Description
A delightful recipe featuring tender chicken pieces enveloped in a velvety cheese sauce, making it the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well-coated.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until fully cooked through and lightly browned for about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook according to package directions for al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Slowly pour in the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously to prevent lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer until it starts to thicken slightly.
- Reduce the heat to low. Add the softened cream cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using) and stir until the cream cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For added flavor, customize with vegetables or different cheeses as desired.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 25
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg