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The Best Cheesy Chicken Pasta – Creamy, Flavorful & Comforting

5 from 1 vote
If you love creamy pasta dinners with the perfect balance of heat, garlic, and gooey melted cheese, this Best Cheesy Chicken Pasta will become your new weeknight favorite. Juicy chicken pieces are seasoned to perfection, tossed with pasta in a rich tomato-cream sauce, and finished with melty mozzarella. It’s hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor in every bite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Protein & Pasta
  • 275 g chicken breast or thighs cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 250 g pasta penne, fusilli, or your choice
Vegetables & Aromatics
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • ½ tsp red chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp oregano
Sauce Base
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp chili sauce or sriracha
  • 110 ml double cream
  • 130 ml milk
  • 100 ml reserved pasta water
Seasonings & Cheese
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt or to taste
  • 100 g mozzarella cheese plus extra for topping
Fats
  • 2 tbsp oil olive or vegetable

Equipment

  • Large pot (for pasta)
  • Large skillet or deep sauté pan
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Colander

Method
 

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add pasta and cook until al dente.
  3. Reserve 100 ml pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Prepare the Chicken
  1. In a bowl, season chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, paprika, red chili powder, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3 – Build the Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for 1 minute until fragrant.
  2. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes.
  3. Add chili sauce/sriracha and oregano; mix well.
  4. Reduce heat to medium, pour in double cream and milk, and stir until smooth.
  5. Add mozzarella cheese and stir until melted into a creamy sauce.
Step 4 – Combine Everything
  1. Return chicken to the skillet.
  2. Add cooked pasta and reserved pasta water.
  3. Toss well until pasta is coated in the sauce and chicken is evenly distributed.
Step 5 – Bake (Optional for Extra Cheesiness)
  1. Transfer pasta to an oven-safe dish.
  2. Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top.
  3. Broil or bake at 200°C (400°F) for 5–7 minutes until bubbly and golden.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to refresh the sauce.
Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight before reheating.
🥄 Variations
Spicy Kick: Add extra chili powder or sriracha.
Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
Cheese Lovers: Add cheddar or Parmesan along with mozzarella.
Herb Upgrade: Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.
❓ 10 FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken? Yes, just skip the searing step and add it in Step 4.
Which pasta shape is best? Short pasta like penne or fusilli holds the sauce well.
Can I use single cream instead of double cream? Yes, but the sauce will be slightly lighter.
What if I don’t have mozzarella? Try cheddar or a blend of melty cheeses.
Can I make it without chili? Yes, omit chili powder and sriracha for a mild version.
Is this freezer-friendly? Yes, but add fresh cheese when reheating.
Can I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta and thicken sauce with cornstarch if needed.
Will this work with plant-based milk? Yes, unsweetened almond or oat milk works, but flavor may change.
What sides go well with it? Garlic bread and a fresh salad are perfect.
Can I double the recipe? Absolutely — use a bigger pan to avoid overcrowding.
🏁 Conclusion
The Best Cheesy Chicken Pasta is all about creamy, cheesy indulgence with a hint of spice. It’s quick to make, comforting, and endlessly customizable — ideal for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.