Cheesy Chicken Pasta

$To make Cheesy Chicken Pasta, gather these items: - 2 cups rotini pasta - 1 lb chicken breast, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup broccoli florets - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese - ½ cup cream cheese - 1 cup chicken broth - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish You can swap some ingredients if needed. Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free meal. For the chicken, try turkey or tofu for a different flavor. You can replace broccoli with spinach or peas. If you lack cream cheese, use sour cream instead. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. You will need: - A large pot for boiling pasta - A large skillet for sautéing - A cutting board and knife for chopping - Measuring cups and spoons for precision - A spatula for stirring and mixing These tools will help you create your dish smoothly and efficiently. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, grab a big pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil. Once it boils, add the rotini pasta. Cook it according to the package directions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside for later. Next, take a large skillet and place it on medium heat. Pour in the olive oil and let it warm up. Once hot, add the diced chicken breast. Season it with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir it well. Cook the chicken for about 7-8 minutes. You want it to be golden brown and fully cooked. This step adds flavor and texture to your dish. Now, it’s time to make the sauce. In the same skillet, add the broccoli florets and halved cherry tomatoes. Sauté these veggies for about 4-5 minutes. They should become tender but still bright and fresh. Next, lower the heat. Pour in the chicken broth and add the cream cheese. Stir this mix until the cream cheese melts fully. This creates a rich, creamy sauce that brings all the flavors together. Now you're ready to combine everything for a delicious cheesy chicken pasta! To make the chicken tender, cut it into small, even pieces. This helps it cook faster and more evenly. Use a hot skillet with olive oil. Cook until it is golden brown, about 7-8 minutes. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it is safe to eat. Let the chicken rest for a minute before adding it to the pasta. This step keeps it juicy. For the best cheese melt, use shredded cheddar cheese. Shredded cheese melts faster than blocks. Add it to the pan when the heat is low. Stir it in slowly to avoid clumps. Mixing it with cream cheese makes the sauce creamy and smooth. If you want extra cheesiness, add more cheese at the end. To boost flavors, use garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These spices add depth to the dish. Fresh parsley gives a nice color and fresh taste. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. If you like a kick, consider adding red pepper flakes. This adds heat without overwhelming the other flavors. Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: For the perfect texture, cook the pasta just until al dente. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce. Season the Chicken Well: Don’t skimp on seasoning the chicken! A well-seasoned protein elevates the entire dish and enhances the flavors. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, opt for fresh vegetables and herbs. They add vibrant flavors and color to your dish. Experiment with Cheeses: Feel free to mix different cheeses for a unique flavor profile. Try adding mozzarella or pepper jack for an extra kick! {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Simply swap the chicken for a plant-based protein. Try using diced tofu or tempeh. These options absorb flavors well and add protein. You can also add other veggies, like bell peppers or spinach. This keeps the dish colorful and tasty. For those who like heat, add some spice! You can include red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. Mix them in while cooking the chicken. This gives the dish a fun kick. Alternatively, you can use spicy cheese blends. Pepper jack cheese melts well and adds great flavor. Feel free to get creative with the ingredients! Instead of rotini, use penne or fusilli. Both pasta types work well in this recipe. If you don’t have broccoli, try zucchini or green beans. You can also switch the cheddar for mozzarella or gouda. These swaps maintain that cheesy goodness while changing the taste! To store leftover Cheesy Chicken Pasta, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal the container tightly to keep the pasta fresh. If you want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container. This pasta can last in the freezer for about two months. When freezing, divide it into single servings. This way, you can thaw only what you need later. To reheat, place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep it moist. Heat it in the microwave for about two to three minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even heating. You can also reheat it on the stove. Just warm it gently over low heat. Add a bit more cheese if you want it extra creamy! Yes, you can make Cheesy Chicken Pasta ahead of time. Prepare the dish up to the point of combining the pasta and sauce. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. This method saves time on busy days. Cheesy Chicken Pasta pairs well with many sides. Here are some options: - Garlic bread for a crunchy touch. - A fresh garden salad for a light crunch. - Steamed vegetables for extra nutrients. - Fruit salad for a sweet finish. These sides complement the dish and add variety to your meal. To make Cheesy Chicken Pasta low-carb, swap the rotini pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. These options are lower in carbs and still taste great. Use full-fat cheese and cream cheese to keep it rich and creamy. You can also add more vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, for extra flavor and fiber. This way, you enjoy a delicious meal without the extra carbs. In this post, we covered how to make a delicious Cheesy Chicken Pasta. You learned about key ingredients, easy substitutions, and the tools you need. We discussed step-by-step cooking methods, tips for perfecting texture, and flavor. Variations for diets and storage tips also made an appearance. With these insights, you’re ready to create a meal that’s both tasty and fun. Enjoy experimenting with your own twists and flavors!$

Looking for a delicious and easy chicken dinner? Try this cheesy chicken pasta recipe! With creamy goodness and tender rotini pasta, it's the perfect one pot chicken pasta dish for busy weeknights. Made with rotini pasta, chicken, broccoli, and melted cheddar cheese, this creamy chicken pasta recipe will be a hit with the whole family. Save this cheesy chicken pasta for your next meal! #CheesyChickenPasta #EasyChickenDinner #OnePotChickenPasta #RotiniPastaDishes

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Ingredients

2 cups rotini pasta

1 lb chicken breast, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

1 cup broccoli florets

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup cream cheese

1 cup chicken broth

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the rotini pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the diced chicken. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.

Add Vegetables: To the skillet with the chicken, add the broccoli florets and cherry tomatoes. Sauté for an additional 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Create the Sauce: Reduce the heat to low. Add the chicken broth and cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked pasta into the skillet, then fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until it's completely melted and well incorporated.

Taste and Adjust: Season with additional salt and pepper if needed, and mix well to combine all ingredients evenly.

Serve: Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4