Cheesy Chicken Pasta: Creamy, Comforting, and Ready in 35 Minutes

If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety cheesy sauce, look no further than this Cheesy Chicken Pasta. This dish is the perfect blend of creamy indulgence and hearty satisfaction, delivering big flavors without hours in the kitchen. In just 35 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table that’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this easy cheesy chicken pasta recipe checks all the boxes: simple ingredients, minimal cleanup, and maximum deliciousness.

What makes this cheesy chicken pasta stand out is its luscious sauce—made with a blend of cheddar and Parmesan for that irresistible gooey texture—coating every bite of juicy chicken and pasta. It’s creamy without being overly heavy, thanks to a balanced use of cream and broth that keeps things flavorful yet approachable. No fancy techniques required; this one-skillet wonder comes together effortlessly, making it ideal for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just any pasta dish—it’s a crowd-pleaser designed for real life. The chicken stays succulent and seasoned to perfection, while the sauce clings beautifully to the pasta for that perfect bite every time. It’s customizable, kid-approved, and reheats like a dream for leftovers. Plus, with pantry staples and fresh add-ins, it’s versatile enough to suit different tastes and dietary tweaks.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta (or any short pasta like rotini or shells)
• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth (low-sodium preferred)
• 1.5 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a subtle kick)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water for later if needed to thin the sauce.
2. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Add the chicken to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter. Once melted, sauté the diced onion for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant—be careful not to burn it.
4. Sprinkle the flour over the onion-garlic mixture and stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a roux. This helps thicken the sauce without lumps.
5. Gradually pour in the chicken broth while whisking vigorously to avoid clumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it thicken slightly for 2-3 minutes.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and bring back to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium-low. Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
7. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the cheesy sauce. Cook for 1-2 more minutes to let the flavors meld.
8. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately for the best texture and warmth.

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Chicken Pasta

• Cheese choice matters: Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-shredded for better melting—no anti-caking agents to interfere.
• Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente is key so it holds up in the creamy sauce without turning mushy.
• Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk, and use reduced-fat cheese if desired.
• Prevent clumping: Add cheese off the heat or on low to ensure a silky sauce.
• Storage: Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to revive the creaminess. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent separation.

Variations to Try

• Veggie-Packed: Stir in spinach, broccoli florets, or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes for added nutrition and color.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or extra red pepper flakes for heat lovers.
• Bacon Lover’s: Crisp up some bacon bits and mix them in for smoky crunch.
• One-Pot Version: Cook the pasta directly in the sauce by adding uncooked pasta with extra broth (about 1 cup more) and simmer covered until tender.
• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the roux.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this cheesy chicken pasta with a simple green salad tossed in vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are perfect for sopping up extra sauce. For a complete meal, serve alongside steamed vegetables like asparagus or roasted zucchini. It’s hearty enough on its own but elevates any dinner table when shared family-style.

Fun Facts and Cultural Context

Creamy cheesy pasta dishes like this draw inspiration from classic American comfort foods, blending elements of macaroni and cheese with Italian-American chicken Alfredo influences. The addition of chicken makes it a protein-packed twist on traditional pasta recipes, popular in home kitchens across the U.S. for its quick prep and satisfying results. In recent years, one-pan creamy chicken pastas have surged in popularity on social media and recipe sites due to their ease and Instagram-worthy creaminess—proving that simple ingredients can create memorable meals.

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta isn’t just dinner; it’s a hug in a bowl. With its rich, cheesy sauce and tender bites of chicken, it’s the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table smiling. Try it tonight and watch it become a staple in your rotation!

Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Creamy, cheesy chicken pasta with tender chicken pieces and a rich cheddar-Parmesan sauce, ready in just 35 minutes for the ultimate comforting weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1.5 cups heavy cream
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 0.5 tsp paprika
• salt and black pepper to taste
• 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes optional
• fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• Large skillet or Dutch oven
• Pot for pasta
• Whisk
• Cutting board and knife

Method

 

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
2. Season and cook chicken in olive oil until golden and done. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté onion in butter and oil, add garlic, then stir in flour to make roux.
4. Whisk in chicken broth and simmer to thicken.
5. Add heavy cream, then melt in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until smooth.
6. Return chicken and pasta to skillet, toss to coat. Adjust with pasta water if needed.
7. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated cheese. Reheat leftovers with added milk to maintain creaminess.