There’s nothing as cozy as a warm rich, smooth bowl of white cheddar chicken pasta. This simple and quick recipe is a perfect blend of succulent chicken and pasta al dente and a rich White Cheddar Cheese Sauce to make an irresistible dish.
This home-cooked pasta dish for beginners however, it requires just thirty minutes to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights. You can also customize it to suit your personal noodles, include vegetables or swap out the protein with shrimp!
Let’s explore what you can do to create the most White cheddar Chicken Pasta from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta
Simple and Quick: Prepare in less than 30 minutes, which makes it perfect for busy nights.Super creamy and cheesy: Filled by the sharp taste of white cheddar it creates the most luxurious and smooth sauce.One-Pan meal: Less dishes, less clean-up! A family favorite recipe that adults and kids will love.Customizable add vegetables as well as proteins. You can also swap them out or create it spicy.Perfect to prepare meals It stays fresh for days and can be reheated perfectly.
Ingredients for Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 2 cups of chicken cooked (shredded or chopped)
- 1/2 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 1 tbsp all-purpose white flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 1/2 cups of white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper as desired
- Parsley fresh (chopped to garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms or broccoli for additional nutrients.
- Spices The addition of red pepper flake to give it a kick of spice.
- Protein Swap Make use of turkey or shrimp in place of the chicken.
Pro Tips: Always shred your own cheese to get the most creamy sauce. Cheese that has been shredded is a source of anti-caking agents which can cause the sauce to become gritty.
How to Make Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta (Step-by-Step)
Step1: Cook the Pasta
- Prepare a large pan filled with well-salted water to a point of boiling.
- Make your noodles as per the instructions on the package until it is al in the middle.
- Save 1 cup pasta liquid Then drain it and store in a bowl.
Step2: Cook the Chicken
- Heating 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan at medium-high temperature.
- Season the the chicken by adding salt and black pepper. Sauté till brown and cooked (about five minutes for each portion).
- Remove the skillet from the stove and place aside.
Step3: Make the White Cheddar Sauce
- In the same pan in the same skillet, make a slurry of butter on medium heat.
- Add all the the flour then cook it for about 1 minute while stirring continuously.
- Gradually whisk with slowly the mixture of milk and simmer until the consistency has gotten thicker (about about 3 mins).
- Lower the temperature to a low setting and then add white cheddar cheese, garlic powder as well as onion powder.
- Make sure to stir until it melts, and then the mixture turns smooth.
Step4: Combine Everything
- Incorporate the cooked noodles and chicken to the skillet.
- Mix everything up, making sure that the pasta is coated in the sauce that is creamy.
- If your pasta sauce seems too thick you can add an extra splash of remaining noodles water.
- Garnish garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve it immediately.
Pro Tips: For an even more silky sauce, use 1 cup of thick cream instead of milk.
Pro Tips for Making the Best Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta
What’s the secret ingredient to smooth pasta?
Use freshly cut cheese and blend it slowly into the sauce to avoid clumping.
How can you stop that the sauce gets dry?
Add the reserved pasta water small amounts at a time, to ensure the consistency of the sauce.
Can I prepare the pasta in advance?
Yes! It can be stored in a sealed container, and then heat it up by adding some cream or milk.
Best Ways to Serve Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta
Enjoy this rich, creamy spaghetti with
Garlic Bread: Try our Garlic Bread: Try our Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes. Easy recipe for dinner ideas
Frische Salad: A crisp Caesar or Greek salad is a perfect way to balance the sweetness.
Protein boost: Add grilled shrimp or bacon, or the shredded turkey.
Serving Suggestions: Sprinkle extra white cheddar and black pepper for an elegant finish.
Nutritional Information for White Cheddar Chicken Pasta
Nutrient | Per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 500 calories |
Carbohydrates | 52g |
Protein | 32g |
Fat | 18g |
Sodium | 520mg |
Sugar | 3g |
Healthy Tip Make use of whole grain pasta to increase fiber content and vitamins.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Refrigeration:
- Place your items in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Cook on stovetop at a low temperature with some milk.
Freezing:
- Freeze in parts that will last up to 2 months..
- Thaw for a night or two in the refrigerator prior to the reheating.
Avoid microwaving straight since it may result in the sauce starting to segregate. Instead, let it warm gently over the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I freeze the creamy white cheddar pasta?
Yes, but for the best result, freeze without the pasta and cook fresh pasta while reheating.
2. What else can I substitute as an alternative to white cheddar?
Substitute cheese that is sharp, Monterey Jack, or Gruyere to create a distinct flavor.
3. Do I have to make it gluten-free?
Absolutely! Make use of gluten free pasta as well as cornstarch as a substitute for flour in the sauce.
Related Recipes
Do you like easy recipes? Try these recipes:
Garlic Butter Steak and Potatoes – Best Easy Recipe
Pesto Chicken Tortellini – Easy & Creamy Pasta Recipe
Final Thoughts
You now are able to prepare the most delicious Creamy white Cheddar Chicken Pasta at home! This delicious, creamy and delicious dish is great for evening meals on the go or special occasions.
Have you tried this recipe? Comment below and share your thoughts! Save this recipe for the future by saving it on Pinterest! Follow us for more recipes that are delicious!
Enjoy the creamy cheese-laced white chicken!
PrintCreamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta – Best Comfort Food
Description
There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, creamy bowl of White Cheddar Chicken Pasta. This quick and easy recipe combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious white cheddar cheese sauce to create an irresistible dish.
Not only is this homemade pasta recipe beginner-friendly, but it also takes just 30 minutes to prepare—making it perfect for busy weeknights. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite pasta shapes, add veggies, or even swap the protein for shrimp!
Let’s dive into how to make the best creamy white cheddar chicken pasta at home.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or rotini)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- ½ tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 ½ cups white cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- Vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Spices: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Protein Swap: Use shrimp or turkey instead of chicken.
Pro Tip: Always shred your own cheese for the creamiest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
Instructions
Step1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step2: Cook the Chicken
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté until golden and cooked through (about 5 minutes per side).
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step3: Make the White Cheddar Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook until thickened (about 3 minutes).
- Reduce the heat to low and add white cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth.
Step4: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet.
- Toss everything together, ensuring the pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Pro Tip: For an even silkier sauce, add ½ cup of heavy cream instead of milk.
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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What is the secret to creamy pasta?
Use freshly shredded cheese and mix it into the sauce gradually to prevent clumping.
How do you prevent the sauce from drying out?
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to maintain a silky consistency.
Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes! Store it in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of milk or cream.