Irresistibly Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

Crafting a delightful white cheddar chicken pasta brings comfort right to your plate.

Cheese lovers unite around this creamy culinary creation that promises pure satisfaction.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions for hungry families.

Succulent chicken pieces nestled among tender pasta create a harmonious blend of flavors.

Melted white cheddar transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Hearty and rich, this recipe delivers a warm embrace on any evening.

Come explore how a few key ingredients can turn dinner into a memorable experience.

Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta: Taste The Difference

• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick protein swaps like turkey or shrimp, making it adaptable to whatever ingredients you have on hand.
• Speed Through Dinner: One-pan meal that comes together rapidly, minimizing kitchen cleanup and providing a delicious solution for busy weeknight cooking.
• Family-Friendly Flavor: Creamy pasta with mild cheese and tender chicken creates a crowd-pleasing meal that even picky eaters will love, guaranteed to bring smiles around the dinner table.

Ingredients For White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base for this creamy and comforting dish.
• Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the recipe.
• White Cheddar Cheese: Provides a rich, sharp flavor and creamy texture to the sauce.

• Butter: Helps create a smooth and rich sauce base.
• Milk: Adds creaminess and helps develop the sauce's consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the overall cheese flavor and adds depth.
• Flour: Serves as a thickening agent for the sauce.

• Garlic, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika: Offer a complex and aromatic flavor profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and enhancing the overall taste.
• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh garnish to finish the dish.

How To Make Creamy Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook your chosen pasta in a pot of salted water according to the package directions.

Once tender, drain the pasta completely and set it aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Garlic

Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and cook until it becomes wonderfully fragrant and golden, releasing its delicious aroma.

Step 3: Create Smooth Roux

Sprinkle flour over the garlic and butter mixture.

Whisk continuously to blend the ingredients, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and create a smooth base.

Step 4: Develop Creamy Sauce

Slowly pour milk into the skillet, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.

Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes silky and uniform in texture.

Step 5: Melt Cheesy Goodness

• White cheddar
• Parmesan cheese

Stir until the cheeses completely melt and blend into a luxurious, creamy sauce.

Step 6: Season Flavor Profile

• Onion powder
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir to distribute the spices evenly throughout the sauce.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Protein

Fold in the cooked chicken and reserved pasta, ensuring every piece is generously coated with the creamy cheese sauce.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving plates and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve immediately while hot and wonderfully creamy.

White Cheddar Pasta – Insider Tips

• Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère or fontina for unique flavor profiles while maintaining a creamy texture.
• Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired thickness – add more for a lighter sauce or reduce for a richer, more concentrated flavor.
• Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, turkey, or plant-based alternatives like tofu to suit various dietary preferences.
• Sprinkle extra chopped herbs like thyme or chives just before serving to elevate the dish's aroma and brightness.
• Prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and reheat gently to maintain the sauce's smooth consistency when serving later.

Creative Ideas For Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer, lower-carb sauce.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Replace chicken with roasted vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach. Add plant-based protein such as tofu or chickpeas for extra nutrition.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or cashew-based cheese sauce. Use unsweetened almond milk and coconut oil instead of butter.

Serving Creamy Cheddar Pasta Right

• Comfort Food Feast: Serve this creamy pasta in deep bowls for maximum enjoyment.
• Protein Power Boost: Top with grilled shrimp or crispy bacon bits for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped chives, basil, or green onions to add brightness and color to the dish.
• Crunchy Texture Upgrade: Add toasted breadcrumbs or sliced almonds for a delightful crispy contrast to the creamy sauce.

White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Storage Advice

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, keeping it fresh for 2-3 months. Separate into individual portions for easier reheating.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of milk or water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess. Stir gently to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency.

FAQs

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

White cheddar provides the perfect creamy texture and tangy flavor, but you can also use sharp cheddar or a blend of mild white cheeses for similar results.

• Can I use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is an excellent time-saving option that adds rich, already-seasoned meat to the dish without extra cooking steps.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this pasta dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it a convenient make-ahead meal for busy weeknights.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas directly into the pasta to increase vegetable content and boost overall nutritional value of the meal.

Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting white cheddar chicken pasta delivers rich, hearty flavors straight from home kitchens. Cheesy goodness mingles with tender chicken, creating a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne or fusilli)
• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups milk

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Heat butter in a spacious skillet over medium temperature, around 350°F, until completely melted.
3. Introduce minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds, releasing aromatic oils without browning.
4. Dust flour across butter-garlic mixture, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
5. Slowly stream milk into the roux, constantly stirring to prevent lumps and promote even thickening. Simmer until sauce reaches a creamy consistency.
6. Reduce heat and incorporate white cheddar and Parmesan, stirring until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes silky.
7. Enhance sauce with onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper, balancing flavors with gentle stirring.
8. Fold shredded chicken and prepared pasta into cheese sauce, ensuring thorough and uniform coating.
9. Transfer to serving dishes immediately while piping hot. Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and herbaceous note.

Notes

• Enhance the sauce’s richness by using full-fat milk and freshly grated cheese for optimal melting and flavor development.
• Prevent pasta from becoming mushy by cooking it just shy of al dente, as it will continue absorbing sauce during final mixing.
• Swap chicken with plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version, ensuring protein remains the star of this creamy dish.
• add more for a thinner sauce, reduce for a thicker, more clingy texture that coats pasta perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 370 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg