Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

There's nothing quite as comforting as a big bowl of Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta. The smell of garlic sautéing in a pan, the velvety white cheddar sauce bubbling away, and the tender, juicy bites of chicken all come together to create a meal that feels both indulgent and satisfying. This is the dish I crave after a long day, and it's one of the quickest ways to please a hungry crowd.

I discovered this recipe when trying to make a cozy dinner with whatever ingredients I had left in my fridge. Little did I know, this simple experiment would turn into a dinner staple my entire family adores. With easy-to-find ingredients and a short cook time, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends.

Why You'll Love This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Get ready to fall head over heels for your new favorite pasta dish. Creamy, dreamy, and full of flavor, this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta hits all the right notes.

First of all, it's incredibly quick and easy. You can have this meal on the table in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for those days when you’re short on time but still want a home-cooked meal.

The flavor is absolutely out of this world. The sharp, tangy white cheddar cheese combined with garlic and juicy chicken creates a rich sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. It's the perfect combination of flavors and textures.

You’ll also love how budget-friendly this recipe is. Made with pantry staples like pasta, chicken, and cheese, it won’t break the bank. Plus, it serves a crowd, making it a cost-effective way to feed the whole family.

Lastly, it’s a highly customizable dish. Whether you want to add vegetables, swap out the protein, or use a different type of pasta, this recipe is super versatile and adapts to your needs.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Here's what you'll need and some helpful tips for selecting the best options.

• Pasta: Short shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best because they hold onto the creamy sauce. While you can use any pasta you have on hand, these choices ensure you get the perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio.
• Chicken: I prefer using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. They cook up quickly and stay tender if not overcooked. If you’re a fan of dark meat, chicken thighs are a great alternative and add a richer flavor.
• White Cheddar Cheese: The star of the sauce is sharp white cheddar cheese. It adds a tangy, rich flavor that sets this pasta apart. Freshly grated cheese is a must! Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly.
• Heavy Cream: To achieve that luscious, creamy sauce, you’ll need heavy cream. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half, but keep in mind the sauce may not be as thick and luxurious.
• Chicken Broth and Garlic: Chicken broth adds depth to the sauce, and fresh garlic provides an aromatic base. Don’t skip the garlic; it makes a big difference in the flavor!

Special Equipment: A large, heavy-bottomed skillet works best for making the sauce, as it distributes heat evenly. You’ll also need a big pot to cook your pasta.

How To Make This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Creating this mouthwatering pasta dish is simpler than you think. Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy, flavorful dinner.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions. While the pasta cooks, get started on your chicken. Dice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, making sure they're uniform so they cook evenly.

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, drizzle a bit of olive oil and heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer. Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes, allowing them to get a nice golden sear. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they’re cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Reduce the heat to medium and add a bit more olive oil if necessary. Toss in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add the freshly grated white cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.

Drain your cooked pasta, reserving a bit of the pasta water. Add the pasta and cooked chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, making sure the pasta is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and your pasta is ready to serve.

This entire meal comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight. The result is a creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying pasta dish that everyone will devour.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta stores beautifully.

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will soak up some of the sauce as it sits, so you may need to add a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
• Freezer: While pasta dishes with cream sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze this in a pinch. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop with some added liquid.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce. Stir frequently to ensure it heats evenly.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this pasta dish is how easy it is to customize.

• Add Vegetables: Feel free to toss in some veggies to make this a complete meal. Broccoli florets, spinach, or peas would be great additions. Just blanch or sauté them before mixing into the sauce.
• Swap the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try using shrimp, Italian sausage, or even keep it vegetarian by adding hearty mushrooms instead.
• Cheese Options: While sharp white cheddar is delicious, you can experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan, gruyere, or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
• Make It Spicy: Love some heat? Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or top the pasta with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

The possibilities are endless with this adaptable recipe. Feel free to get creative and make it your own!

Enjoy the magic of Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta – it’s guaranteed to become a new favorite. Happy cooking!

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