I made this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe the other night, and it instantly became a family favorite. The tender chicken, gooey mozzarella, and creamy sauce wrapped around perfectly cooked pasta were simply irresistible. The best part? It all came together in one pot, which meant less cleanup for me.

If you’re looking for a cozy, satisfying dish that’s both easy and delicious, this recipe is a must-try. Trust me, in just one bite, you’ll understand why I keep coming back to this cheesy, comforting masterpiece. For another creamy pasta option, check out this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta Recipe for a flavorful twist.

Simple and Flavorful Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to create this mouthwatering pasta dish:

2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and onion while adding flavor.
1 pound chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces: Cut evenly for fast and uniform cooking.
1 medium onion, diced: Adds a sweet, savory base to the dish.
3 garlic cloves, minced: Packs in bold, aromatic flavor.
12 ounces penne pasta: A sturdy pasta perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
3 cups chicken broth: Makes the pasta extra flavorful as it cooks.
1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess without overwhelming the dish.
2 cups fresh spinach: Sneaks in some greens for a nutritious element.
4 ounces cream cheese: The key to a rich, velvety sauce.
1½ cups mozzarella cheese, shredded: Melts beautifully for that classic stretch.
½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated: Adds a tangy, nutty touch to the sauce.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
½ teaspoon black pepper: For a mild hint of spice and depth.

Note: This recipe makes about four hearty servings. Adjust the ingredient quantities if you’re serving a larger crowd or planning for leftovers.

Easy Variations to Make It Your Own

This recipe is super adaptable, so get creative or cater it to your diet:

Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.
Switch up the veggies: Toss in mushrooms, bell peppers, or roasted broccoli for extra color and nutrients.
Experiment with cheese: Try mixing in gouda, cheddar, or Swiss for a unique twist on the creaminess.
Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and make sure your chicken broth is gluten-free as well.
Lighten it up: Substitute low-fat cream cheese and milk for a lighter version of the sauce.

For another cheesy delight, you might enjoy this Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Pasta Bake, which is equally comforting and packed with flavor.

Quick Cooking Time Overview

You’ll have this delicious pasta ready to serve in no time:

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

Tools You’ll Need for a Hassle-Free Cooking Experience

Make sure to have these on hand to cook with ease:

Large pot or Dutch oven: For cooking the entire dish in one go.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring the pasta and sauce as it cooks.
Grater: For freshly grating Parmesan cheese, which melts smoothly into the sauce.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta? Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking this pasta is as simple as it gets, and it doesn’t skimp on flavor!

Start with the Onion

Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add in your diced onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent. This step gives the dish a great base flavor and gets things off to a savory start.

Cook the Chicken

To the softened onion, toss in the diced chicken and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir occasionally, letting the chicken cook until it’s golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.

Cook the Pasta Right in the Sauce

Pour the chicken broth and milk into the pot, and add the uncooked pasta. Stir everything together, bringing it to a gentle boil. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the pot, and allow the pasta to simmer for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the bottom.

Melt the Cheeses and Add Spinach

With the pasta tender and cooked, uncover the pot and cook off any excess liquid if necessary. Stir in the cream cheese, letting it melt into a luscious sauce. Add the mozzarella, Parmesan, and spinach, mixing thoroughly until the cheese melts completely and the spinach wilts into the pasta.

Serve and Enjoy

Serve your cheesy chicken pasta hot, straight from the pot or in a serving dish. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, additional Parmesan, or a pinch of black pepper for a finishing touch. Dig in and savor every creamy, cheesy bite!

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe — ***Credit:*** *lmld.org*

Tips for Making the Best Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Here are some tips I learned while making this recipe to ensure perfect results every time:

Don’t overcook the pasta: Since it cooks in the sauce, check for doneness frequently to avoid mushiness.
Use fresh cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and creates a better sauce than pre-shredded cheese.
Adjust consistency as needed: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out. For a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for an extra minute or two.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta?

Presentation takes this dish from delicious to irresistible. Serve the pasta in a big serving bowl and sprinkle on extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley or basil for that pop of color. Pair it with a side of garlic bread or a warm baguette to sop up every last drop of sauce. For an elevated touch, add crispy bacon bits on top for extra flavor and crunch.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick nutrition snapshot per serving:

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

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This dish is great for meal prepping or enjoying later!

Make Ahead: You can prepare the entire dish ahead and store it in portions. Just reheat and enjoy when it’s time to serve.

Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–5 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently over low heat in a pot or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or broth to rehydrate the sauce for a creamy consistency.

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Pasta?

From the one-pot convenience to the creamy sauce, here’s why this recipe is a winner:

Quick and easy: Perfect for weeknights with minimal prep and cleanup.
Customizable: Endless options to tweak the recipe to your liking.
Family-friendly: Loved by both kids and adults, making it great for any gathering.
Comfort food classic: You can’t go wrong with cheese, chicken, and pasta!
Nutritious twist: The addition of spinach makes it a little healthier while staying delicious.

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta is everything you need for a great meal. Creamy, flavorful, and completely satisfying, it’s guaranteed to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation. Grab a fork and enjoy the cheesy goodness! If you’re looking for more dinner ideas, you can also explore some delicious dinner recipes for inspiration.