Indulge in a bowl of cheesy chicken pasta that’s pure comfort food. Tender chicken pieces and perfectly cooked pasta shells are coated in a velvety tomato cream sauce, topped with melty cheese, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, lazy lunches, or whenever you crave a warm, comforting meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 35 minutes, this recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients for a fuss-free, satisfying meal.
- Customizable: Swap chicken for vegetables, try different pasta shapes, or blend cheeses to suit your taste.
- Perfect Leftovers: Refrigerate and reheat easily. Add a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
- Balanced Indulgence: Creamy and cheesy without feeling heavy. The tomato adds freshness, and extra vegetables or a side salad make it a balanced meal.
Ingredients
- 250g (8 oz) pasta shells or your preferred shape
- 2 tbsp neutral oil (or olive oil)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 275g (about 10 oz) boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili sauce (optional)
- 130ml (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp) milk
- 110ml (1/4 cup + 3 tbsp) double cream or heavy cream
- 100g (1 cup) mozzarella cheese + extra for topping
- 100–120ml (1/2 cup) reserved pasta water
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water with a splash of oil to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, slightly firm to the bite. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
2. Cook the Garlic
In a pan over medium heat, warm the oil. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until lightly golden and fragrant.
3. Cook the Chicken
Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan. Cook over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns opaque.
4. Add Seasonings
Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Stir to coat the chicken evenly.
5. Add Tomato Paste & Sriracha
Mix in tomato paste and optional sriracha. Cook for 1 minute to combine and enhance the flavor.
6. Make the Creamy Sauce
Gradually add milk and cream, stirring constantly. Cook over medium-high heat until the sauce begins to bubble, about 1–2 minutes.
7. Add Cheese
Gently fold in the mozzarella (or your choice of cheese) until fully melted and incorporated, creating a thick, creamy sauce.
8. Adjust Sauce with Pasta Water
Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce if needed. Bring to a gentle boil while stirring to combine.
9. Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Sprinkle extra cheese on top, cover with a lid, and cook on low heat until the cheese melts completely.
10. Serve
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. Curl up and enjoy your ultimate comfort meal!
Tips & Notes
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: It will continue to soften in the sauce.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: Use extra pasta water for a looser sauce, or simmer longer for a thicker sauce.
- Cheese Options: Mozzarella works well, but you can blend cheeses for extra flavor.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip chicken and add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
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