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Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Pasta: A Creamy, Comforting Delight

cheesy chicken pasta
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On a chilly evening, I whipped up this creamy, cheesy chicken pasta—and just like that, it became my favorite comfort dish. It reminds me of Sunday dinners growing up: rich flavors, hearty portions, and everyone smiling around the table. This recipe is warm, familiar, and easy to make. Perfect for sharing with the ones you love ❤️ Try it and let your worries melt away with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 250g (8 oz) pasta shells, uncooked

  • 2 tbsp oil

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 275g (9.6 oz) chicken, bite-sized

  • 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 (or Italian seasoning)

  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

  • 1 tsp chili sauce or sriracha

  • 130ml (½ cup + 1 tbsp) milk

  • 110ml (¼ cup + 3 tbsp) double cream

  • 100g (1 cup) mozzarella + extra for topping

  • 100–120ml (½ cup) reserved pasta water

Instructions

  • Boil the pasta in salted water with a dash of oil until al dente. Drain and save ½ cup of the pasta water.

  • In a pan, sauté minced garlic in oil for 1 minute until golden.

  • Add chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes until it turns white.

  • Mix in all seasonings: salt, pepper, chili, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano.

  • Add tomato paste and sriracha, cooking for 1 minute.

  • Gradually pour in milk and cream, stirring until the sauce starts to bubble.

  • Stir in the cheese until melted and smooth.

  • Slowly add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, then bring it to a gentle boil.

  • Toss in the cooked pasta, coat well, sprinkle more cheese, cover, and cook on low until the top melts.

Notes

✨ Use al dente pasta – It keeps its shape and texture even after being mixed with the sauce. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy.

✨ Reserve that pasta water – It’s starchy and helps make the sauce smooth and creamy without thinning it out too much.

✨ Taste as you go – Cheese and pasta water add salt, so wait until the end before adjusting the salt.

✨ Don’t skip the garlic – Fresh garlic gives a rich base flavor that makes this dish irresistible.

✨ Cream substitute? – No double cream? You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and a little butter in a pinch.

✨ Want it spicier? – Add a little more chili sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

✨ Let it sit covered – After adding cheese on top, letting it sit for a few minutes helps the flavors blend and the cheese to melt beautifully.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://toplushrecipes.com/ultimate-cheesy-chicken-pasta-a-creamy-comforting-delight/