A rich and comforting creamy cheesy chicken pasta dish made with tender chicken pieces, al dente pasta, and a luscious cheese sauce.
Author:Beth
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Main Course
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season diced chicken with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add to skillet and cook until golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1 minute.
Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, cooking until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Add cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
Stir in Italian seasoning, then add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Mix well to coat evenly with the sauce.
Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker meal prep.
Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella for a different flavor profile.