinners, lunchboxes, potlucks, or cozy Sunday nights.
Drizzle with hot sauce or buffalo sauce for an added spicy kick.
Goes great with sparkling water or a light white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make-Ahead: Cook chicken and pasta ahead of time and store separately. Combine with fresh sauce when ready to serve.
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze cooled cheesy chicken pasta for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or broth to keep it creamy.
Tasty Variations to Try
Bacon Ranch: Add cooked bacon and a dash of ranch seasoning for a smoky, tangy twist.
Veggie Boost: Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
Spicy Cajun: Season the chicken with Cajun spices and toss in some bell peppers for a southern-style version.
Buffalo Cheddar: Mix in buffalo sauce and use sharp cheddar for a game-day-worthy dish.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and thicken your sauce with cornstarch or a GF flour blend.