This cheesy chicken pasta is the ultimate comfort meal, featuring tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked pasta shells tossed in a rich, velvety tomato cream sauce. With a generous sprinkle of melted cheese, this dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or a quick, satisfying lunch. Serve it hot with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Make – Uses simple, everyday ingredients and comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Customizable – Swap the pasta shape, experiment with different cheeses, or make it vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding vegetables.
Great for Leftovers – Easily stored and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep.
Balanced Comfort Food – The creamy, cheesy sauce is indulgent but not overly heavy, thanks to the addition of tangy tomato paste.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pasta:

Pasta shells (or any pasta of your choice)
Salt
Water
Oil

For the Chicken:

Boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
Garlic, minced
Oil for cooking

Seasonings:

Black pepper
Red chili powder
Garlic powder
Paprika
Onion powder
Oregano
Salt

For the Sauce:

Tomato paste
Sriracha (optional for spice)
Milk
Heavy cream (double cream)
Mozzarella cheese (or a blend of cheeses)
Reserved pasta water

Directions

Boil the Pasta – Cook pasta in salted boiling water with a little oil until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
Cook the Garlic – Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until lightly golden.
Cook the Chicken – Add chicken to the pan and cook until it turns white and is no longer pink inside.
Add Seasonings – Stir in black pepper, garlic powder, red chili powder, paprika, onion powder, oregano, and salt.
Incorporate Tomato Paste – Add tomato paste and sriracha, mixing well. Cook for 1 minute to enhance the flavor.
Make the Sauce – Gradually add milk and heavy cream, stirring continuously until the mixture starts to bubble.
Melt the Cheese – Add mozzarella cheese and stir gently until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Adjust Sauce Consistency – Slowly add reserved pasta water while stirring to achieve a silky, cohesive sauce. Bring to a boil for about 1-2 minutes.
Combine with Pasta – Add cooked pasta to the sauce and mix well to coat. Sprinkle extra cheese on top, cover the pan, and let it cook on low heat until the cheese melts.
Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy warm!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version – Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for a plant-based alternative.
Extra Spicy – Increase the sriracha, add red chili flakes, or include fresh diced chilies for a fiery kick.
Richer Sauce – Swap the milk for additional heavy cream or stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone.
Different Cheeses – Use a blend of cheddar, parmesan, or gouda for a deeper, more complex flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess. Microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I add vegetables to this cheesy chicken pasta?

Yes! Mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini would pair well with the creamy sauce.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Increase the red chili powder, add more sriracha, or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes.

How do I make the sauce creamier?

Use only heavy cream instead of milk, or stir in a little cream cheese or mascarpone.

Can I use leftover chicken?

Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works great—just add it to the sauce and let it heat through before adding the pasta.

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, store the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free cheese substitutes.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely! Just ensure you use a large enough pot to accommodate the extra portions.

What oil is best for this recipe?

A neutral oil like sunflower or canola works well, but olive oil adds extra flavor.

How can I thicken the sauce?

Simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes, or add a bit more cheese to help it thicken naturally.

How can I prevent the sauce from being too tangy?

If the tomato paste tastes too acidic, cook it for longer at the beginning or add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Conclusion

This cheesy chicken pasta is the perfect blend of rich, creamy, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or preparing a larger batch for meal prep, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Customize it with your favorite ingredients and enjoy a warm, indulgent bowl of pasta that will leave you completely satisfied!