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Cheesy Chicken Pasta

Tender chicken and pasta tossed in a rich, creamy cheddar-Parmesan sauce for an easy, comforting dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Calories: 520

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 300 g penne or rotini pasta
Chicken
  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • salt and black pepper to taste
Cheese Sauce
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • fresh parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • Wooden spoon

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook cubed chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning until golden and cooked through.
  3. Remove chicken and set aside.
  4. Melt butter in the same skillet and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  5. Whisk in flour to form a roux and cook for 1 minute.
  6. Gradually whisk in milk and simmer until thickened.
  7. Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
  8. Return chicken and pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly.
  9. Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Notes

For a thinner sauce, add reserved pasta water. Freshly grated cheese melts best.