Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Shells is a comforting, indulgent pasta dish featuring tender chicken, pasta shells, and a velvety tomato-cream sauce loaded with melted mozzarella. Ready in just over 30 minutes, it’s the perfect weeknight meal that combines bold flavors with a smooth, cheesy finish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids, offering the perfect blend of rich creaminess, savory spices, and satisfying textures. The chicken is perfectly seasoned and seared, then enveloped in a luscious tomato-infused cheese sauce. With pantry-friendly ingredients and minimal prep, it’s ideal for busy nights when you want something hearty and delicious without too much effort. The use of pasta shells ensures every bite is packed with sauce, making it an irresistibly saucy and cheesy meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- pasta shells
- oil
- garlic cloves
- chicken breast
- salt
- black pepper
- red chilli powder
- garlic powder
- paprika
- onion powder
- dried oregano
- tomato paste
- chilli sauce or sriracha
- milk
- double cream
- mozzarella cheese
- reserved pasta water
Directions
- Boil the Pasta: Cook pasta shells in salted water with a dash of oil until al dente. Drain and reserve about ½ cup of the cooking water.
- Sauté Garlic: In a large pan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Cook Chicken: Add the chicken pieces and cook over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes until no longer pink.
- Season the Chicken: Add salt, black pepper, red chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Stir to coat the chicken evenly with the spices.
- Build the Sauce: Mix in tomato paste and chilli sauce or sriracha. Cook for 1 minute to develop depth in the sauce.
- Add Creaminess: Slowly pour in the milk and cream, stirring constantly. Simmer until the sauce begins to bubble.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in the mozzarella until fully melted and the sauce becomes smooth and rich.
- Loosen the Sauce: Add the reserved pasta water gradually while stirring to reach the desired sauce consistency. Bring to a boil for about 1.5 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta shells to the pan and stir well to coat. Sprinkle more mozzarella over the top, cover, and let it melt over low heat. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add mushrooms, spinach, or roasted vegetables.
- Extra Heat: Increase the sriracha or add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicier kick.
- Cheese Swap: Try cheddar, provolone, or a cheese blend for a different flavor profile.
- Pasta Alternatives: Penne, fusilli, or rotini can be used in place of pasta shells.
- Lighter Option: Use milk only (omit cream) and low-fat mozzarella for a lighter sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Microwave reheating is also suitable for individual portions.
FAQs
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just add it during the sauce step and allow it to warm through before adding the pasta.
What type of cream should I use?
Double cream (or heavy cream) is ideal for richness. You can also use single cream for a lighter sauce.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has mild heat from the chilli powder and sriracha, but the spice level is adjustable to your preference.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it reheats well. Prepare the dish in advance and store it in the refrigerator, then gently reheat before serving.
What pasta shape works best?
Pasta shells are great for holding the sauce, but penne or rotini are good alternatives.
Can I use leftover pasta?
Yes, just reheat the pasta slightly before mixing it into the sauce to help it absorb the flavors better.
How can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and check that your chilli sauce and other seasonings are gluten-free.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended, as the cream and cheese can separate when thawed.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair nicely with this creamy dish.
Can I substitute dairy ingredients?
Yes, you can use plant-based milk, cream, and cheese for a dairy-free alternative, though flavor and texture may vary.
Conclusion
Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Shells is a quick and flavorful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your dinner table. With tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato-cheese sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed family favorite. Ideal for weeknights and flexible for a variety of dietary needs, it’s a satisfying meal that comes together effortlessly.
Print
Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Shells
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Shells is the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Tender pasta shells are tossed with juicy chicken breast and coated in a rich, cheesy tomato cream sauce, flavored with garlic, herbs, and a hint of spice. Melty mozzarella gives this dish that irresistible, gooey finish. Quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying!
Ingredients
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250g pasta shells (about 8 oz)
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2 tablespoons oil
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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275g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 9.6 oz)
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1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 teaspoon paprika
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon chilli sauce or sriracha
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130ml milk (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp)
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110ml double cream (1/4 cup + 3 tbsp)
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100g mozzarella cheese (1 cup), plus extra for topping
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100-120ml reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup)
Instructions
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Boil the pasta: Cook shells in salted water with a bit of oil until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
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Sauté garlic: Heat oil in a large pan. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until golden.
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Cook the chicken: Add chicken and cook over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes until opaque.
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Season: Add salt, pepper, chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Stir well.
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Tomato base: Mix in tomato paste and sriracha. Cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.
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Make it creamy: Gradually pour in milk and cream, stirring as it bubbles gently.
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Add cheese: Stir in mozzarella until melted and smooth.
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Loosen sauce: Add pasta water gradually, stirring to form a creamy sauce. Bring to a simmer.
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Combine: Toss cooked pasta with the sauce. Top with extra cheese, cover, and cook on low until melted.
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Serve hot and enjoy creamy comfort in every bite!
Notes
-
Adjust spice level with less/more chili or sriracha.
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Swap chicken with cooked veggies or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
-
Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for an even quicker meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop / One-Pot
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion
