the best cheesy chicken pasta
This cheesy chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort food — rich, creamy, and loaded with melted cheese, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked pasta. Quick enough for weeknights, but indulgent enough for special occasions.
Prep
: 10
Total
: 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded or diced
- 12 oz pasta penne or rotini
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley for garnish optional
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Slowly add milk and cream, whisking until smooth and slightly thickened.
- Stir in paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked chicken and pasta into the skillet, stirring well to coat.
- Mix in cheddar and mozzarella cheese until fully melted and creamy.
- Simmer for 3–4 minutes until everything is heated through and the sauce is thick.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- For extra spice, add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- You can substitute half-and-half for cream for a lighter version.