Now, let’s get down to the cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to create your own irresistible cheesy chicken pasta:

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Lay the chicken breasts on a cutting board and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them brown better. Season generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon).
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet.
3. Sear and Cook Through: Sear the chicken for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
4. Rest and Shred: Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate to rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender chicken. Once slightly cooled, shred the chicken using two forks or your hands. Set aside.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

1. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet (no need to clean it, those chicken bits add flavor!), add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent.
2. Add Garlic and Herbs: Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, and the remaining Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon) to the skillet with the onions. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 3: Create the Cheesy Sauce

1. Introduce Creamy Elements: Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
2. Melt in Cream Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese, a little at a time, stirring continuously until it is completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. This will create a smooth and creamy base.
3. Cheese Extravaganza: Gradually add the shredded cheddar cheese and mozzarella cheese to the sauce, stirring constantly until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and cheesy. Reserve a little bit of each cheese for topping later.
4. Parmesan Power: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This will add a salty, nutty depth to the sauce and enhance the overall cheesy flavor.
5. Season to Perfection: Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that cheese can be salty, so taste and adjust seasoning accordingly. You might need less salt than you initially think.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

1. Cook the Pasta: While you’re making the sauce, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. “Al dente” means “to the tooth” in Italian – the pasta should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the cooked pasta and add it directly to the skillet with the cheesy sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly with the luscious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Pasta water is starchy and helps to emulsify the sauce, making it even creamier.
3. Incorporate Chicken: Add the shredded cooked chicken to the pasta and sauce mixture. Gently stir to combine everything and ensure the chicken is heated through.
4. Final Cheese Topping (Optional but Recommended!): Sprinkle the reserved shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta.
5. Melt and Garnish: You can either place the skillet under the broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly (watch closely to prevent burning!) or simply cover the skillet and let the residual heat melt the cheese.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately. This cheesy chicken pasta is best enjoyed hot and fresh!