This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in no time! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken, it’s an easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a hearty family meal. With minimal ingredients and steps, this recipe is sure to become a go-to in your kitchen.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite pasta)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, season with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until it’s fully cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it reduce for 1-2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in the heavy cream and allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Add the Cheese:
- Lower the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine the Pasta and Chicken:
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is coated in the cheesy sauce and everything is evenly mixed.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve the Cheesy Chicken Pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy!
Nutrition (Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
Leave a Reply