Go Back
+ servings
Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Pasta for Cozy Family Dinners

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish, perfect for family dinners with its creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken
  • 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil can substitute with vegetable or canola oil
For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces rotini pasta penne or fusilli are alternatives
For Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon salt season to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard Dijon is a great substitute
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme oregano works as well
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano mixed Italian herbs could be used
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or white pepper for a milder taste
For the Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour gluten-free flour for GF option
  • 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth for non-alcoholic option
  • 2 cloves minced garlic garlic powder can be used if fresh isn't available
  • 1 cup diced onions shallots are a good substitute
  • 1 cup milk heavy cream for richer flavor, almond milk for dairy-free option
  • 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese substitute with mozzarella or dairy-free cheese if preferred

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • small bowl

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. In a small bowl, combine dry mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels, then coat them evenly with the seasoning mix.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear for about 6-8 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
  3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain, reserving a cup of pasta water.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter, then whisk in all-purpose flour to form a roux. Gradually add white wine, followed by minced garlic and diced onions, and cook until onions soften.
  5. Slowly whisk in milk, cooking until it bubbles and thickens. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar cheese until melted.
  6. Chop the cooked chicken and add it to the skillet. Fold in the drained pasta and mix until coated in sauce, cooking together for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Plate the Cheesy Chicken Pasta, garnish with dried thyme or red pepper flakes, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 650kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 300mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating with a splash of milk.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!