Cheesy Chicken Pasta

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish loaded with tender chicken, melted cheese, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s the ultimate cheesy pasta recipe for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. With its smooth, flavorful sauce and simple ingredients, this creamy chicken pasta recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes — perfect for lunch recipes, quick dinners, or meal prep ideas.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings: 4

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

2 cups cooked pasta penne or rotini
2 chicken breasts diced and cooked
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk or heavy cream for richer texture
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon chopped parsley for garnish

Method

Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Cook Chicken: Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large skillet, cook over medium heat until golden and fully cooked. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter and whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly pour in milk while whisking to create a smooth sauce.
Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
Combine: Add cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet. Toss well until fully coated in the cheese sauce.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy hot!

Notes

Cheese tip: Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese.
Pasta tip: Use short pasta shapes (penne, rotini, shells) — they hold sauce beautifully.
Make it spicy: Add red chili flakes or hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Meal prep: This recipe reheats perfectly — ideal for lunch recipes or weekly food ideas.