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Cheesy Chicken Pasta in a Velvety Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 54 reviews
  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x

Description

This cheesy chicken pasta is a comforting and indulgent dish combining tender, juicy chicken pieces with al dente pasta shells enveloped in a velvety tomato cream sauce infused with melted mozzarella cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner or lunch, it’s easy to prepare and customizable to fit your taste, offering a delicious balance of creamy and tangy flavors with a hint of spice.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 250g pasta shells (uncooked, around 8oz)
  • Salt, for boiling water
  • Oil, for boiling water

Sauce and Chicken

  • 2 tablespoons oil (neutral or olive oil)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 275g boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (around 9.6 oz)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha or chilli sauce (optional)
  • 130ml milk (1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon)
  • 110ml double cream/heavy cream (1/4 cup + 3 tablespoons)
  • 100g mozzarella cheese (about 1 cup) plus extra for sprinkling
  • 100–120ml reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

  1. Boil pasta: Add pasta shells to a pot with cold water, salt, and a little oil. Cook until al dente, meaning the pasta is still slightly firm with a bit of bite and not overly soft. Drain and reserve about 100-120ml of pasta water before setting the pasta aside.
  2. Cook garlic: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it turns a light golden color and releases its aroma.
  3. Cook chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan and cook over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken turns white and starts to cook through.
  4. Add seasonings: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano over the chicken. Stir well to evenly coat and combine all spices.
  5. Add tomato paste and sriracha: Stir in the tomato paste and sriracha (optional), cooking it with the chicken and spices for about 1 minute to deepen the flavors.
  6. Make the sauce: Gradually pour in the milk and double cream, continuously stirring the mixture over medium-high heat until it starts bubbling gently, about 1 minute.
  7. Add cheese: Add the mozzarella cheese to the sauce and gently stir until the cheese has melted completely and integrated into the creamy sauce, which should now be thick.
  8. Add pasta water: Slowly add the reserved pasta water to the sauce, mixing continuously. Bring the sauce to a boil while stirring, which takes about 1.5 minutes, to achieve a silky, cohesive texture.
  9. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss well to coat every piece. Sprinkle extra cheese on top, cover the pan with a lid, and let it cook over low heat until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.
  10. Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley for color and freshness. Enjoy your cheesy chicken pasta!

Notes

  • Adjust salt carefully as pasta water and cheese already contribute saltiness.
  • Use more pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick; simmer longer if too thin.
  • Oregano can be substituted with Italian seasoning or mixed herbs.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit chicken or add vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
  • To make a richer sauce, replace all milk with heavy cream or add mascarpone or cream cheese.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
  • Chicken thighs or shredded rotisserie chicken can be used instead of chicken breast.
  • The recipe can be doubled or tripled; ensure a larger pot and pan are used accordingly.
  • For less tangy tomato flavor, add tomato paste earlier and cook with garlic to caramelize and mellow acidity.
  • Use neutral oil like sunflower or olive oil; butter or a mix can add extra richness and flavor.
  • To increase spiciness, add red chili flakes, cayenne, or fresh diced chilies when cooking garlic.
  • For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut cream and cheese with vegan cheese alternatives that melt well.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American-Italian fusion

Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta, creamy tomato pasta, easy dinner recipe, comfort food, pasta shells, mozzarella pasta, weeknight dinner

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Find it online: https://plumandpan.com/cheesy-chicken-pasta-in-a-velvety-tomato-cream-sauce-recipe/