Description
This cheesy chicken pasta is a comforting and delicious meal that combines tender chicken pieces with perfectly cooked pasta shells in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. Infused with a blend of spices and topped with melted mozzarella cheese, this dish is ideal for a cozy dinner that satisfies your cravings for cheesy, saucy goodness.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 250g pasta (uncooked, around 8oz)
Chicken and Seasonings
- 275g chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (around 9.6 oz)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red chilli powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp oregano (or Italian seasoning/mixed herbs)
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsps oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 1 tsp chilli sauce or sriracha
- 130ml milk (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp)
- 110ml double cream (1/4 cup + 3 tbsps)
- 100g mozzarella cheese + extra to sprinkle on top (1 cup + extra)
- 100-120ml reserved pasta water (around 1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: Add uncooked pasta to a pot with cold water, salt, and a little oil. Cook until al dente, meaning the pasta is tender yet slightly firm to the bite. Drain and reserve about 100-120ml of pasta water before draining fully.
- Cook Garlic: Heat oil in a pan over medium heat, add minced garlic, and cook for about 1 minute until the garlic turns a light golden color, releasing its aroma without burning.
- Cook Chicken: Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the pan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes until the chicken turns white and is mostly cooked through.
- Season Chicken: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano over the chicken. Stir well to evenly coat and blend the spices into the meat.
- Add Tomato Paste and Chilli Sauce: Stir in tomato paste and sriracha. Cook over medium-high heat for about 1 minute to combine the flavors and slightly caramelize the tomato paste.
- Make the Sauce: Gradually pour in the milk and double cream while stirring continuously. Cook over medium-high heat for about 1 minute until the mixture begins to bubble and thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese: Add mozzarella cheese to the sauce. Stir gently until the cheese melts and fully incorporates into the sauce, forming a smooth, creamy texture.
- Add Pasta Water: Slowly add the reserved pasta water to the sauce, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a boil while stirring, which should take about 1.5 minutes, to achieve a glossy, slightly thickened sauce.
- Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the pan and toss well to coat all pasta shells with the creamy sauce evenly.
- Final Cheese Topping and Melt: Sprinkle extra mozzarella cheese on top of the coated pasta, then cover the pan with a lid and cook over low heat until the cheese melts, creating a luscious cheesy layer.
- Serve: Once the cheese is melted, serve immediately for a comforting, delicious meal that is warm and cheesy.
Notes
- Adjust salt according to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of pasta water and cheese.
- Feel free to add more pasta water if you prefer a thinner sauce consistency.
- Substitute oregano with Italian seasoning or any mixed herbs if oregano is unavailable.
- Ensure not to overcook pasta during boiling to maintain ideal texture after cooking in sauce.
