Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe

Two close-up shots of a creamy, cheesy pasta dish. The dish consists of spiral-shaped pasta, possibly rotini, coated in a rich white cheese sauce. The sauce is garnished with slices of grilled chicken, melted mozzarella, and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan. The top image displays the pasta in a white bowl, while the bottom image presents the dish in a black skillet. Both images emphasize the creamy, cheesy texture of the sauce and the tender chicken pieces.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb spiral pasta (like rotini)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 chicken breasts, grilled and sliced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Fresh basil, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook the Pasta:
    Cook the spiral pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken:
    Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and oregano. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. Once done, slice the chicken into thin strips.
  3. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
    In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional).
  4. Combine:
    Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the creamy cheese sauce. Toss to coat the pasta thoroughly in the sauce.
  5. Serve:
    Plate the cheesy pasta in a bowl or skillet, and top with the grilled chicken slices. Garnish with fresh basil leaves.

Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 610 kcal
  • Protein: 32g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 105mg
  • Sodium: 720mg
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g