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Cheesy chicken pasta with creamy garlic sauce and melted cheese in a ceramic bowl

Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce and Cheese

Cheesy Chicken Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce and Cheese is a comforting, creamy pasta dish with a rich garlic cheese sauce and hearty flavor. It is an easy choice for a satisfying weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and sauce
  • 250g uncooked pasta
  • 2 tablespoons oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 275g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon oregano
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon chilli sauce or sriracha
  • 130ml milk
  • 110ml double cream
  • 100g mozzarella cheese, plus extra for topping
  • 100-120ml reserved pasta water

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Boil a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta until al dente following the package directions, then set aside 100-120ml of the pasta water before draining.
Cooking
  1. Warm oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the minced garlic, and cook until fragrant and lightly golden.
  2. Add the chicken pieces and cook for 3-4 minutes until lightly browned and mostly cooked through.
  3. Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Mix in the tomato paste and chilli sauce or sriracha.
  4. Add the milk and double cream to the skillet, gently simmer until the sauce thickens slightly, then stir in the mozzarella cheese until melted and smooth.
  5. Gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach the desired sauce consistency, then add the cooked pasta and toss until fully coated.
  6. Cook until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C, then serve hot with extra mozzarella cheese on top.

Notes

Add the reserved pasta water gradually to help maintain a smooth and silky cheese sauce.