Go Back
To make Cheesy Chicken Pasta, you will need: - 2 cups penne pasta - 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients come together to create a cheesy, comforting dish that delights your taste buds. For this recipe, you will need: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A large skillet for sautéing and making the sauce - A cutting board and knife for prep work - A wooden spoon for stirring - A measuring cup and spoons for accuracy These tools help you cook efficiently and create a great meal. To make your dish look and taste even better, consider adding: - Extra grated Parmesan on top - Fresh basil leaves for color and flavor - A sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat These garnishes add to the visual appeal and enhance the dish's flavor profile. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, fill a large pot with water. Add a good amount of salt to it. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Once boiling, add 2 cups of penne pasta. Cook it for 10 to 12 minutes until it is al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. When the oil is hot, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes. Stir it occasionally until the chicken is brown and fully cooked. After that, take the chicken out and place it on a plate. In the same skillet, add 1 small finely chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for 3 to 4 minutes. You want the onion to be soft and fragrant, but don’t let the garlic brown. Then, reduce the heat to low. Carefully pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it well to mix with the onion and garlic. Gradually add 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts, and the sauce is smooth. Now, it’s time to bring it all together. Add the drained penne pasta, the sautéed chicken, and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes to the cheese sauce. Gently toss everything together. Make sure the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce and that the chicken and tomatoes are evenly mixed. Allow the pasta mixture to warm for 2 to 3 minutes on low heat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of cream. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Serve the cheesy chicken pasta on individual plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy it warm! To make a creamy cheese sauce, keep it simple. First, heat the pan on low once you add the cream. This helps prevent burning. Stir gently as you add the cheeses. Mozzarella melts well, but Parmesan adds a nice bite. If your sauce is too thick, splash in more cream. Always taste and adjust salt and pepper. This smooth sauce makes your pasta shine. When cooking chicken, size matters. Cut your chicken into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Heat your skillet with olive oil until it shimmers. Sauté the chicken for about 6-7 minutes. Stir it often to avoid burning. The chicken should be golden and cooked through. Remove it from the pan to keep it juicy. This step ensures your chicken stays tender. Cooking pasta is easy, but timing is key. Use a large pot with well-salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil before adding the penne. Cook for about 10-12 minutes for that perfect "al dente" bite. After draining, don’t rinse the pasta. This keeps the starch, which helps the sauce cling. Toss the pasta with the sauce right away for the best flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and herbs. Fresh ingredients enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta to retain a slight bite, which will complement the creamy sauce perfectly. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, like cheddar or gouda, for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of extra cheese and fresh herbs not only adds flavor but also makes for a visually appealing dish. {{image_4}} You can add vegetables to make this dish even better. Try adding spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. These veggies add color and nutrients. Simply chop them and sauté them with the onion and garlic. For a fresh twist, toss in some halved cherry tomatoes. They burst with flavor and pair well with the cheesy sauce. While mozzarella and Parmesan are classic, feel free to mix it up. Cheddar cheese can add a sharp taste. Cream cheese makes the sauce extra creamy. You might also try gouda or fontina for a unique flavor. Just remember to keep the amount similar to what the recipe calls for. Penne is great, but many pasta shapes work well here. Fusilli or rotini are fun choices. Their twists hold the sauce nicely. You could even use spaghetti for a classic look. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the shape you choose. This will keep the pasta tender and delicious. To store leftovers, let the cheesy chicken pasta cool down first. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label the container with the date. If you want to freeze the pasta, use a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. The pasta can last up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. To reheat, you can use the stovetop or microwave. If using the stovetop, add a splash of cream or water to keep it moist. Stir while heating on low until warm. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to ensure even heating. Enjoy your cheesy chicken pasta! Yes, you can use leftover chicken. Shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. This saves time and adds flavor. Just add it when you combine the cooked pasta and sauce. To make this dish gluten-free, switch to gluten-free penne pasta. Check the label to ensure it suits your needs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. I recommend serving this pasta with crusty garlic bread. A light salad also pairs well, adding fresh crunch. You can also serve steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. To add spice, try adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. You can also mix in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Adjust to your taste for the right kick. Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Cook the pasta and chicken, then mix them with the sauce. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before serving. This blog post covered how to make Cheesy Chicken Pasta. You learned about key ingredients and cooking tools. I walked you through each step, from cooking pasta to making a rich cheese sauce. We discussed tips for perfecting the dish and shared fun variations. Lastly, I provided storage tips and answered common questions. You can create a delicious meal that your family will love. Enjoy cooking and make this recipe your own!

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Delight

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish with sautéed chicken and fresh tomatoes, garnished with basil.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups penne pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • for garnish fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, bring well-salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the diced chicken breast. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Sauté the chicken for about 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
  • In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, ensuring not to brown the garlic.
  • Reduce the heat to low and carefully pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine with the onion and garlic mixture. Gradually add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to stir until both cheeses have melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  • Add the cooked penne pasta, sautéed chicken, and halved cherry tomatoes to the cheese sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy cheese sauce and the chicken and tomatoes are evenly distributed.
  • Allow the pasta mixture to warm through for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a splash more cream. Taste the dish and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
  • Dish out the cheesy chicken pasta into individual plates or bowls and garnish with fresh basil leaves for a burst of color and flavor. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

For an elegant touch, sprinkle some extra grated Parmesan on top before serving and add a few whole basil leaves as a garnish. Consider serving with crusty garlic bread on the side for a deliciously complete meal.
Keyword cheesy, chicken, creamy, pasta, quick meal