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–+ servings

Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Cook Time 40 minutes
Course Dinner
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Creamy cheesy chicken pasta in a spicy tomato sauce—ready in 35 minutes for the perfect comfort meal.

Ingredients

  • 250 g pasta uncooked (around 8 oz)
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 275 g chicken breast or thigh cut into bite-sized pieces (around 9.6 oz)
  • ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon red chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon oregano
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon chili sauce or sriracha
  • 130 ml milk ½ cup + 1 tablespoon
  • 110 ml double cream ¼ cup + 3 tablespoons
  • 100 g mozzarella cheese + extra for topping 1 cup + extra
  • 100 –120ml pasta water around ½ cup

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Add pasta to a pot of cold water with salt and a splash of oil.
  • Cook until al dente—firm to the bite but not soft, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.
  • Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic

  • In a large pan, heat oil over medium heat.
  • Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

  • Add the chicken pieces to the pan and cook over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes until they turn white and are mostly cooked through.

Step 4: Add Seasonings

  • Stir in the salt, black pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano.
  • Mix well to coat the chicken with all those aromatic spices.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

  • Add tomato paste and sriracha; stir well and cook for 1 minute over medium-high heat.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Base

  • Gradually pour in the milk and cream while stirring.
  • Let the sauce cook and bubble for about 1 minute.

Step 7: Melt the Cheese

  • Add mozzarella cheese and stir until completely melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Step 8: Add Pasta Water

  • Slowly add in the reserved pasta water while stirring.
  • Bring the sauce to a boil—this takes about 1.5 minutes.

Step 9: Finish the Dish

  • Add the cooked pasta to the pan.
  • Toss until every piece is well-coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce.
  • Sprinkle extra cheese over the top, cover with a lid, and cook on low heat until the cheese melts.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy!

  • Dish it out hot and serve with a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad.