Why Make This Recipe
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta is a comforting dish that’s perfect for any day of the week. It combines tender chicken with rich, creamy cheese sauce and pasta to create a meal that’s both hearty and delicious. This recipe is easy to follow and takes little time to prepare, making it ideal for busy families or anyone looking to enjoy a tasty homemade dinner without too much fuss.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients :
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 12 oz twisted pasta (like fusilli or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups milk
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Directions :
- Cook the twisted pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add the cooked pasta and cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the cheese sauce.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta
You can serve this dish hot, straight from the skillet. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some garlic bread. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional parsley or grated cheese on top before serving.
How to Store Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will last for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in a microwave or skillet with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
Tips to Make Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta
- Adjust the seasonings according to your taste. Add more garlic powder for a stronger garlic flavor.
- Use different types of cheese if you prefer—like mozzarella or pepper jack—for a unique twist.
- For a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes.
Variation
You can easily add vegetables to this dish. Consider tossing in steamed broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers to add more color and nutrients.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as penne or spaghetti.
2. How can I make this dish healthier?
You can use whole wheat pasta and reduce the amount of cheese or use a lighter cheese option.
3. Can I freeze Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta?
Yes, you can freeze it. Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container and consume it within a month for the best taste.
Cheesy Garlic Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 12 oz twisted pasta (like fusilli or rotini)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups milk
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste none Salt and black pepper
Instructions
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the twisted pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Preparing Chicken
- Season the chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Making Cheese Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in the milk and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked pasta and cooked chicken back to the skillet. Stir to coat everything in the cheese sauce.
- Cook for another 2-3 minutes until heated through. Stir in the chopped fresh parsley before serving.
