Description
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
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250g (8 oz) pasta shells, uncooked
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2 tbsp oil
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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275g (9.6 oz) chicken, bite-sized
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½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp red chili powder
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp onion powder
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¼ tsp oregano (or Italian seasoning)
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2 tbsp tomato paste
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1 tsp chili sauce or sriracha
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130ml (½ cup + 1 tbsp) milk
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110ml (¼ cup + 3 tbsp) double cream
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100g (1 cup) mozzarella + extra for topping
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100–120ml (½ cup) reserved pasta water
Instructions
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Boil the pasta in salted water with a dash of oil until al dente. Drain and save ½ cup of the pasta water.
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In a pan, sauté minced garlic in oil for 1 minute until golden.
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Add chicken and cook for 3–4 minutes until it turns white.
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Mix in all seasonings: salt, pepper, chili, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano.
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Add tomato paste and sriracha, cooking for 1 minute.
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Gradually pour in milk and cream, stirring until the sauce starts to bubble.
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Stir in the cheese until melted and smooth.
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Slowly add reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce, then bring it to a gentle boil.
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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.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
Nutrition
- Calories: 580 kcal Per Serving
- Sugar: 5g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g