Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the aroma of Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta wafting through your kitchen. This decadent dish combines tender, juicy chicken, perfectly al dente pasta, and a velvety white cheddar sauce that coats every bite.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe during a busy week when I needed something both quick and comforting. It turned out to be an instant hit, and now, it's a regular in our dinner rotation. The best part? It's simple enough for a weeknight but tastes like a gourmet meal.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to dinner! Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta isn't just delicious – it's a meal that wins over even the pickiest eaters.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just one pot for boiling the pasta and a skillet for the sauce, you won't spend your evening cleaning up a mountain of dishes. The entire recipe comes together in around 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute gathering.

The flavors are a rich but balanced combination of sharp white cheddar, savory chicken, and garlic, all coming together to create a luxurious sauce. Plus, using ingredients that are easily found at any grocery store makes this meal both accessible and budget-friendly.

And let’s not forget its versatility! You can add vegetables like broccoli or spinach to boost the nutrition or swap out the pasta shape to suit whatever you have in the pantry. This dish is endlessly adaptable to your family's preferences, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta lies in its simple, yet flavorful ingredients. Each one contributes to the rich, comforting taste that makes this dish irresistible.

The pasta forms the backbone of the dish. I prefer using penne or rigatoni because their tubular shapes capture the creamy sauce in every bite. However, feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand – from bowtie to spaghetti, it all works beautifully.

Next, the chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are my go-to. They're lean and cook up quickly, staying tender when sliced and seared. For maximum flavor, make sure to season the chicken well before adding it to the pan.

The star of the sauce is white cheddar cheese. Sharp white cheddar melts into a smooth, luxurious sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. I recommend grating your own cheese from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheddar; the pre-packaged kind often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting as smoothly.

You'll also need heavy cream and chicken broth to form the base of the sauce. The heavy cream adds a luscious texture, while the chicken broth helps cut through the richness, giving the sauce a savory depth. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce won't be as creamy.

A few spices elevate the entire dish: garlic powder, onion powder, and freshly cracked black pepper. These simple seasonings enhance the chicken’s flavor and complement the sharpness of the white cheddar. Don’t forget a touch of fresh parsley for a bright, herbal finish that brings everything together.

How To Make This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Creating this indulgent pasta dish is easier than you think. Let me walk you through the simple steps to pasta perfection.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Make sure to reserve a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining – this will help you adjust the consistency of the sauce later if needed.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil, and once it's shimmering, add your seasoned, bite-sized chicken pieces. Let them sear without disturbing for about 4-5 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed and toss in finely minced garlic. Let it sizzle until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds incredible depth to your sauce.

Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream. Once it’s gently simmering, add the grated white cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until it melts into a silky sauce. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta, tossing to coat everything in the creamy sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Expect this dish to be devoured quickly – it's that good!

Storage Options

If you find yourself with leftovers (which is rare in my house!), storing this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is a breeze. Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce before microwaving or reheating on the stovetop. This ensures the pasta stays creamy rather than drying out. Be sure to stir gently until heated through.

If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can prepare the chicken and pasta separately, then whip up the sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve. This method helps maintain the best texture and flavor.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Feel free to make it your own based on what you have available or your family’s taste preferences.

Want to add some vegetables? Stir in steamed broccoli florets or wilted spinach when you toss everything together in the sauce. Both options add a lovely pop of color and extra nutrients to the dish.

If you prefer a different protein, try using boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a richer flavor, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for an ultra-quick shortcut. For a vegetarian twist, you can swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted red peppers.

Need to make it gluten-free? Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, so this adaptation is simple and still delicious.

And when it comes to cheese, you can experiment, too. If you can’t find sharp white cheddar, aged Gouda or even a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan would work well. Just be mindful that the flavor profile will change slightly.

This recipe encourages creativity, so don’t be afraid to get adventurous in your kitchen. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

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