Heavenly Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering white cheddar chicken pasta becomes your ultimate comfort food adventure.

Cheese lovers unite around this irresistible dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Rich, velvety sauce coats perfectly tender pasta and succulent chicken pieces.

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this recipe delivers incredible flavor without complicated techniques.

Simple ingredients combine to create magic in your kitchen.

Hearty and delicious, each forkful brings warmth and happiness to your dining experience.

White Cheddar Chicken Pasta That’s So Creamy

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Whip up this creamy chicken pasta in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal without complicated steps.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Rich white cheddar and Parmesan create an irresistibly smooth sauce that transforms ordinary chicken pasta into a gourmet experience.
• Versatile Comfort Food: Easily customize with added vegetables like spinach or broccoli, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and nutritional needs.
• One-Skillet Magic: Minimize dirty dishes by preparing the entire meal in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making cooking stress-free for home chefs.

Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Ingredients

• Pasta, Chicken Breast: Hearty base of the dish, choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well like penne or rotini. Chicken breast provides lean protein.

• White Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese, Milk, Heavy Cream: Rich and creamy base for sauce, select high-quality aged white cheddar for deeper flavor. Full-fat dairy ensures smooth texture.

• Olive Oil, Butter, All-Purpose Flour, Garlic, Onion Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Creates roux for thickening sauce and adds depth of flavor. Use fresh garlic for best taste. Paprika provides subtle warmth.

• Fresh Parsley, Chives: Adds bright color and fresh herbal note to finished dish. Optional but recommended for visual appeal and extra flavor.

White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Boil pasta in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to become part of a creamy masterpiece.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Sprinkle chicken with salt, black pepper, and paprika.

Cook the chicken until it turns a gorgeous golden brown and is fully cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic.

Let it dance and sizzle for about a minute until its irresistible aroma fills the kitchen.

Step 4: Craft the Silky Sauce Base

Sprinkle flour into the skillet and stir for 1-2 minutes to create a golden roux.

Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture becomes smooth and starts to thicken like a luxurious blanket.

Step 5: Cheese Magic

Lower the heat and introduce shredded white cheddar and Parmesan cheese.

Stir gently until the cheese melts completely, creating a creamy sauce that will make taste buds dance.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Season the sauce with onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together so each bite is coated in cheesy goodness.

Step 7: Serve and Celebrate

Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Enjoy your homemade comfort food masterpiece!

Tips for Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Success

• Use freshly grated white cheddar for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
• Keep the heat low when adding cheese and stir continuously to ensure a creamy, smooth texture without breaking or becoming oily.
• Swap chicken with grilled shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for a versatile meal that suits different dietary preferences.
• Add more milk if the sauce becomes too thick, or simmer briefly to thicken if it's too thin. Adjust gradually for perfect creamy results.
• Experiment with herb additions like fresh thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of nutmeg to elevate the dish's overall taste profile.

Store White Cheddar Pasta And Reheat Gently

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious.
• Sprinkle a few drops of water over the pasta, cover with a damp paper towel, and reheat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore its creamy texture and prevent drying out.
• Freeze the dish in a sealed container for up to 2 months, but note that cream-based sauces may slightly separate when thawed.

What Complements White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a light, unoaked Chardonnay that complements the creamy white cheddar sauce without overpowering the delicate chicken flavors.
• Serve with Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Create a vibrant green side dish that adds nutritional balance and a slight crunch to contrast the smooth pasta texture.
• Match with Rustic Sourdough Bread: Use crusty sourdough slices to soak up the rich, cheesy sauce and provide a tangy counterpoint to the creamy chicken pasta.
• Enhance with Fresh Garden Salad: Prepare a light mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to cut through the richness and provide a refreshing palate cleanser.

White Cheddar Chicken Pasta with Creamy Enhancements

• Gluten-Free Pasta Delight: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free options like brown rice or chickpea pasta, using gluten-free flour for the roux to accommodate celiac or gluten-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Swap traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content and creating a lighter, vegetable-based alternative for keto or low-carb followers.
• Greek Yogurt Protein Boost: Substitute heavy cream with protein-rich Greek yogurt, adding extra protein and creating a tangier sauce while maintaining creamy texture for fitness enthusiasts.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Use coconut milk and nutritional yeast instead of dairy cheese, creating a vegan-friendly version that maintains a rich, creamy consistency for plant-based eaters.

FAQs

• What makes the sauce creamy and rich?

The combination of butter, flour, milk, and heavy cream creates a smooth roux base, while white cheddar and Parmesan cheeses add depth and velvety texture to the sauce.

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute white cheddar with yellow cheddar or try other melting cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for a similar creamy result.

• How do I ensure the chicken stays tender and juicy?

Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook it over medium heat until golden. Avoid overcooking to maintain moisture and tenderness.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! The pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency.

Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary delight in this white cheddar chicken pasta, where rich, velvety cheese sauce embraces tender pasta and succulent chicken. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
• 2 cups (480 ml) shredded white cheddar cheese

Dairy and Cream Ingredients:

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (480 ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons (28 g) butter

Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) olive oil
• 2 tablespoons (16 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta in boiling water according to package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Season chicken pieces with a blend of salt, ground black pepper, and warm paprika. Sear in a heated skillet with olive oil until golden brown and completely cooked through. Transfer chicken to a separate plate.
3. Using the same skillet, melt butter and introduce minced garlic. Sauté briefly until aromatic and translucent.
4. Sprinkle flour into the butter-garlic mixture, creating a smooth roux. Whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
5. Slowly incorporate milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens and develops a silky consistency.
6. Reduce heat to low and gradually fold in white cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until completely melted and sauce becomes luxuriously creamy.
7. Enhance sauce with onion powder, additional salt, and pepper to balance flavors. Gently fold cooked chicken and reserved pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring even coating.
8. Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with fresh chopped parsley or delicate chives for a touch of brightness and color.

Notes

• Choose high-quality white cheddar with sharp flavor for maximum taste complexity and creamy texture.
• Gradually add cheese at low heat and stir continuously to ensure smooth, silky sauce without graininess.
• Swap chicken with turkey, shrimp, or plant-based protein alternatives for diverse dietary preferences.
• Replace regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make recipe celiac-friendly without compromising sauce thickness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 860
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 750 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 24 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 47 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg