Description
Indulge in the rich, cheesy goodness of this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta! Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety white cheddar sauce come together for a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and full of flavor. Whether for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this easy-to-make recipe is sure to be a favorite!
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the White Cheddar Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
For Garnish:
-
- ¼ cup freshly chopped parsley
- ½ cup crispy bacon bits (optional)
- Extra shredded white cheddar for topping
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make the White Cheddar Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat.
- Stir in shredded white cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Combine Everything:
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and mix with the sauce.
- Add drained pasta and toss to coat.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Garnish with parsley and crispy bacon bits.
- Serve hot with extra shredded white cheddar on top.
Notes
-
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting texture.
- Adjust thickness by adding more milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of milk.
- Pair with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: American