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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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
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.