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Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Cheesy Chicken Pasta
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Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a creamy, savory, and comforting dish combining tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta coated in a luscious blend of mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile meal is ideal for busy weeknights and can be customized to suit various dietary preferences, making it a favorite for families and individuals alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta

  • 12 oz pasta of your choice (penne, rotini, or fusilli recommended)

Dairy

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Aromatics & Fats

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Herbs & Seasoning

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chicken until golden and cooked through, locking in juiciness and building a flavorful base.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the chicken cooks, boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water, and set aside.
  3. Make the Sauce: In the same pan used for the chicken, sauté minced garlic and diced onions until translucent and fragrant. Reduce the heat to low and slowly pour in the heavy cream. Gradually add the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses, stirring gently to melt and create a rich, creamy sauce.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the cheesy sauce. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure all pieces are thoroughly coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and add reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired sauce consistency.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the pasta for color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting and flavorful Cheesy Chicken Pasta.

Notes

  • Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
  • Do not overcook pasta; slightly undercooked pasta will prevent mushiness after mixing with sauce.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked evenly through to maintain tenderness and flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness without losing flavor.
  • Melt cheese on low heat to avoid curdling or oil separation.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, quick chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe, family-friendly pasta

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/cheesy-chicken-pasta/