Easy Cheesy Chicken with Pasta
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this Easy Cheesy Chicken with Pasta recipe, a creamy, savory dish that comes together in just 40 minutes. Tender, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts are pan-seared to golden perfection, then paired with al dente penne pasta and a luscious homemade cheese sauce made from cheddar and Parmesan. A touch of paprika adds a subtle kick to the silky sauce, while fresh parsley provides a vibrant finishing touch. Perfect for busy families, this recipe combines comfort food flavors with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients, making it an instant favorite for weeknight meals or cozy gatherings. Serve up this irresistible one-pan delight and watch as it disappears in no time!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cups Parmesan cheese
- 0.25 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet, set aside, and cover to keep warm.
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to thicken.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the paprika and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Slice the cooked chicken into thin strips.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and sliced chicken. Toss until everything is evenly coated.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
750 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 42.2 g | 54% | |
| Saturated Fat | 22.3 g | 111% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 173 mg | 58% | |
| Sodium | 1089 mg | 47% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 38.4 g | 14% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.9 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 6.5 g | ||
| Protein | 54.5 g | 109% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.8 mcg | 9% | |
| Calcium | 682 mg | 52% | |
| Iron | 1.9 mg | 11% | |
| Potassium | 453 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
