Get ready to cozy up to your new weeknight favorite: the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe! Imagine tender bites of seasoned chicken mingling with twisty noodles all tossed in a velvety sauce that’s absolutely packed with cheddar goodness, a touch of tangy mustard, and a gentle warmth from thyme and red pepper flakes. This dish isn’t just deeply comforting, it’s also surprisingly easy to pull together — perfect for busy nights when you want maximum flavor with minimum fuss.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe is how each ingredient shines in its own unique way, building layers of flavor and texture that make this dish feel special. Every component plays a role, whether it’s adding richness, savoriness, or just the right pop of color.

Chicken breasts: These become juicy and flavorful when seasoned and cooked, forming the heart of the dish.
Olive oil: Ensures the chicken stays moist and delivers a golden exterior when seared.
Dry mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness that lifts and brightens the sauce.
Dried thyme and dried oregano: Bring herby depth and earthiness, pairing beautifully with chicken and cheese.
Salt & freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer and balancing the richness.
Short-cut pasta (like rotini): These shapes catch all that luscious sauce, making every bite extra cheesy and satisfying.
Butter: Starts the sauce with a silky, creamy base.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce to the perfect, clingy consistency.
Garlic & yellow onion: Give the sauce a robust, aromatic backbone.
Dry white wine: Adds acidity and complexity (don’t worry, the alcohol cooks off!)
Dijon mustard: A little goes a long way to open up the flavors of the cheese and chicken.
White cheddar cheese: The star of the sauce, providing sharpness, creaminess, and that irresistible melt.
Whole milk: Delivers creaminess without weighing the dish down.
Fresh thyme: Bright, lemony notes that freshen up the entire casserole.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a sprinkle brings warming heat and a pop of color to the final dish.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe

Step 1: Create a Flavorful Spice Mix

Start by blending dry mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. This unique combo is going to layer your chicken with bold, herby flavors, and add that signature savory kick the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe is known for.

Step 2: Prep and Season the Chicken

Slice your chicken breasts into either thin strips or bite-sized cubes — whatever suits your pasta mood! Sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly over the chicken, so every single morsel gets coated with all that tasty spice.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet, then add your chicken. The goal is to get a beautiful sear and just-cooked-through chicken for juicy bites that will hold up in the sauce. Once browned and fully cooked, transfer to a plate and set aside — you’ll be inviting this back into the pan soon!

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While your chicken rests, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add your favorite short-cut pasta and cook until just al dente; you want the noodles to have a bit of bite since they’ll soak up the delicious sauce later. Drain and set aside (don’t forget to reserve a cup of pasta water, just in case your sauce needs loosening).

Step 5: Build the Cheesy, Creamy Sauce

Return to your trusty skillet and melt the butter. Whisk in flour to create a quick roux, then toss in minced garlic, diced onion, and a splash of dry white wine. Don’t rush this part: slowly cook until the onions soften and the mixture is fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard, then gradually pour in the milk, whisking the whole time until the sauce thickens up. Now comes the best part: pile in that shredded white cheddar and watch as it melts into pure, golden goodness.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked chicken and pasta to your cheesy sauce, making sure everything is deliciously coated. Double-check your seasoning, then finish with fresh thyme and those optional crushed red pepper flakes (they add a welcome heat and touch of color!). Serve immediately, and let the swooning begin.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe

Garnishes

For a show-stopping finish, pile on some extra fresh thyme or parsley, a generous sprinkle of more grated cheddar, and, if you like a bit of heat, another little dash of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika. Even a light drizzle of quality olive oil or a touch of cracked black pepper can take it to the next level.

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe is essentially a meal of its own, but you can create a well-rounded table by adding a crisp green salad dressed with lemony vinaigrette, some garlicky roasted broccoli, or a basket of warm, crusty bread for extra sauce-swooping.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving in individual gratin dishes for a bistro-style feel, or spoon the dish into a big family-style casserole and finish under the broiler for a bubbly, golden top. For a fun twist, stuff leftovers into halved bell peppers and bake — it’s a whole new spin on leftovers!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any leftover Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe into an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors tend to meld and deepen overnight, making for some truly craveable next-day lunches.

Freezing

This pasta freezes surprisingly well! Let it cool completely, then spoon into freezer-safe containers. It keeps best for up to two months. (Just remember, creamy sauces might separate slightly after freezing, but a good stir upon reheating will help bring it all back together.)

Reheating

For the best texture, gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to re-loosen the sauce. Stir frequently and heat just until hot all the way through, so the chicken stays juicy and the sauce stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! Sharp cheddar is classic for a reason, but you can swap in gouda, fontina, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of mozzarella for extra meltiness. Just pick a cheese that melts well for the best Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe experience.

Do I have to use white wine?

If you prefer not to use wine, simply substitute with extra chicken broth or even a splash of water. The wine adds depth, but your Cheesy Chicken Pasta Pasta Recipe Recipe will still turn out delicious and flavorful.

Which pasta shapes work best?

Short-cut shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli are ideal since they hold onto the sauce so well. You could even use shells or bowties for a playful twist — just aim for shapes that offer lots of surface area for all that cheesy goodness.

Can I make this dish ahead for a potluck?

Definitely! You can assemble the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe ahead of time and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it off right before you’re ready to serve, adding a touch of milk if the sauce seems too thick. It’s a total crowd-pleaser for gatherings!

Is this recipe spicy?

It’s got just enough kick to keep things interesting thanks to the red pepper flakes, but it’s easy to adjust the heat up or down to suit your taste. You’re completely in control of the spice level.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for comfort food with a little extra flair, you absolutely have to try the Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe. Share it at your next family dinner or spoil yourself on a busy weeknight — there’s so much to love in every creamy, cheesy forkful. Give it a go, and don’t be surprised if it becomes the most requested recipe in your rotation!

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 3 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in this creamy and cheesy chicken pasta recipe that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a family dinner. Tender chicken strips are cooked to perfection and combined with a rich, flavorful white cheddar cheese sauce. This dish is sure to become a favorite!

Instructions

In a small bowl, combine dry mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside. Slice chicken breasts into thin strips or cut into 1-inch cubes. Sprinkle with seasoning mixture.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil, and cook chicken for a few minutes or until cooked and browned. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate. Set aside.
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add salt and rotini. Cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Melt butter in the same skillet in which you cooked chicken. When melted, add all-purpose flour and mix it together. Then, add dry white wine, minced garlic, diced onions, and Dijon mustard. Mix to combine. Cook for 3-5 minutes or until onions soften. Then, slowly pour milk in a few additions. Stir after each addition. Cook on low for 4-6 minutes or until thickened. Then, add shredded white cheddar cheese. Mix and cook until melted. Finally, add cooked chicken and pasta. Mix until completely covered with creamy and cheesy sauce. Serve immediately. Sprinkle with fresh thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika.

Notes

This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
You can customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 600
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: Cheesy Chicken Pasta, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Creamy Chicken Pasta