Description
This creamy crunchy chicken pasta combines tender chicken pieces and perfectly cooked pasta coated in a rich, cheesy sauce, topped with a buttery, crispy cracker or panko crumb topping. It’s a comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners, with an option to broil for added crunch and a golden finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Topping and Garnish
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the penne or rotini pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 5–6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, then add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in flour and cook for another minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly and cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Combine: Reduce heat to low, stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet and toss everything to coat evenly in the creamy cheese sauce.
- Prepare Topping and Broil (Optional): In a small bowl, mix crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over the pasta. For extra crunch, transfer everything to a baking dish and broil in the oven for 2–3 minutes until the topping is golden and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy crunchy chicken pasta!
Notes
- For extra flavor, use garlic herb crackers or season your panko with Italian seasoning.
- Swap chicken for rotisserie chicken or leftover turkey to save time.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach into the sauce for a nutritious veggie boost.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop + Optional Broil
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
