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Delicious creamy cheesy chicken pasta dish, featuring a savory sauce and tender chicken.

Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta

A beloved comfort food dish featuring a creamy, cheesy sauce with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 650

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 8 oz. penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • whisk
  • cutting board
  • Chef's knife

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and sauté until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, or until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce the heat to low and add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Whisk continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  5. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the cheese sauce, and toss to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle in the dried oregano and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs, if desired.

Notes

For best results, cook the pasta al dente to help thicken the sauce. Sautéing the chicken adds depth of flavor to the dish. Whisking the cheese into the warm cream prevents curdling. Tossing the pasta and chicken into the sauce allows the starch to further emulsify the sauce for a creamy, velvety texture.