The Ultimate Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

Comfort arrives in a delightful form with this white cheddar chicken pasta that melts hearts and satisfies hunger.

Creamy sauce coats tender pasta and perfectly seasoned chicken in every single bite.

The cheese brings rich, velvety goodness that transforms a simple dinner into something extraordinary.

Home cooks adore how quickly this dish comes together on busy weeknights.

Each forkful delivers a harmonious blend of protein and pasta that feels indulgent yet simple.

The recipe promises a crowd-pleasing meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

White Cheddar Pasta Tips and Tricks

• Select a sharp white cheddar for a more robust, tangy flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Whisk milk slowly and consistently to create a silky-smooth sauce without unwanted lumps.
• Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a perfect bite and prevent mushiness when mixed with sauce.
• Substitute chicken with rotisserie chicken or grilled shrimp for quick variation and added protein.
• Taste and adjust seasonings gradually, using fresh garlic powder and cracked black pepper for maximum flavor depth.

Change Up Your White Cheddar Pasta

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend. Use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap white cheddar with nutritional yeast and coconut milk. Use dairy-free butter alternative and plant-based chicken substitute for a vegan version.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use almond flour instead of wheat flour and reduce milk quantity for a lighter sauce.
• Protein Power Boost: Add grilled shrimp or crispy bacon bits. Incorporate extra protein-rich vegetables like spinach or broccoli to enhance nutritional value.

Best Ways to Serve Chicken Pasta

• Family Movie Night Feast: Serve this creamy pasta as the star of a cozy dinner while watching a classic film together. The rich, comforting flavors will make everyone feel right at home.
• Picnic Perfect Potluck Dish: Pack this chicken pasta in a large container for outdoor gatherings. Its creamy texture and hearty ingredients travel well and taste delicious at room temperature.
• Lunch Prep Champion: Portion the pasta into meal prep containers for easy weekday lunches. The dish reheats beautifully and provides a satisfying midday meal that keeps you full and energized.
• Quick Weeknight Dinner Companion: Pair with a simple green salad and garlic bread to transform this pasta into a complete meal. The added sides bring freshness and extra texture to complement the creamy chicken pasta.

Pasta Storage for Next Time

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor quality.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle until warmed through.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to prevent drying. Stir gently and consistently to restore creamy texture and distribute heat evenly.
• Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the sauce's smooth consistency.

FAQs

• Can I use yellow cheddar instead of white cheddar?

Yes, you can substitute yellow cheddar without affecting the overall taste and texture of the dish. The flavor will remain similar, just with a slightly different color.

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or leftover baked chicken are all excellent options. Ensure the chicken is cooked and shredded or cubed before adding to the pasta.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This pasta dish can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if the sauce seems too thick.

White Cheddar Chicken Pasta: The Perks

• Quick Comfort Meal: Whip up a satisfying dinner that hugs your taste buds with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something deliciously creamy.
• Versatile Family Pleaser: Combine tender chicken and cheesy pasta that appeals to both kids and adults, making mealtime a stress-free experience with its crowd-pleasing flavors.
• Pantry-Friendly Recipe: Create a gourmet-tasting dish using common ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen, saving you a trip to the grocery store and making dinner preparation a breeze.
• Single-Skillet Convenience: Minimize cleanup with a one-pan wonder that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal, letting you spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying your meal.

What to Add to White Cheddar Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that provides hearty texture and substance to the dish.
• Chicken: Lean protein that adds satisfying flavor and makes the meal more filling.
• White Cheddar Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a rich and tangy sauce with smooth consistency.

• Butter, Flour: Essential ingredients for creating a classic roux that thickens the sauce.
• Milk: Liquid base that helps develop a smooth and creamy sauce texture.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices that enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a touch of fresh color and mild herbal note.

Cooking Creamy Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until it reaches that ideal al dente texture.

Once cooked, drain completely and set aside, ready to soak up the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Create a Buttery Roux Base

Grab a large skillet and melt butter over medium heat.

Sprinkle in flour and whisk constantly, cooking for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns a golden, nutty color.

This creates a magical base for your creamy sauce.

Step 3: Pour and Simmer the Sauce

Slowly pour in milk, whisking continuously to prevent any pesky lumps from forming.

Let the sauce simmer gently, watching it thicken into a silky smooth consistency that clings to every ingredient.

Step 4: Melt in Cheesy Goodness

Add your white cheddar cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a luxurious, velvety sauce.

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix these seasonings until the sauce sings with flavor.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Fold in the cooked chicken and prepared pasta, ensuring every single piece gets a loving coating of the creamy white cheddar sauce.

Stir gently but thoroughly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer to serving plates and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh herb flavor.

Enjoy your restaurant-worthy pasta right at home!

Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 14 reviews

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

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Description

Indulgent white cheddar chicken pasta blends rich, velvety cheese with tender chicken in a comforting symphony of flavors. Quick weeknight dinners never tasted so luxurious, inviting you to savor each creamy, satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

Carbohydrates:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 1 cup white cheddar cheese, shredded

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, ensuring al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, melting butter until it becomes golden and fragrant.
3. Sprinkle flour into melted butter, whisking continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth, light roux without burning.
4. Slowly pour milk into the roux, maintaining constant whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
5. Reduce heat and incorporate shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and sauce becomes silky and uniform.
6. Season the creamy sauce with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, adjusting to taste preference.
7. Fold cooked chicken and prepared pasta into the cheese sauce, gently tossing to ensure every piece is evenly and luxuriously coated.
8. Transfer to serving dishes immediately while sauce remains hot and glossy. Optional: Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a bright, herbaceous touch.

Notes

• Customize the pasta type for gluten-free diets by using alternative pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour.
• Choose low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter version of this creamy dish without compromising flavor.
• Enhance protein content by adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra nutrition and texture.
• Prepare chicken in advance or use rotisserie chicken to save time and simplify the cooking process.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 431 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg