Growing up in an Italian household, pasta wasn’t just dinner—it was a love language. One of my favorite comfort dishes from childhood was my nonna’s cheesy chicken pasta, brimming with flavor, love, and just the right amount of spice. She used to say that pasta is the answer to every question, and this dish proves her right—every single time. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a breezy summer night, this creamy, cheesy chicken pasta is a deliciously versatile comfort food that never fails to satisfy.
Let’s dive into this 1200-word flavor-packed journey featuring juicy chicken, al dente pasta shells, and a velvety tomato cream sauce crowned with melty mozzarella.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Pasta
This dish is a celebration of everything cozy and comforting. It’s creamy, hearty, and balanced with just a kick of heat. Plus, it comes together in one pan—hello, easy cleanup! It’s perfect for a romantic dinner for two or a nourishing solo treat with leftovers that reheat beautifully.
- Quick and simple – done in under 30 minutes
- Balanced flavors – creamy, tangy, cheesy, and spiced just right
- Year-round appeal – comforting in winter, satisfying in summer
- Authentic Italian vibes – inspired by family recipes passed down generations
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this cheesy chicken pasta for 2 generous servings:
- 250g (8 oz) pasta shells, uncooked
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 275g (9.6 oz) chicken breast, diced
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili sauce
- 130ml milk (½ cup + 1 tbsp)
- 110ml double cream (¼ cup + 3 tbsp)
- 100g mozzarella cheese (1 cup) + extra for topping
- 100–120ml reserved pasta water
Instructions
1. Boil the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add a touch of oil and the pasta shells. Cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes, then drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. Sauté the Garlic
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden.
3. Cook the Chicken
Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until they turn white and are no longer pink inside.
4. Season Well
Toss in the salt, pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
5. Tomato Base
Add the tomato paste and sriracha. Sauté everything for another minute to intensify the flavors.
6. Create the Sauce
Pour in the milk and cream. Stir continuously over medium-high heat for 1 minute or until it begins to bubble and thicken slightly.
7. Cheesy Goodness
Add in the mozzarella cheese. Stir gently until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
8. Adjust the Texture
Slowly add in the pasta water while stirring. This will loosen the sauce and help it cling perfectly to the pasta. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil for about 1.5 minutes.
9. Combine with Pasta
Toss in the cooked pasta. Mix thoroughly so every shell is beautifully coated. Top with a final sprinkle of cheese, cover the pan, and let sit on low heat until the cheese is melty and gooey.
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Plate your pasta, maybe with some fresh basil or cracked pepper on top. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Chicken Pasta
- Use freshly grated mozzarella for better melting.
- Want more heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes or extra sriracha.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing the chicken with mushrooms or roasted vegetables.
- Storing leftovers? This pasta keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Pairing Suggestions
- Wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or light red like Chianti
- Sides: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or grilled zucchini
- Dessert: Classic tiramisu or panna cotta for an authentic Italian finish
Let’s Make It Yours!
Did you try this cheesy chicken pasta? Share your twist on it! Tag me on Instagram or drop a comment below—whether you added some fresh spinach, used spicy sausage, or made it extra creamy, I’d love to hear how you made it your own.
Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
- 250 g 8 oz pasta shells, uncooked
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 275 g 9.6 oz chicken breast, diced
- ½ tsp salt adjust to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp sriracha or chili sauce
- 130 ml milk ½ cup + 1 tbsp
- 110 ml double cream ¼ cup + 3 tbsp
- 100 g mozzarella cheese 1 cup + extra for topping
- 100 –120ml reserved pasta water
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add a touch of oil and the pasta shells. Cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes, then drain and reserve ½ cup of the pasta water.
Sauté the Garlic
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant and golden.
Cook the Chicken
- Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Stir occasionally and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until they turn white and are no longer pink inside.
Season Well
- Toss in the salt, pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
Tomato Base
- Add the tomato paste and sriracha. Sauté everything for another minute to intensify the flavors.
Create the Sauce
- Pour in the milk and cream. Stir continuously over medium-high heat for 1 minute or until it begins to bubble and thicken slightly.
Cheesy Goodness
- Add in the mozzarella cheese. Stir gently until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Adjust the Texture
- Slowly add in the pasta water while stirring. This will loosen the sauce and help it cling perfectly to the pasta. Bring the sauce to a gentle boil for about 1.5 minutes.
Combine with Pasta
- Toss in the cooked pasta. Mix thoroughly so every shell is beautifully coated. Top with a final sprinkle of cheese, cover the pan, and let sit on low heat until the cheese is melty and gooey.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Plate your pasta, maybe with some fresh basil or cracked pepper on top. Serve immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
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