Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the cozy comfort of Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta to make a weeknight feel special. This dish combines tender chicken, perfectly al dente pasta, and a luxuriously creamy white cheddar sauce that’s as indulgent as it is easy to make.

I first crafted this recipe on a chilly evening when I craved something hearty but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. One bite, and it was clear this would become a go-to dinner in our home. Let’s dive into why this recipe will steal your heart and your dinner table.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall head over heels for this flavorful and easy dinner option. Here’s why this recipe is bound to be a staple in your kitchen:

First and foremost, it’s a one-pan wonder (mostly). While the pasta boils, the sauce and chicken come together in a single skillet, making cleanup a breeze. Who doesn’t love less time scrubbing and more time enjoying?

The flavor is absolutely decadent. The combination of sharp white cheddar and a touch of cream creates a velvety sauce that clings to each piece of pasta. Add juicy chicken bites, and you have a restaurant-quality dish at home.

This recipe is incredibly customizable. Swap out the chicken for shrimp, toss in your favorite veggies, or experiment with different pasta shapes – it’s up to you!

Finally, this dish is quick to prepare. In under 30 minutes, you can have a piping hot meal on the table that satisfies even the pickiest eaters. Perfect for busy nights when time is tight.

Ready to see what makes this pasta magic? Let’s talk about the ingredients that make it shine.

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta lies in its simplicity. With a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients, you’ll have everything you need to create a dish that’s anything but ordinary.

• Pasta: Choose a shape that can hold onto the sauce. I love using penne or fusilli, as their ridges catch every bit of creamy goodness. Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. They’re quick to cook and absorb the sauce beautifully. You could also use chicken thighs for a slightly richer flavor.
• White Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Go for sharp white cheddar for its tangy, bold flavor. Pre-shredded cheese works in a pinch, but freshly grated melts much smoother.
• Cream and Milk: A combination of heavy cream and milk creates the perfect balance of richness without being too heavy. You can substitute half-and-half if preferred.
• Garlic and Onion: These aromatic staples add a savory depth to the sauce. Fresh garlic is key here for its vibrant flavor.
• Butter and Flour: Together, these form the base of a roux, thickening the sauce to perfection.

If you have a large skillet and a grater on hand, you’re already halfway there. Let’s get cooking!

How To Make This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Crafting this creamy, cheesy pasta dish is straightforward and stress-free. Here’s how to make it step by step:

1. Boil the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside. Save about 1 cup of pasta water – it’s a secret weapon for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.
2. Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Make the Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in 2 tablespoons of flour, cooking for 1 minute to eliminate the raw taste.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Slowly whisk in 1 cup of milk and ½ cup of heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. As the sauce begins to thicken, lower the heat and stir in the freshly grated white cheddar cheese, one handful at a time. Stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together, ensuring every piece of pasta is coated in the luscious sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheese for a finishing touch.

In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a dish that looks and tastes like it came straight out of a five-star restaurant.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (unlikely, but possible!), this pasta stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigerator: Store the pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, so add a splash of milk or cream when reheating.
• Freezer: This dish can be frozen, but note that cream-based sauces sometimes change texture when thawed. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Store for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some ways to make it your own:

• Swap the Protein: Replace chicken with shrimp, ground turkey, or even crispy bacon for a unique twist.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted cherry tomatoes for a burst of color and nutrients.
• Cheese Choices: Not a fan of white cheddar? Try Gruyère, Parmesan, or even Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a little heat.
• Make It Lighter: Substitute whole milk for heavy cream or use Greek yogurt for a protein-packed alternative.

Whatever route you choose, this dish will remain a creamy, satisfying crowd-pleaser.

This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. It’s easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and oh-so-delicious. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your home. So grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking – your taste buds are in for a treat!

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