Description
Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. This dish features tender seared chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce made with cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan. It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or cozy weekend meals, bringing together the heartiness of chicken, the creaminess of cheese, and the warmth of a bubbling baked casserole. A versatile and crowd-pleasing recipe, it’s bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your preferred type)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, dried basil, and oregano. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and garlic. Sauté for 1 minute. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a simmer. Add cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until smooth. Season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and mix it with the sauce and pasta.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and bake for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes