Name: Cheesy Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 250 g pasta (uncooked (about 8 oz)); 2 tbsp oil; 4 cloves garlic (minced); 275 g chicken (cut into bite-sized pieces (about 9.6 oz)); ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp red chili powder; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp oregano; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 1 tsp chili sauce or sriracha; 130 ml milk (½ cup + 1 tbsp); 110 ml double cream (¼ cup + 3 tbsp); 100 g mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup + extra for topping); 100 –120ml pasta water (about ½ cup)

There’s something magical about a big bowl of cheesy pasta that can turn an ordinary day into something special. This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food — tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta shells, and a luscious tomato cream sauce all topped with gooey, melty cheese. Every bite is rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying, making it exactly the kind of meal you want to curl up with after a long day.

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s both simple to make and loaded with flavor. The chicken is seasoned with a blend of spices that gives it depth and a gentle kick, while the sauce balances the tanginess of tomato paste with the creaminess of milk and double cream. And of course, there’s the cheese — melted into the sauce for creaminess and sprinkled on top for that irresistible stretch with every forkful.

This recipe is also versatile enough to fit into any weeknight routine. It comes together in just 35 minutes, uses simple pantry staples, and can easily be adapted to your personal preferences. Whether you make it exactly as written or swap in your favorite pasta shapes, cheese blends, or spice levels, you’ll end up with a meal that’s destined to be a repeat in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & easy – Just 35 minutes from start to finish.
Rich & creamy – A perfect blend of tomato tang and cheesy goodness.
Protein-packed – Balanced with tender chicken for a hearty meal.
Customizable – Adjust spice, pasta shape, or cheese type to suit your taste.
Family favorite – Kid-approved and great for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Fill a pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt along with a small drizzle of oil. Bring to a boil, then add the pasta. Cook until al dente — firm to the bite but not overly soft — so it holds up well when mixed with the sauce later. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the cooking water.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet or deep pan, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter quickly.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan. Increase heat to medium-high and cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns white on the outside. It doesn’t need to be fully cooked yet, as it will finish cooking in the sauce.

Step 4: Season the Chicken

Sprinkle in the salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Stir well to evenly coat the chicken with the spices, letting them bloom in the oil for extra flavor.

Step 5: Add Tomato Base

Stir in the tomato paste and chili sauce (or sriracha) and cook for about 1 minute over medium-high heat. This helps concentrate the tomato flavor and infuse the sauce with a slight heat.

Step 6: Make the Sauce

Gradually pour in the milk and double cream, stirring constantly. Let the mixture cook over medium-high heat for about 1 minute, or until it begins to bubble gently. The sauce will start to thicken as the cream combines with the tomato base.

Step 7: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle in the mozzarella cheese and stir until completely melted into the sauce. At this point, the sauce should be smooth, creamy, and slightly thick.

Step 8: Adjust Consistency with Pasta Water

Slowly add the reserved pasta water, stirring continuously, until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency. This usually takes about 1½ minutes of gentle boiling and stirring.

Step 9: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing it in the sauce until every piece is fully coated. Sprinkle with extra mozzarella cheese on top, then cover the pan with a lid and cook over low heat for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese on top melts.

Step 10: Serve

Spoon into bowls while hot and enjoy the creamy, cheesy deliciousness.

Tips & Variations

Pasta choice – Shells, penne, fusilli, or rotini all work well.
Cheese swap – Try cheddar, gouda, or a cheese blend for a different flavor.
Extra veggies – Add spinach, peas, or bell peppers for more nutrition.
Protein options – Swap chicken for shrimp, turkey, or plant-based protein.
Make it spicier – Increase the chili powder or add a pinch of cayenne.

Serving Suggestions

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is hearty enough to stand on its own, but you can make it a full meal with:

A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
Garlic bread or breadsticks
Steamed or roasted vegetables
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil for brightness

Nutritional Benefits

While this dish is definitely indulgent, it’s also a good source of protein from the chicken and calcium from the cheese. Garlic and oregano provide antioxidants, while pasta offers energy-sustaining carbs. For a lighter version, you can use whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, and reduce the cream.

FAQ

Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, but for best texture, keep the pasta and sauce separate until reheating.
How do I store leftovers? Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat? Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze it? The creamy sauce may separate slightly when frozen, so fresh is best.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is the kind of dish that makes you slow down and savor every bite. From the tender chicken to the rich tomato cream sauce and gooey cheese, it’s a perfect blend of comfort and flavor. Best of all, it’s quick and easy enough to whip up on a busy evening, yet indulgent enough for a weekend treat. Whether you enjoy it alone on the couch or as part of a family dinner, it’s guaranteed to leave everyone happy and full.

The Goods