Description
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken, creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Easy to make and customizable to your preferences, this indulgent dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy lunch.
Ingredients
- 250g uncooked pasta shells (around 8oz)
- 2 tablespoons oil (neutral or olive oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 275g boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (around 9.6 oz)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- 130ml milk (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon)
- 110ml double cream (1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons)
- 100g mozzarella cheese (1 cup), plus extra for topping
- 100–120ml pasta water (about 1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water with a splash of oil until al dente. Drain, saving some pasta water for the sauce.
- Heat oil in a pan, then add minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 1 minute until golden.
- Add chicken pieces to the pan, cook until white (about 3-4 minutes). Stir frequently.
- Add salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano to the chicken. Stir to combine.
- Stir in tomato paste and optional sriracha, cooking for another minute.
- Pour in milk and cream, and stir while cooking over medium-high heat until the sauce bubbles (about 1 minute).
- Gradually stir in mozzarella until melted and fully incorporated.
- Slowly mix in pasta water to reach the desired sauce consistency. Bring to a boil, stirring continuously.
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring until fully coated. Top with extra cheese and cover the pan to melt the cheese over low heat.
- Once the cheese is melted, serve immediately and enjoy your cheesy chicken pasta!
Notes
- Adjust salt to taste, as both pasta water and cheese contribute salt to the dish.
- Use additional pasta water if needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
- Oregano can be swapped for Italian seasoning or any mixed herbs.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
