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Creamy Cheesy Chicken Pasta Shells

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  • Author: Mari
  • 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

  • 250g pasta shells (about 8 oz)

  • 2 tablespoons oil

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced

  • 275g chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (about 9.6 oz)

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 1 teaspoon chilli sauce or sriracha

  • 130ml milk (1/2 cup + 1 tbsp)

  • 110ml double cream (1/4 cup + 3 tbsp)

  • 100g mozzarella cheese (1 cup), plus extra for topping

  • 100-120ml reserved pasta water (about 1/2 cup)

Instructions

  1. Boil the pasta: Cook shells in salted water with a bit of oil until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.

  2. Sauté garlic: Heat oil in a large pan. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until golden.

  3. Cook the chicken: Add chicken and cook over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes until opaque.

  4. Season: Add salt, pepper, chilli powder, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Stir well.

  5. Tomato base: Mix in tomato paste and sriracha. Cook for 1 minute to deepen flavor.

  6. Make it creamy: Gradually pour in milk and cream, stirring as it bubbles gently.

  7. Add cheese: Stir in mozzarella until melted and smooth.

  8. Loosen sauce: Add pasta water gradually, stirring to form a creamy sauce. Bring to a simmer.

  9. Combine: Toss cooked pasta with the sauce. Top with extra cheese, cover, and cook on low until melted.

  10. Serve hot and enjoy creamy comfort in every bite!

Notes

  • Adjust spice level with less/more chili or sriracha.

  • 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

Find it online: https://yumandjoy.com/creamy-cheesy-chicken-pasta-shells/