Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe: Creamy, Savory & Comforting Dish

I made this Cheesy Chicken Pasta for dinner last night, and honestly, it turned out so comforting that I had to share it with you. The chicken was tender, the sauce was creamy, and the cheese stretched with every bite.

What I loved most is that everything cooked in just one pot, which made cleanup a breeze. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this cheesy, comforting pasta dish:

2 tablespoons olive oil – Helps sauté the chicken and onion while adding a rich base flavor.
1 pound chicken breast, diced – Use fresh chicken for the best texture; dice evenly for quick cooking.
1 medium onion, diced – Adds a sweet and savory flavor balance to the sauce.
3 garlic cloves, minced – Brings bold, aromatic notes to the pasta.
12 ounces penne pasta – Penne holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
3 cups chicken broth – Cooking pasta in broth makes it flavorful.
1 cup whole milk – Adds creaminess without making the sauce too heavy.
2 cups fresh spinach – Avoid frozen spinach, as it can release too much water.
4 ounces cream cheese – Key for making the sauce velvety and smooth.
1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded – Freshly shredded melts better than pre-packaged.
½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated – Adds sharpness and depth to the flavor.
1 teaspoon salt – Enhances all the ingredients.
½ teaspoon black pepper – Balances the flavors with mild spice.

Note: This recipe makes 4 hearty servings. Adjust quantities if you’re cooking for more people or want leftovers.

Variations

This recipe is versatile and easy to adjust to your taste or dietary needs.

Use gluten-free pasta and broth for a gluten-free version.
Swap whole milk for almond or oat milk and use dairy-free cheese for a lactose-free option.
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you want it a little spicy.
Try different cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or Monterey Jack for unique flavors.
Add veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Equipment You Need

Large pot or Dutch oven – For cooking everything in one go.
Wooden spoon – Makes stirring easy without scratching your pot.
Grater – For fresh Parmesan and mozzarella, which melt smoothly.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta?

This recipe comes together in simple steps. Here’s how I made it at home.

Start with the Onion

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it softens and turns translucent. This gives a rich, savory base to the pasta.

Cook the Chicken

Add diced chicken to the pot and season with salt and pepper. Cook until golden on the outside and no longer pink inside. Stir in the garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.

Cook Pasta in the Sauce

Pour in chicken broth and milk, then add the uncooked pasta. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally so the pasta cooks evenly.

Add the Cheeses and Spinach

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cream cheese until melted. Add mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh spinach. Mix everything together until the cheese is melted and the spinach wilts into the sauce.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve the pasta hot straight from the pot. For presentation, sprinkle extra Parmesan or fresh parsley on top. Each bite is creamy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

When I made this pasta, I picked up a few tricks to make it even better:

Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Don’t overcook the pasta—taste it while simmering to avoid mushiness.
Add a splash of broth or milk if the sauce gets too thick.
Let the pasta rest for 2 minutes before serving—it helps the sauce thicken perfectly.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta?

Presentation makes this pasta even more inviting. I like serving it in a big family-style bowl with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of parsley. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a crisp green salad. If you want to elevate it further, add crispy bacon bits or roasted cherry tomatoes on top for flavor and color.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

Calories: 748
Protein: 52g
Carbohydrates: 65g
Fat: 31g

Make Ahead and Storage

Make Ahead: This pasta can be cooked fully and stored in portions. Just reheat when ready to serve.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–5 days.
Freezing: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm it gently in a pot with a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish has something for everyone. Here’s why it’s a keeper:

Quick and easy: Everything cooks in one pot, saving time and dishes.
Family-friendly: A crowd-pleaser loved by both kids and adults.
Customizable: Easy to swap ingredients to suit your diet or taste.
Comforting flavors: Creamy, cheesy, and satisfying every time.
Nutritious touch: Spinach adds a healthy boost without taking away from the flavor.

Ash Tyrrell