Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Pasta Plate

Name: Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Pasta Plate
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup penne pasta (Can use any pasta shape.); 1 cup grilled chicken pieces (Leftover works great.); 1 cup cheddar & mozzarella mix (Extra cheese is recommended.); 1/2 cup heavy cream (Room temperature works best.); 1 tbsp butter (For melting and sautéing.); 1 clove garlic, minced (Essential for flavor.); 1 tsp Italian herbs; Salt and black pepper to taste; a handful fresh herbs (Optional but worth it.)

This Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Pasta Plate is the kind of cozy dish you’ll want to make tonight. Trust me — once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s super forgiving and seriously satisfying! If you’re into easy dinners, you’ll flip over my Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake too. Seriously, if you can stir a spoon, you can make this.

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Why This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Hits Different

Ready in 30 minutes flat
One pot minimal dishes
Kid-tested, parent-approved
Uses stuff you already have at home
Leftovers taste even better the next day

This is the recipe I make when I really don’t feel like cooking — and it still turns out amazing. Okay, let’s get into it!

What You’ll Need

For the good stuff:
1 cup penne pasta
1 cup grilled chicken pieces (leftover works great)
1 cup cheddar & mozzarella mix (I like extra)
1/2 cup heavy cream (room temp works best)
1 tbsp butter
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian herbs
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional goodies:
A handful of fresh herbs — optional but SO worth it.

How to Make It — Stupid Easy

First things first — boil your penne pasta until tender, then drain.
Next, grill your chicken! Just season it and cook it until it’s golden and slightly charred.
Now, for the cheese sauce: melt the butter, sauté the garlic, then add the cream and cheese. Stir until it’s smooth.
Toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce and mix well — don’t overthink this part!
Plate it up with grilled chicken on the side. And that’s literally it. Dinner is served.

Best Ways to Serve

Throw it next to some garlic bread and call it a night.
My kids like it with a side salad; I drown mine in hot sauce.
Honestly? Perfect straight out of the pan with a fork.

How to Store Leftovers

In the fridge, it’ll last about 3-4 days in an airtight container.
You can freeze it too! Just make sure it’s fully cooled first.
Pop it in the microwave for a couple of minutes to reheat — good as new. If it even lasts that long in your house.

Quick Tips So You Nail It

Don’t skip the sautéing garlic — that’s where the magic happens.
If your cheese isn’t melting, just keep stirring on low heat.
Want it extra cheesy? Add a pinch of parmesan.
If you don’t have penne, any pasta shape works just fine.

Fun Ways to Switch It Up

Going dairy-free? Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese — nobody will know.
Feeling spicy? Throw in some red pepper flakes.
Short on time? Skip grilling the chicken and use a rotisserie from your grocery store.

Got Questions? I Got You

Can I prep this the night before?

You can cook the pasta and grill the chicken, then just toss it all together when you’re ready for dinner!

I don’t have cheddar — what else works?

You can swap it for any melty cheese you have on hand. Mozzarella or gouda would be great!

Help! Mine came out too dry. What happened?

Sounds like you didn’t add enough cream or cheese! Don’t stress — just stir in a splash more cream next time.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes! Just make sure to pack it in an airtight container.

Go Make This Tonight

This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together — even on a crazy Tuesday. If you try it, come back and drop a star rating — it seriously helps! Pin this recipe so you don’t lose it when you need it most! Know someone who needs an easy dinner win? Share this on Facebook. So what are you adding to yours? Extra cheese? Hot sauce? Tell me in the comments!

For a different spin, check out this Ultimate Chicken Spaghetti.