Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta wafting through your kitchen. This dish is pure indulgence: tender, juicy chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety white cheddar sauce that wraps around every bite.

I discovered this recipe when searching for a quick yet satisfying weeknight meal that would please the whole family. It's now a regular request in our house, especially on chilly evenings when we crave something warm and hearty.

Get ready to bring a new favorite to your dinner table with this creamy, dreamy pasta dish that's bound to impress.

Why You'll Love This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with your new weeknight dinner obsession. This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta isn't just delicious – it’s a foolproof recipe that checks all the boxes for busy cooks.

First, it's incredibly easy to make. From start to finish, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Perfect for those hectic weeknights when time is at a premium but you still want something hearty and homemade.

The white cheddar sauce is a real game-changer. Creamy, flavorful, and just the right amount of sharpness, it coats the pasta beautifully, ensuring each bite is full of flavor. You won't believe how something so simple can taste so luxurious.

Even picky eaters will fall for this dish. The familiar flavors of chicken, cheese, and pasta make it a kid-friendly favorite, but it’s sophisticated enough for the adults to enjoy too. It's perfect for family dinners or when you want to impress guests without a lot of fuss.

Finally, this recipe is highly adaptable. You can swap in your favorite veggies, use leftover chicken, or even make it vegetarian. It’s a recipe you’ll come back to over and over again, with a different twist each time.

Ready to dive in? Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this creamy masterpiece.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one is thoughtfully chosen to create a rich, decadent dish that’s anything but ordinary.

• Pasta: I love using penne or fettuccine for this recipe. Penne’s ridges hold onto the luscious sauce, while fettuccine provides a luxurious, twirl-worthy experience. Feel free to experiment with your favorite pasta shapes!
• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect here, as they cook quickly and remain tender. You can also use chicken thighs for a richer flavor or even leftover rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time.
• White Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show! Go for a high-quality sharp white cheddar – it melts beautifully and brings that signature tangy, creamy flavor. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as well, so grating your own is worth the effort.
• Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its luxurious texture. If you’d like a lighter version, you can substitute with half-and-half, though the sauce will be less creamy.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the dish with a warm, savory aroma. It's a simple yet essential flavor base.

Special Equipment

You'll need a large skillet for cooking the chicken and sauce, and a big pot for boiling the pasta. A microplane or cheese grater will also come in handy for shredding the cheddar.

How To Make This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Making this dish is a breeze, and the result is a plate of creamy, cheesy perfection. Let me walk you through the steps to guarantee pasta night success.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help bind the sauce to the pasta later. Set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Add them to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Once done, remove from the pan and let them rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Slowly whisk in the shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken to the skillet, tossing everything together so that the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. Let it simmer for a minute to warm through, and taste for seasoning, adding more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Your Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is ready to serve! Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of extra cheddar if you like. This dish is best enjoyed immediately while the sauce is hot and luscious. Expect your family to clean their plates!

Storage Options

Storing leftovers? No problem! Here’s how to keep your pasta tasting fresh and delicious.

• Refrigerator: Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, but it can be revived when reheated.
• Freezer: You can freeze this pasta, though the texture may change slightly. Place in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce. Stir until warmed through, and enjoy as if freshly made!

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your taste.

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, roasted broccoli, or spinach. The white cheddar sauce pairs beautifully with vegetables!
• Add Some Spice: If you like a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and double-check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.
• Extra Protein: Swap the chicken for cooked shrimp or even diced ham for a different take on the dish.
• Different Cheeses: While white cheddar is classic, you could try a blend of cheddar and Gruyère for a nutty, rich flavor.

Feel free to get creative with this recipe – the possibilities are endless. Have fun in the kitchen and make it your own!

Print