The Best Cheesy Chicken Pasta 🧀🍗🍝
Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-cheesy — this Cheesy Chicken Pasta is pure comfort food in a bowl! 💛 Packed with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and layers of melted cheese, it’s the perfect family dinner that everyone will rave about. Quick enough for weeknights yet indulgent enough for Sunday dinner, this recipe is a must-try for cheese and pasta lovers alike.

⏱️ Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 6

Ingredients:
For the Chicken & Pasta:

2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb), diced

2 tbsp olive oil or butter

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

1 tsp paprika

Salt & pepper to taste

12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)

For the Cheesy Sauce:

2 tbsp butter

2 tbsp all-purpose flour

2 cups milk (whole or 2%)

1 cup heavy cream (for extra richness)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella

1/2 cup grated Parmesan

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

For Garnish:

Fresh parsley, chopped

Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Cook the chicken:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

3. Make the cheese sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream until smooth and thickened (about 5 minutes). Stir in cheddar, mozzarella, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Mix until cheese is fully melted and sauce is creamy.

4. Combine everything:
Add the cooked pasta and chicken into the skillet with the sauce. Stir well to coat every bite with that cheesy goodness.

5. Optional bake for extra cheesiness:
Transfer to a greased baking dish, top with extra mozzarella and Parmesan, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

6. Garnish & serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

Tips & Variations:
✅ Swap chicken for cooked sausage, shrimp, or rotisserie chicken.
✅ Add veggies like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
✅ Use a mix of cheeses like gouda or provolone for deeper flavor.
✅ Meal prep friendly — makes great leftovers for the next day.

Why You’ll Love It ❤️
This is truly The Best Cheesy Chicken Pasta — creamy, hearty, and loaded with layers of melty cheese. Perfect for when you’re craving comfort food but want something easy to whip up at home. A guaranteed family favorite that will have everyone asking for seconds!