Amazing Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe 1

Hello there! I’m Anna Kowalska, and today I’m so excited to share a recipe that’s really close to my heart: my Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe. This isn’t just any pasta dish; it’s a hug in a bowl that my family has loved for years. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table, and it really embodies my philosophy of making food with both heart and incredible flavor. Trust me, this creamy, cheesy goodness is going to become a staple in your home too!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is a weeknight dinner savior! It’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy evenings. You’ll adore the rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken that just melts in your mouth. It’s pure comfort food that’s guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family, turning any meal into a special occasion.

Ingredients for Your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Alright, let’s gather everything we need for this amazing Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe! You’ll want to have these ready to go:

• 2 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
• 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt, just enough to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 pound short-cut pasta (like rotini or penne)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced nice and fine
• 1 yellow onion, diced up small
• ¼ cup dry white wine (optional, but adds a lovely touch!)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 8 oz white cheddar cheese, grated – this is key for that amazing flavor!
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1-2 tbsp fresh thyme, for that pop of freshness
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference!)

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

A few notes on our ingredients! For the cheese, sharp white cheddar is best for that classic flavor, but if you can’t find it, a good quality Monterey Jack or even a mild cheddar will work in a pinch. Just make sure it’s grated yourself from a block – pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make your sauce a little less smooth. If you don’t have white wine, don’t worry! You can skip it or use a splash of chicken broth instead. And for the pasta, any short-cut shape that holds sauce well is fantastic here.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Now for the fun part – making this delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe! It’s really straightforward, and before you know it, you’ll have a comforting meal ready to go. Let’s get cooking!

Preparing the Chicken

First things first, let’s get that chicken seasoned and cooked. Slice your chicken breasts into nice thin strips or cubes, whatever you prefer. Then, in a little bowl, mix up that dry mustard, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this all over the chicken and give it a good toss. Heat up your olive oil in a big skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken in and cook it until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. Don’t crowd the pan – cook it in batches if you need to! Once it’s done, just scoop it out onto a plate and set it aside. That browning really adds so much flavor!

Cooking the Pasta

While the chicken is resting, let’s get the pasta going. Fill up a big pot with water, add a good pinch of salt (this is important for flavor!), and bring it to a rolling boil. Throw in your pound of short-cut pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente – you know, tender but still with a little bite. Drain it well and set it aside. Easy peasy!

Creating the Creamy Cheese Sauce

This is where the magic happens! In that same skillet you used for the chicken (no need to wash it, all those tasty bits are flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and stir it around for about a minute to cook out that raw flour taste – this is your roux. Now, toss in the minced garlic and diced onion and cook for a few minutes until the onions start to soften up. If you’re using wine, pour it in now and let it bubble and reduce a bit, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the Dijon mustard. Then, slowly, and I mean *slowly*, pour in the milk, whisking constantly after each addition. Keep stirring and let it simmer gently for about 4-6 minutes until the sauce has thickened nicely. Turn the heat down low, and this is the best part: add your grated white cheddar cheese! Stir, stir, stir until it’s all melted and beautifully smooth and creamy. Oh, the smell!

Bringing It All Together

Okay, we’re almost there! Now, gently add your cooked chicken back into the skillet with that glorious cheesy sauce. Then, add your drained pasta. Give it all a really good stir, making sure every single piece of pasta and chicken is coated in that luscious, creamy sauce. You want it all to be perfectly combined and looking absolutely irresistible. Serve it up right away while it’s hot and gooey!

Tips for the Perfect Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

To get the absolute best results with this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe, a few little tricks go a long way! If your sauce seems a bit too thick, just thin it out with a splash more milk or even a little pasta water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a bit longer, or whisk in a tiny bit more cheese. Always serve it right away while it’s hot and creamy – it’s truly at its best then! And don’t forget those garnishes; a sprinkle of fresh thyme and a pinch of red pepper flakes really elevate the flavor and make it look extra special.

Serving Suggestions for Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

This creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe is so satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a few simple sides! A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner, cutting through the richness. Steamed broccoli or green beans also add a lovely touch of freshness. And of course, you can never go wrong with some crusty garlic bread to soak up any extra cheesy sauce!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Got leftovers of this amazing Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe? Lucky you! Let it cool down completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, the stovetop is your best friend. Gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if it seems a bit dry, stirring until it’s heated through and creamy again. You can also use the microwave, just heat in short bursts, stirring in between.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Got questions about making this delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe? I’ve got you covered!

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While I love short-cut pasta like rotini for this dish because it really grabs the sauce, you can totally use penne, farfalle (bow-ties), or even shells. Just make sure to cook it al dente according to the package directions.

Q: How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
If your sauce is too thin, just let it simmer gently for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally. You can also whisk in a little more grated cheese or a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tbsp cold water) and cook until thickened. If it’s too thick, a splash of milk or even some of the reserved pasta water will thin it out perfectly.

Q: Can I add vegetables to this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe?
Yes, you definitely can! It’s a great way to add extra nutrition and flavor. Sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli florets, peas, or even some spinach wilted into the sauce at the end are fantastic additions. Just make sure to cook them before adding them to the pasta and sauce mixture.

Estimated Nutritional Information

Please keep in mind that the nutritional values for this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe are estimates. Based on the ingredients and serving size (about 1 serving), you can expect it to be around 650 calories, with approximately 30g of fat, 35g of protein, and 60g of carbohydrates. These numbers can vary slightly depending on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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