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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- 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.
- Slowly introduce milk while whisking vigorously, maintaining smooth consistency and preventing lumps from forming.
- 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.
- Fold precooked chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and heated through.
- Gently combine pasta with the cheese and chicken mixture, rotating the pan to distribute sauce uniformly.
- 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