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Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Sauce

A fork lifting long strands of pasta coated in bright orange, creamy sauce from a bowl of Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Sauce.
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This is a recipe for a rich and satisfying pasta dish featuring tender chicken pieces coated in a decadent, cheesy cream sauce. It makes a great family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Whisk in the flour to create a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
  6. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth until smooth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens slightly.
  7. Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream. Do not let the sauce boil once the cream is added.
  8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Gradually stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and melted.
  9. Return the cooked chicken and the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are fully coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
  10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use half and half instead of heavy cream, but watch the heat carefully to prevent scorching.
  • You can substitute Gruyere or Monterey Jack cheese for some of the cheddar for a different flavor profile.
  • Add 1/2 cup of frozen peas or chopped broccoli during the last 5 minutes of cooking the pasta for added vegetables.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/cheesy-chicken-pasta-with-creamy-sauce/