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Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

  • Author: Sarah White

Description

Enjoy creamy, cheesy chicken pasta with bold spices and rich mozzarella. Easy, quick, and perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 250g pasta, uncooked (about 8 oz)

  • 2 tablespoons oil (vegetable or olive oil)

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 275g chicken breast or thigh, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 9.6 oz)

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon red chili powder

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon chili sauce or sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)

  • 130 ml milk (about 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon)

  • 110 ml double cream (about 1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons)

  • 100 g mozzarella cheese + extra for sprinkling (about 1 cup shredded)

  • 100–120 ml reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 100-120 ml (1/2 cup) of pasta water. Set aside.

  2. Prepare the Chicken:
    Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

  3. Cook the Chicken Pieces:
    Add the chicken pieces to the pan. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, red chili powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano evenly over the chicken. Stir well to coat all pieces with the spices. Cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through.

  4. Add Tomato Paste and Chili Sauce:
    Stir in the tomato paste and chili sauce or sriracha. Cook for 2 minutes to incorporate the flavors.

  5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
    Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in the milk and double cream, stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes, thickening slightly.

  6. Add Cheese:
    Gradually add the shredded mozzarella cheese, stirring continuously until melted and the sauce is smooth.

  7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
    Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the sauce. Pour in about 100 ml of reserved pasta water a little at a time, stirring to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly. Adjust the sauce consistency with more pasta water if necessary.

  8. Final Taste and Garnish:
    Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili sauce to your preference. Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Reserve pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly.

Use double cream for richness, but substitute with heavy cream or half-and-half if needed.

Mozzarella is great for meltiness, but mixing in a bit of Parmesan adds extra flavor complexity.

Adjust chili sauce carefully—start mild and add more for heat.

Use fresh garlic for the best aroma and flavor.

Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

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Find it online: https://cookingwhite.com/cheesy-chicken-pasta-recipe/