This Creamy Chicken and Cheese Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. The creamy sauce made with cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups, combined with tender shredded chicken thighs, sautéed onions and tomatoes, and gooey melted cheese, creates a dish that’s rich in flavor and satisfying. It’s the perfect one-pan meal that’s both simple to make and absolutely delicious. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a comforting dinner after a long day, this recipe will become a staple.
Ingredients:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
This adds an earthy, savory flavor and thickens the sauce, giving it a creamy consistency. The mushroom flavor pairs beautifully with the chicken. - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
Adds extra creaminess and savory depth to the sauce. The combination of cream of mushroom and cream of chicken creates a rich, balanced flavor. - Cheese (Colby Jack, or any cheese you prefer)
Colby Jack is mild, creamy, and melts well, making it a perfect choice for this dish. Feel free to use mozzarella for a stretchier texture, or cheddar for a sharper taste. - Splash of milk
You’ll need just enough to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency. Use whole milk for a richer texture, or substitute with heavy cream for an even creamier sauce. - Seasonings to taste
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning will bring all the flavors together. Adjust to your preference, and feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. - 1 medium onion, chopped
Onions add sweetness and depth of flavor when sautéed, creating a flavorful base for your sauce. - 1 medium tomato, chopped
Tomatoes provide freshness, acidity, and juiciness to balance the richness of the creamy sauce. You could also use diced canned tomatoes if fresh aren’t available. - Spaghetti noodles
Spaghetti is the classic choice, but you can use any pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to absorb the sauce once mixed in. - Shredded chicken thighs
Chicken thighs are perfect for this dish because they’re juicy, flavorful, and more forgiving than chicken breasts. They shred easily and add great texture to the pasta. You can cook the chicken from scratch or use leftover chicken from a rotisserie.
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken and Pasta
- Cook the pasta: Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions, or until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later in case the sauce needs thinning.
- Cook the chicken: If your chicken thighs are not cooked yet, season them with salt, pepper, and any other spices you enjoy (garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning works well). Heat a skillet or pan over medium heat, add a bit of oil, and cook the chicken thighs for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then shred it using two forks or chop it into small pieces.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
- Sauté the onions: In the same skillet (after removing the chicken), add a little more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onions over medium heat until they become translucent and soft, about 4-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
- Add the tomatoes: Once the onions are softened, add the chopped tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes. The tomatoes should start to release their juices and soften, which will add moisture to the sauce.
Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce
- Add the cream soups: Stir in the cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup, combining them with the onions and tomatoes. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes until it starts to warm up and meld together.
- Add milk to adjust the consistency: Pour in a splash of milk (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup). Stir to incorporate and adjust the sauce’s thickness. If you want a thicker sauce, reduce the milk; for a thinner sauce, add more milk. You could also substitute the milk with chicken broth for a lighter option.
- Season the sauce: Add your seasonings to taste—salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and any dried herbs you prefer. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for another 5-7 minutes to thicken and allow the flavors to come together. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Step 4: Add the Shredded Chicken
- Add the shredded chicken: Stir the shredded chicken thighs into the sauce. Allow the chicken to warm through and soak up the creamy sauce for about 3-4 minutes.
Step 5: Combine with Pasta
- Add the cooked pasta: Once the chicken and sauce are ready, add the cooked spaghetti noodles to the skillet with the creamy chicken mixture. Use tongs or a spatula to toss the pasta in the sauce, making sure every strand is well-coated.
- Add the cheese: Sprinkle in the Colby Jack cheese (or your cheese of choice). Stir the cheese into the pasta and sauce until it’s melted and fully incorporated. The cheese will help thicken the sauce further and give it a nice, gooey texture.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Taste and adjust: Give the pasta one final taste and adjust the seasonings, adding salt, pepper, or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and cheese pasta immediately, garnished with extra cheese or fresh parsley if you like. This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
Tips for Success:
- Use leftover chicken: This is a great way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken or any cooked chicken you have on hand. Just shred it and add it to the sauce, making this a quicker weeknight meal.
- Add veggies: For extra nutrition, consider adding spinach, peas, or even mushrooms to the dish. These veggies will pair well with the creamy sauce and add color and texture.
- Make it spicier: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in crushed red pepper flakes or use a spicier cheese like Pepper Jack. You can also add a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.
- Thicker sauce: For an even thicker sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or a little bit of heavy cream. This will make the sauce even richer and creamier.
- Pasta alternatives: Don’t feel limited to spaghetti! Penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine all work well in this dish.
Storage and Reheating:
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish by placing it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes or heat in the microwave until warmed through. You may need to add a splash of milk to bring the sauce back to the right consistency.
This Creamy Chicken and Cheese Pasta is not only easy to make, but it’s also a comforting meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Enjoy the rich flavors, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness in every bite! 🍝