Easy Cheesy Chicken Pasta
This Easy Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a comforting meal that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese, and pasta for a deliciously satisfying dish.
Equipment
- pot
- pan
- Spatula
Ingredients
- 250 g pasta shells (uncooked)
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 275 g boneless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon oregano
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional)
- 130 ml milk
- 110 ml double cream
- 100 g mozzarella cheese (plus extra for topping)
- 100-120 ml pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted water with a bit of oil until al dente, then drain and reserve some pasta water.
- Heat oil in a pan, add minced garlic, and sauté until golden.
- Add chicken pieces to the pan and cook until they turn white.
- Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano, then mix in tomato paste and sriracha, cooking for about a minute.
- Gradually add milk and cream to the pan, stirring continuously until the mixture bubbles.
- Incorporate cheese into the sauce, mixing gently until melted.
- Add reserved pasta water to the sauce, stirring until it reaches a boil.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, ensuring it is well-coated, then top with additional cheese and cover to cook on low heat until the cheese melts.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Cook pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce. Pair with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal. Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more pasta water if too thick or simmering longer if too thin. For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken and add vegetables. To make a creamier sauce, use all heavy cream instead of milk. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days; reheat with a splash of cream to maintain moisture.