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White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

White Cheddar Chicken Pasta
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White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, a smooth white cheddar cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with simple ingredients and rich flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 8 ounces elbow or penne pasta
  • 1 pound boneless chicken breast, sliced into bite-sized pieces

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
  • 2 cups whole or 2% milk, room temperature
  • 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese (freshly shredded for best melting)

Seasonings

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a little oil or butter. Add the bite-sized chicken pieces, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the White Cheddar Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until slightly bubbly and lightly golden to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the room temperature milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Reduce heat to low and slowly add shredded white cheddar, stirring until melted and smooth.
  4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
  5. Serve and Garnish: Plate the White Cheddar Chicken Pasta immediately. Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley for color and fresh flavor.

Notes

  • Use freshly shredded white cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded for creamier melting.
  • Cooking the butter and flour first ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.
  • Cook pasta slightly al dente, as it will soften further when combined with the sauce.
  • Season chicken and sauce separately for layered flavor.
  • Use room temperature milk to prevent curdling and help sauce thicken smoothly.
  • For gluten-free: use gluten-free pasta and substitute flour with cornstarch.
  • To add vegetables, include steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach.
  • To spice it up, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños while cooking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk.
  • Can be frozen up to 2 months but note cheese sauce texture may slightly change.

Nutrition

Keywords: white cheddar chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, cheesy chicken pasta, quick weeknight dinner, comfort food, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/white-cheddar-chicken-pasta/