Cozy Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner Joy

Whipping up a delightful white cheddar chicken pasta brings comfort straight to your dinner table.

Cheese lovers rejoice with this indulgent combination of tender chicken and velvety sauce.

Rich, smooth flavors meld together in a simple yet luxurious dish that satisfies deep hunger pangs.

Weeknight cooking becomes an adventure when you can create something so deliciously uncomplicated.

creamy textures and savory notes dance across your palate with each carefully crafted bite.

Kitchen magic happens when quality ingredients blend seamlessly into a meal that feels both elegant and approachable.

Let this recipe become your new go-to comfort food that impresses without demanding hours of preparation.

FAQs

• Why use white cheddar cheese in this recipe?

White cheddar provides a sharper, tangier flavor compared to yellow cheddar, giving the pasta sauce a more complex and rich taste profile without overwhelming the other ingredients.

• Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter alternative?

While heavy cream creates the richest sauce, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Medium-sized pastas like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work perfectly because their shapes help trap the creamy sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful and well-coated.

Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Secrets

• Conquer Weeknight Dinners: Tackle busy evenings with this simple, satisfying chicken pasta that comes together quickly and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with creamy white cheddar sauce and perfectly seasoned chicken, this dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table for both kids and adults.
• Master One-Skillet Magic: Minimize cleanup by preparing everything in a single pan, transforming basic ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal without complicated techniques or multiple cooking tools.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli, swapping chicken for another protein, or adjusting seasonings to match your family's taste preferences.

Key Ingredients for White Cheddar Pasta

• Pasta: A classic staple that serves as the hearty base of this creamy chicken dish.
• Chicken: Protein-packed meat that provides substance and flavor to the recipe.
• White Cheddar Cheese: Creamy cheese that creates a rich and tangy sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Olive Oil: Creates a smooth and luxurious sauce base.
• Garlic: Adds a deep, aromatic flavor to the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: Brings a blend of herbs that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Spices that add depth and balance to the chicken and sauce.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb that provides a fresh finish and visual appeal.

How to Prepare White Cheddar Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook your pasta in a pot of salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once done, drain the water and set the pasta aside, ready for its cheesy transformation.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in chicken pieces and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika.

Cook the chicken until it turns a beautiful golden brown and is completely cooked through, which takes about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep it warm.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

In the same skillet, add minced garlic and let it dance around for 1-2 minutes. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that signals something delicious is coming.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Base

Pour in heavy cream and stir constantly. Let the mixture gently simmer for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken and become luxuriously smooth.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Lower the heat and gradually add shredded white cheddar cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely, creating a silky, dreamy sauce.

Step 6: Season the Sauce

Enhance the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Step 7: Combine and Coat

Add the cooked chicken and pasta into the creamy cheese sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring every piece is beautifully coated with the white cheddar goodness.

Step 8: Let Flavors Mingle

Simmer the mixture for 2-3 more minutes, allowing all the flavors to get to know each other and create a harmonious dish.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Serve immediately while the pasta is hot and the sauce is creamy.

Tips for Creamy White Cheddar Pasta

• Select high-quality white cheddar cheese for the most robust and creamy flavor profile.
• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165°F before adding to sauce.
• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior when cooking.
• Allow sauce to simmer gently to prevent cheese from separating or becoming grainy.
• Experiment with adding sautéed vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.

Flavor Variations for White Cheddar Pasta

• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly adaptation.
• Protein Power-Up: Replace chicken with grilled shrimp, tofu cubes, or plant-based chicken alternatives for different protein sources and flavor profiles.
• Herb Garden Remix: Experiment with fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary instead of parsley to create unique flavor combinations and add a personal touch to the dish.

Serving Suggestions for White Cheddar Pasta

• Comfort Meal Companion: Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for balanced nutrition and fresh contrast.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve family-style in a large serving dish, allowing everyone to scoop generous portions directly from the skillet for a cozy dining experience.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for an easy, delicious office or school lunch that reheats beautifully and maintains its rich, creamy texture.
• Gourmet Side Upgrade: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed garlic croutons on top for extra crunch and elevated restaurant-style presentation.

Cheesy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty white cheddar chicken pasta delivers comfort with rich, cheesy goodness. Creamy sauce and tender chicken create a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)
• 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese

Sauce Ingredients:

• 2 cups heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Freshly chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water at medium-high heat until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium temperature. Carefully sear chicken pieces, seasoning with aromatic spices until golden brown and fully cooked, roughly 7 minutes per side.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, maintaining skillet’s residual heat and flavors.
4. Introduce minced garlic into the skillet, gently sautéing until releasing its fragrant essence, about 45-60 seconds.
5. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously to create a smooth, velvety base. Allow mixture to softly bubble and slightly condense for 3-4 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to lowest setting, gradually incorporating white cheddar cheese while stirring consistently until sauce transforms into a luxurious, glossy consistency.
7. Enhance sauce with Italian herbs, carefully balancing salt and pepper to elevate overall flavor profile.
8. Reintroduce chicken and pasta into the creamy sauce, meticulously coating each element for maximum taste distribution.
9. Let mixture gently simmer for an additional 2 minutes, allowing ingredients to harmonize.
10. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while temperature and texture remain optimal.

Notes

• Opt for high-quality white cheddar cheese to enhance the sauce’s rich, creamy texture and depth of flavor.
• Choose chicken breasts with consistent thickness to ensure even cooking and prevent dry or undercooked sections.
• Control sauce consistency by adjusting cream amount – less cream creates thicker sauce, more cream makes it lighter and more pourable.
• Customize recipe for dietary needs by substituting dairy-free cheese alternatives and using gluten-free pasta for accommodating restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 690 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 42 g
• Cholesterol: 145 mg