The Ultimate Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

Crafting a mouthwatering white cheddar chicken pasta promises culinary magic tonight.

Cheese lovers will adore this simple yet elegant dish.

Weeknight dinners demand quick, satisfying solutions that spark joy at the table.

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

Home cooks appreciate recipes that deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Comfort meets sophistication in this creamy, dreamy meal that beckons you to the kitchen.

One forkful will convince you this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese instead of white cheddar?

Yes, you can substitute white cheddar with other melting cheeses like monterey jack, gruyere, or regular yellow cheddar for similar creamy results.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This pasta dish can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated easily in the microwave or on the stovetop, making it perfect for quick meals during the week.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make it lighter, use milk instead of heavy cream, choose lean chicken breast, and add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value.

Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta In A Nutshell

• Boost Weeknight Dinners: Transform ordinary chicken pasta into a restaurant-quality meal with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily swap white cheddar for different cheese varieties or add vegetables to make the dish uniquely yours without complicated modifications.
• Family-Friendly Favorite: Create a crowd-pleasing meal that satisfies both kids and adults with its creamy texture and rich, savory flavors.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimize kitchen cleanup by preparing the entire dish in a single pan, reducing dishes and saving precious post-dinner time.

Ingredients For White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: A staple ingredient that provides the base for this creamy chicken dish.
• Chicken: Protein-rich meat that adds substantial flavor and texture to the recipe.
• White Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a rich, tangy flavor and creates the creamy sauce base.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Combines to create a smooth and luxurious sauce consistency.

• Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the chicken and sauce.
• Dried Italian Herbs: Adds depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and foundational flavor element.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adding a subtle richness to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Offers a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.

Step-By-Step White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Guide

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, ready for the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Onion powder

Cook until the chicken turns golden brown and is fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.

Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and saute for one minute until its aroma fills the kitchen.

Pour in chicken broth and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 4: Create the Dreamy Sauce

Stir in heavy cream, then gradually add grated white cheddar cheese.

Whisk continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a silky smooth sauce.

Step 5: Enhance the Flavor

Sprinkle in dried Italian herbs.

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Reunite Chicken and Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, tossing to coat every piece in the luscious white cheddar sauce.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring gently until everything is well combined and heated through.

Step 8: Serve with Flair

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve immediately while the pasta is warm and the sauce is creamy.

Enhancing White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Flavors

• Drain pasta perfectly by shaking off excess water to prevent watery sauce.
• Use room temperature chicken for even cooking and golden-brown exterior.
• Select high-quality white cheddar cheese for richer, more complex flavor profile.
• Test sauce consistency by coating the back of a spoon – it should smoothly stick without being too thick.
• Incorporate leftover roasted chicken as a time-saving alternative to freshly cooked chicken.

New Spins On White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa for a celiac-friendly version.
• Protein Power Swap: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, diced turkey, or plant-based protein like tofu for a different protein profile.
• Lighter Cream Alternative: Use Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and fat content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Veggie Boost Option: Add roasted broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful dish.

Serving Suggestions For White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Cozy Family Dinner Delight: Serve this creamy pasta directly from the skillet for a rustic, homestyle presentation that invites everyone to dig in together.
• Elevated Comfort Plate: Top each serving with extra grated white cheddar and crispy bacon bits for added texture and a luxurious flavor boost that transforms the dish.
• Healthy Side Balance: Pair the pasta with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables to create a well-rounded meal that adds nutritional variety and freshness.
• Lunch Transformation Trick: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a delicious next-day lunch, knowing the flavors will meld together even more beautifully overnight.

Storing White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Correctly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and food safety.
• Cover the container with a tight-fitting lid to prevent moisture loss and protect the pasta from absorbing other refrigerator odors.
• Separate pasta and sauce before refrigerating to help preserve the texture and prevent soggy noodles.
• Let the dish cool completely to room temperature before storing to minimize condensation inside the container.

Cheesy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting white cheddar chicken pasta combines rich flavors for a satisfying meal. Creamy sauce and tender chicken create a delightful dinner you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 300 grams (10.5 ounces) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 cups grated white cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chicken broth

Seasonings:

• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs

Aromatics and Garnish:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in generously salted water until perfectly tender, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Sear chicken pieces until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Introduce minced garlic and sauté for 60 seconds, releasing aromatic flavors without burning.
4. Deglaze pan with chicken broth, creating a gentle simmering liquid foundation. Allow liquid to slightly reduce.
5. Incorporate heavy cream, whisking smoothly. Gradually blend grated white cheddar cheese until sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency.
6. Enhance sauce with dried Italian herbs. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
7. Reintroduce cooked chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated.
8. Fold prepared pasta into the skillet, gently mixing until everything is evenly distributed and heated uniformly.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the dish for a vibrant garnish. Serve immediately while warm and inviting.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta by stirring occasionally and testing for doneness to avoid mushy texture.
• Select high-quality white cheddar cheese for richer, more robust flavor profile.
• Create gluten-free version by using alternative pasta like chickpea or rice pasta.
• Customize protein options by substituting chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for vegetarian preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 605 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 7200 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 135 mg