Irresistible Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

Whipping up a deliciously rich white cheddar chicken pasta can turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into a memorable feast.

Cheese lovers will adore this incredibly smooth and comforting dish that combines tender chicken with velvety sauce.

pasta enthusiasts might find themselves swooning over the harmonious blend of flavors.

Succulent chicken pieces nestle perfectly among al dente noodles, creating a satisfying meal that feels both elegant and approachable.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of creamy sauce and hearty protein.

Come hungry and leave completely satisfied with this irresistible culinary creation.

What Makes White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Shine

• Create Melt-in-Your-Mouth Comfort: Tender beef chuck roast transforms into succulent, flavor-packed pulled beef that practically falls apart with each bite.
• Simplify Meal Preparation: Slow cooker method means minimal hands-on work, letting the appliance do all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
• Perfect for Crowd-Pleasing Gatherings: These hearty sandwiches work brilliantly for game days, family reunions, potlucks, or casual weekend get-togethers where everyone craves satisfying food.
• Customize with Endless Toppings: Personalize your sandwich with favorite additions like tangy pickles, crisp coleslaw, or extra cheese to make each bite uniquely delicious.

What You Need For White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that provides hearty texture and substance to the dish.
• White Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a rich, tangy flavor with smooth melting properties.
• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substantial and satisfying protein to the meal.

• Butter, Flour: Essential for creating a smooth, velvety cheese sauce base.
• Milk: Helps create a creamy consistency and balance the sauce's richness.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Provide depth and enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Optional garnish that adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How To Cook White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook your pasta in salted water following the package guidelines. Aim for a tender but firm texture.

Once done, drain completely and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Create Butter Roux

Heat a large skillet and melt butter over medium temperature.

Sprinkle flour into the melted butter and whisk continuously. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes until it develops a light golden color.

Step 3: Develop Creamy Base

Slowly pour milk into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent any lumpy formations. Continue stirring while the sauce thickens and becomes smooth, which takes about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Season and Enrich Sauce

• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Gradually sprinkle white cheddar cheese into the sauce, stirring until it melts completely and creates a velvety texture.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Gently fold the cooked pasta and chicken into the luxurious cheese sauce.

Ensure every piece is generously coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the pasta to serving dishes.

If desired, scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and additional freshness. Serve immediately while the dish is hot and inviting.

Handy Insights For White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Opt for freshly shredded white cheddar cheese to achieve the smoothest, most luxurious sauce texture.
• Choose chicken breasts and slice them evenly for consistent cooking and better sauce distribution.
• Prevent lumpy sauce by whisking milk slowly and continuously while heating, maintaining medium temperature.
• Enhance flavor by using homemade chicken stock instead of plain milk for deeper, richer taste profile.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency.

Taste Tweaks For White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Chicken Pasta: Replace white cheddar with pepper jack cheese and add diced green chilies, cumin, and chili powder for a zesty southwestern flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken Pasta: Swap white cheddar for feta cheese, incorporate dried oregano, basil, and sun-dried tomatoes to create a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Smoky Bacon Chicken Pasta: Crisp up bacon pieces and mix into the sauce, use smoked cheddar cheese instead of white cheddar for an intense smoky dimension.
• Truffle Mushroom Chicken Pasta: Add sautéed wild mushrooms, drizzle truffle oil, and use gruyère cheese for an elegant, earthy gourmet experience.

Best Pairings With White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Gather everyone around the table for a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug. Serve the creamy white cheddar chicken pasta with crispy garlic bread on the side to soak up extra sauce. Pair with a simple green salad for a balanced dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Pack this dish in a sealed container for an amazing outdoor lunch. Chill the pasta beforehand to let the flavors meld together. Bring along some fresh cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices as a fresh accompaniment. Perfect for weekend park outings or backyard gatherings with friends.

Keeping White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Fresh Longer

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the pasta is cooled completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• When reheating, add a little milk or cream to help revive the sauce's smooth consistency and prevent the cheese from becoming grainy or clumpy.

FAQs

• Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute white cheddar with monterey jack, gruyere, or regular yellow cheddar for similar creamy results.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This pasta can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli, and opt for low-fat milk to reduce calories while maintaining flavor.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply replace regular flour with cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free pasta to create a similar dish that’s safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty white cheddar chicken pasta delivers comfort through rich, cheesy goodness blended with tender chicken. Families will savor this simple yet satisfying meal that promises warmth and deliciousness in every comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups chicken breast, shredded or diced
• 12 oz (340 grams) pasta (penne or shells)
• 1 1/2 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare pasta according to package directions, cooking until perfectly tender. Drain and reserve.
2. Heat a spacious skillet over medium temperature, melting butter smoothly.
3. Incorporate flour into melted butter, whisking constantly until the mixture turns a delicate golden hue, approximately 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour milk gradually into the roux, stirring vigorously to eliminate potential clumping. Simmer until sauce reaches a luxurious, velvety consistency, roughly 3-4 minutes.
5. Enhance the sauce with aromatic garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Fold in white cheddar cheese, stirring until completely dissolved and creating a silky texture.
6. Introduce cooked chicken and prepared pasta into the creamy cheese sauce, gently tossing to ensure comprehensive coverage and uniform distribution of flavors.
7. Transfer to serving dishes immediately, optionally adorning with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous touch.

Notes

• Choose a high-quality, sharp white cheddar for deeper flavor complexity and smoother melting.
• Cook pasta just shy of al dente since it will continue absorbing sauce while mixing, preventing potential mushiness.
• Swap regular flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising sauce consistency.
• Replace chicken with grilled tofu, shredded rotisserie turkey, or plant-based chicken alternatives for diverse dietary preferences.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 507 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 338 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 78 mg