Indulgent Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe For Tonight

Whipping up a delectable white cheddar chicken pasta can turn an ordinary weeknight into a culinary celebration.

Comfort meets gourmet in this simple yet sophisticated dish that promises pure satisfaction.

Cheese lovers will instantly fall for the rich, velvety sauce coating tender pasta and juicy chicken pieces.

Weeknight dinners rarely come this delightful and straightforward to prepare.

Each forkful blends creamy textures with savory notes that dance across your palate.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how quickly this meal comes together without sacrificing flavor.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible pasta creation.

What Goes Well With White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Cheesy Comfort Platter: Serve this pasta on large family-style dishes for a warm, inviting meal that brings everyone together.
• Fresh Green Companions: Pair with a crisp mixed green salad or roasted broccoli to add nutritious balance and color to the creamy dish.
• Bread Buddy Boost: Complement the pasta with garlic bread or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious white cheddar sauce and add extra texture.
• Wine Harmony Pairing: Select a light white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to enhance the creamy chicken pasta's rich flavors and create a restaurant-style dining experience.

How to Store White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the pasta and sauce separate to maintain texture.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of milk to prevent dryness, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creaminess, stirring gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of cheese?

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

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This pasta keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli, and opt for low-fat milk to reduce calories while maintaining flavor.

• What kind of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breast, or leftover roasted chicken all work perfectly in this creamy pasta dish.

Why Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Stands Out

• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up a deliciously satisfying dish that comes together in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a hearty meal fast.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combination: Blend the rich, creamy white cheddar sauce with tender chicken and pasta creates a universally loved meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Customizable Culinary Canvas: Easily adapt the recipe by adding vegetables, experimenting with different cheese types, or using various protein options to keep the dish exciting and fresh.
• Budget-Friendly Homemade Goodness: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal at home with affordable ingredients, saving money while enjoying a delectable, restaurant-style dinner that impresses the whole family.

Ingredients for White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: Classic pasta shape that serves as the foundation for this creamy dish.

• Cooked Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the pasta.

• Butter, Flour: Foundational elements that create a smooth, rich roux for the sauce.
• Milk: Creamy liquid that helps develop the sauce's silky texture.
• White Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and tangy cheese that provides the signature creamy and flavorful sauce.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall taste and depth of the dish.

• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, colorful finishing touch to the creamy pasta.

How to Make Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions.

Once perfectly al dente, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside while you prepare the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Create a Butter Roux

Heat a saucepan over medium heat and melt the butter.

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for about one minute.

This creates a smooth base for your creamy sauce and helps prevent lumps from forming.

Step 3: Build the Silky Sauce

Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to create a velvety smooth mixture.

Keep stirring to prevent any scorching or sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese

• Shredded white cheddar cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until the cheese completely melts and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.

The mixture should have a glossy, smooth texture.

Step 5: Incorporate the Chicken

Fold the cooked chicken into the cheese sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated with the creamy goodness.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Gently toss the cooked pasta with the cheesy chicken sauce until every strand is evenly covered.

The pasta should glisten with the luscious sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving plates.

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the comforting, cheesy delight.

Helpful Tips for White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Whisk milk slowly and consistently into the roux to ensure a smooth, silky cheese sauce without any clumps.
• Remove the pan from heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and maintain a creamy, velvety texture.
• Use rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken for a quick and convenient protein boost in this pasta dish.
• Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Adjust garlic and onion powder to taste, and consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.

Variations on White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free pasta to complete the meal.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap white cheddar with nutritional yeast and use almond or oat milk. Choose plant-based butter alternative for creamy sauce.
• Protein Power Boost: Substitute chicken with grilled shrimp, diced turkey, or crispy tofu for varied protein sources. Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use heavy cream instead of milk for richer, lower-carbohydrate sauce.

Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty white cheddar chicken pasta combines tender chicken with rich, creamy sauce for a comforting meal. Cheese lovers will savor each cheesy, satisfying bite that brings warmth to dinner tables across home kitchens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)

Pasta and Base:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or similar)
• 2 cups milk

Seasoning and Flavoring:

• 1.5 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Create a roux by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then incorporate flour. Cook for approximately 60 seconds, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
3. Slowly introduce milk while whisking vigorously, maintaining smooth consistency and preventing lumps from forming.
4. Reduce heat to low and gradually blend white cheddar cheese into the sauce. Incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, stirring until cheese completely melts and sauce achieves a velvety texture.
5. Fold precooked chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and heated through.
6. Gently combine pasta with the cheese and chicken mixture, rotating the pan to distribute sauce uniformly.
7. Transfer to serving dishes immediately while hot. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for added color and subtle herb flavor.

Notes

• Make pasta al dente for better texture and prevent mushiness when mixing with sauce.
• Use freshly shredded white cheddar instead of pre-shredded cheese for smoother, more authentic melting.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend for roux.
• Transform into a lighter dish by using low-fat milk and reducing butter quantity without compromising creamy consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg