Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta – Easy & Delicious Comfort Food
This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a rich, velvety white cheddar sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavors with minimal effort. The sharpness of the white cheddar balances beautifully with the savory chicken and buttery sauce, creating a meal that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked pasta coated in a luscious, cheesy sauce, with juicy bites of seasoned chicken in every mouthful. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser, loved by kids and adults alike. Whether you’re cooking for family or entertaining guests, this creamy white cheddar chicken pasta will quickly become a go-to favorite in your recipe collection.
Quick Recipe Highlights
- Flavor Profile: A harmonious blend of sharp white cheddar, garlic, and herbs, with tender chicken adding savory depth.
- Texture: Creamy, velvety sauce clings to al dente pasta, while the chicken provides a satisfying bite.
- Aroma: Fragrant garlic, butter, and melted cheese create an irresistible kitchen aroma.
- Visual Appeal: Golden cheese sauce with flecks of herbs and perfectly seared chicken makes for an Instagram-worthy dish.
- Skill Level Needed: Beginner-friendly with simple techniques like sautéing and sauce-making.
- Special Equipment: Just a large skillet and a pot for boiling pasta—no fancy gadgets required.
Recipe Overview
- Difficulty Level: This recipe is perfect for home cooks of all levels. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are easy to find.
- Category: A hearty main dish that works for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual entertaining.
- Cuisine: A modern American comfort food classic with influences from Italian pasta dishes.
- Cost: Budget-friendly, using pantry staples and affordable proteins.
- Season: Ideal year-round, but especially comforting in fall and winter.
- Occasion: Great for family dinners, potlucks, or when you need a quick yet impressive meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The creamy white cheddar chicken pasta delivers an explosion of flavors in every bite. The sharpness of the white cheddar pairs perfectly with the savory chicken, while the garlic and herbs add depth. The sauce is luxuriously smooth, coating each strand of pasta for maximum flavor. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for any night of the week.
From prep to plate in just 35 minutes, this recipe is a lifesaver on busy evenings. With minimal cleanup and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can achieve delicious results. The ingredients are easy to find, and the dish comes together in one pan (plus a pot for pasta), making it a practical choice for everyday cooking.
Nutritionally, this dish provides a good balance of protein from the chicken and carbohydrates from the pasta. Using whole wheat pasta boosts fiber content, while the cheese adds calcium. You can easily customize the recipe with added veggies like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrients.
This pasta dish is perfect for entertaining—it’s universally loved and can be doubled effortlessly for larger groups. The creamy sauce and tender chicken make it feel special, while the simple preparation means you can enjoy time with your guests rather than being stuck in the kitchen.
Cost-effective and accessible, this recipe uses budget-friendly ingredients without sacrificing flavor. Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts to save money, and the cheese sauce stretches beautifully to feed a crowd. It’s a restaurant-quality meal at a fraction of the price.
The Recipe
Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta
Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Colander
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite shape)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken cubes with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through (5-6 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Whisk in flour to create a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps remain. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in white cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Add thyme, paprika, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and add drained pasta. Toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
- For extra creaminess, substitute half the milk with heavy cream.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a veggie boost.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
