why make this recipe
Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish that combines tender chicken, savory cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a fantastic meal for busy weeknights because it comes together quickly and delights everyone at the table. Plus, it’s versatile, allowing you to tweak it to your taste with different seasonings and ingredients.
how to make Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 250g pasta, uncooked (around 8oz)
- 2 tbsps oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 275g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (around 9.6 oz)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to your taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 1 tsp chilli sauce/sriracha
- 130ml milk (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp)
- 110ml double cream (1/4 cup + 3 tbsps)
- 100g mozzarella cheese + extra to sprinkle on top (1 cup + extra)
- 100-120ml pasta water (around 1/2 cup)
Directions:
- Boil pasta until al dente in salted water with a splash of oil; drain, reserving some pasta water.
- In a pan, heat oil and sauté minced garlic until light golden.
- Add chicken; cook for 3–4 minutes until white.
- Add salt, black pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano; stir.
- Add tomato paste and a little sriracha; cook for about 1 minute.
- Pour in milk and cream; simmer over medium-high heat until bubbling and the sauce thickens.
- Add cheese; stir until melted and smooth.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency, then bring to a boil while stirring.
- Add cooked pasta; coat evenly and heat through.
- Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of cheese.
how to serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta warm, topped with a sprinkle of extra mozzarella cheese if you like. It pairs well with garlic bread or a fresh salad. Enjoy it as a hearty meal for lunch or dinner.
how to store Cheesy Chicken Pasta
To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove with a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce.
tips to make Cheesy Chicken Pasta
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente to avoid becoming mushy in the sauce.
- Feel free to mix in vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Taste the sauce before serving and adjust the seasonings as needed to suit your preference.
variation
For a different twist, you can substitute the chicken with shrimp or sausage. You can also swap mozzarella cheese with cheddar or parmesan for a different cheesy flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use whole wheat pasta instead?
Yes, whole wheat pasta works well and adds extra fiber.
2. Is this dish spicy?
The spice level is mild, but you can adjust the amount of red chili powder and sriracha to make it hotter or milder according to your preference.
3. Can I freeze Cheesy Chicken Pasta?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it. Just be sure to cool it down completely and store it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best consumed within 2 months.
Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Boil pasta until al dente in salted water with a splash of oil; drain, reserving some pasta water.
- In a pan, heat oil and sauté minced garlic until light golden.
- Add chicken; cook for 3–4 minutes until white.
- Add salt, black pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano; stir.
- Add tomato paste and a little sriracha; cook for about 1 minute.
- Pour in milk and cream; simmer over medium-high heat until bubbling and the sauce thickens.
- Add cheese; stir until melted and smooth.
- Gradually add reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency, then bring to a boil while stirring.
- Add cooked pasta; coat evenly and heat through.
- Serve hot with an extra sprinkle of cheese.