How to Make Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta in 30 Minutes

Hey there, fellow foodies! Are you looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight? Well, you’ve come to the right place! Today, I’m sharing a mouthwatering recipe for creamy cheesy chicken pasta that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Yes, you read that right—this dish is a true lifesaver for those hectic evenings when you want something tasty but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. So grab your apron, and let’s dive into this easy pasta recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to make—ready in 30 minutes!
• Creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious.
• Perfect for weeknight dinners or quick family meals.
• Customizable to your taste preferences.
• A great way to use up leftover chicken or pasta.

Ingredients

To make this creamy cheesy chicken pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces pasta (your choice of shape)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon butter

A full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Let’s walk through the steps to create this delicious creamy cheesy chicken pasta dish. It’s a breeze to make, and you’ll have it on the table in no time!

Cooking the Pasta

1. Heat a large pot of water over high heat until it comes to a boil.

2. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water, then add the pasta.

3. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking together.

4. Cook according to package instructions—usually 8-10 minutes, or until al dente.

5. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.

Preparing the Chicken

6. While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

7. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

8. Cook the chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown.

9. Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.

Making the Sauce

10. In the same skillet, add butter and melt it over medium heat.

11. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the melted butter.

12. Bring the cream to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

13. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Combining It All

14. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the cheesy sauce.

15. Add the sliced chicken to the skillet and mix everything together.

16. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken and pasta are well combined and heated through.

17. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use leftover chicken: If you have cooked chicken on hand, you can skip the cooking step and shred or chop it to add directly to the sauce.
• Customize the cheese: Feel free to mix and match different cheeses like cheddar, ricotta, or even feta for a unique flavor profile.
• Add some spice: If you like a little heat, sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the sauce for an extra kick.
• Garlic lovers rejoice: For an extra garlicky flavor, mince a clove of fresh garlic and sauté it in the butter before adding the heavy cream.

Looking for more chicken breast recipes? Check out these easy and delicious options:

• How to Make Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken Breast
• How to Make Perfect Garlic Butter Baked Chicken Breast in 30 Minutes
• How to Make Perfect Oven Baked Chicken Breast in 20 Minutes

How to Serve

This creamy cheesy chicken pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it’s always nice to add a little something extra to the table. Here are a few ideas:

• Green salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
• Garlic bread: Because what’s pasta without a little garlic bread on the side?
• Steamed veggies: Quickly steam some broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a healthy and balanced meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

While this recipe is best served fresh, you can prepare parts of it ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

• Make ahead: Cook the pasta and chicken up to a day in advance, then combine everything when you’re ready to serve.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
• Freezing: The sauce can be made ahead and frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and combine with cooked pasta and chicken when needed.

And there you have it—a quick, creamy, and cheesy pasta dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or any time you need a comforting meal. It’s one of those easy pasta recipes that never fails to impress, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes! So next time you’re in a dinner rut, give this creamy garlic pasta a try and enjoy the ooohs and ahhhs from your family and friends.

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with me on social media using the hashtag #EasyPastaRecipes. I’d love to see how your creamy cheesy chicken pasta turns out!