Cheesy Chicken Pasta

$- 2 cups fusilli pasta - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 2 cups spinach, roughly chopped - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese For this cheesy chicken pasta, the ingredients shine through. First, you need the fusilli pasta. It twists and holds sauce well. Next, the boneless chicken breasts bring protein and flavor. Don’t forget the olive oil; it helps brown the chicken. Seasonings are key for taste. I use garlic powder and onion powder for depth. Italian seasoning adds a classic touch. Fresh spinach gives color and nutrition. Cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and a pop of flavor. Creamy sauces are what make this dish special. Heavy cream creates richness. I mix in shredded mozzarella for gooeyness and grated Parmesan for a salty bite. These ingredients come together to make a dish that is both simple and satisfying. - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. - Add 2 cups of fusilli pasta to the boiling water. - Cook the pasta until it is al dente, according to package instructions. - Drain the pasta and set it aside for later. - In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. - Add 1 pound of diced chicken breasts to the skillet. - Season the chicken with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. - Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste. - Cook the chicken until it is browned and cooked through. This takes about 7-8 minutes. - Stir in 2 cups of roughly chopped spinach and 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. - Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. This allows the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to soften. - Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. - Simmer for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally. - Reduce the heat to low. - Gradually add 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. - Stir until both cheeses are melted. This creates a creamy sauce. - Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. - Toss the pasta with the sauce to coat it thoroughly. - Heat everything through for about one more minute. - Serve the pasta in shallow bowls for a lovely presentation. - Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color. - Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. To make a smooth sauce, start with low heat. This helps to mix the cream and cheese well. Stir often to avoid lumps. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth. For the best cheese melt, use room temperature cheese. This helps it blend nicely. Gradually add the cheese while stirring. This method keeps the sauce creamy. To keep your chicken juicy, do not overcook it. Cook until the outside is golden and the inside is no longer pink. Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; aim for 165°F (75°C). For seasoning, try adding smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a kick. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for a fresh taste. To stop pasta from sticking, stir it often in the boiling water. Make sure to use plenty of salted water. This adds flavor and helps keep it from clumping. To achieve al dente pasta, cook it just until firm but not hard. Check the package for cooking time, then taste a piece a minute before it’s done. This way, you'll get the perfect texture every time. {{image_2}} You can change the pasta type to suit your taste. Here are some ideas: - Penne: This shape holds sauce well. - Rotini: Its twists grab cheese and sauce nicely. - Zucchini Noodles: Great for a low-carb option. For cheese, try these alternatives: - Cheddar: Adds a sharp flavor. - Gouda: Gives a creamy, smoky taste. - Feta: Adds a tangy bite. If you need gluten-free options, use these: - Gluten-free Fusilli: Many brands offer good texture. - Chickpea Pasta: A protein-rich choice. For dairy-free options, consider: - Coconut Milk: Gives a creamy texture. - Nutritional Yeast: Offers a cheesy flavor without dairy. To make your dish more exciting, add spices like: - Cayenne Pepper: For a spicy kick. - Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor. You can also mix in different vegetables: - Bell Peppers: Add color and crunch. - Mushrooms: They bring earthiness to the dish. - Broccoli: Adds a nutritious crunch. These variations let you customize your cheesy chicken pasta. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! To keep your cheesy chicken pasta fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the pasta cools down before sealing. This step helps prevent moisture buildup. In the fridge, it lasts up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. You can reheat pasta in a few ways. The microwave is quick; just cover it and heat in short bursts. Stir between each burst to heat evenly. You can also use the stovetop. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. Heat it gently over low heat, stirring often. Yes, you can freeze cheesy chicken pasta! Make sure it’s in a freezer-safe container. It lasts well for about two months. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight. Reheat it as mentioned above, adding a little cream or milk to restore creaminess. You can serve cheesy chicken pasta with a side salad. A simple green salad works well. Garlic bread is another great choice. You can also pair it with roasted vegetables for a healthy twist. Consider a light, zesty dressing to balance the richness of the dish. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Cook the pasta and chicken, then combine them with the sauce. Store it in an airtight container. Just reheat it when you are ready to eat. It’s best to add fresh spinach and tomatoes right before serving for the best texture. To keep your cheese sauce smooth, avoid high heat. Always melt the cheese on low heat. Stir it in gradually to help it blend well. Using freshly grated cheese can also help it melt evenly. Lastly, make sure to stir often to keep the sauce creamy. Fusilli pasta is perfect for this dish. Its spiral shape holds the sauce well. You can also use penne or rotini if you prefer. Both will work nicely and add a different texture. Just make sure to cook according to package instructions for the best results. This blog post covered how to make a delicious cheesy chicken pasta dish. We talked about the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to perfect the sauce and cook the chicken. Also, we explored variations and ways to store leftovers. Remember, cooking can be fun and simple. Try new flavors and enjoy every bite of your dish. Happy cooking!$

Discover the deliciously creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta that everyone will love! This easy recipe combines tender chicken, vibrant spinach, and cherry tomatoes with a rich cheese sauce that'll have you coming back for seconds. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it's ready in just 30 minutes! Click through to explore this flavorful recipe and treat your family to a comforting meal they'll ask for again and again. Dive into cheesy goodness today!

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Ingredients

2 cups fusilli pasta

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

2 cups spinach, roughly chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup heavy cream

1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)

Instructions

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

Sauté Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and season with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.

Add Vegetables: Stir in the chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the spinach to wilt and the tomatoes to soften.

Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Incorporate Cheese: Reduce the heat to low, and gradually add the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.

Combine: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta thoroughly with the cheese sauce. Cook for another minute to ensure everything is heated through.

Serve: Remove from heat and let sit for a minute to thicken slightly.

- Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color, and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4