Cheesy Chicken Pasta with White Cheddar Sauce

This creamy, cheesy chicken pasta is comfort food at its finest. Tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety white cheddar sauce make every bite irresistible. With a hint of Dijon mustard and a sprinkle of thyme, this dish is packed with flavor and is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
• 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp dried oregano
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

• 1 pound short-cut pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)

For the Cheesy Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 8 oz white cheddar cheese, grated
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1-2 tbsp fresh thyme
• 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken
   In a small bowl, combine dry mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or cut them into 1-inch cubes. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken.
2. Cook the Chicken
   Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Cook the Pasta
   Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt and the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. Make the Cheesy Sauce
   In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add flour and stir to combine. Gradually pour in the dry white wine, minced garlic, and diced onions. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes until the onions soften. Add Dijon mustard, then slowly add the milk in small increments, stirring after each addition. Let the sauce simmer on low for 4-6 minutes or until thickened.
5. Finish the Sauce
   Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated white cheddar cheese and cook until melted and smooth.
6. Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
   Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, stirring until everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Serve and Garnish
   Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika, if desired. Enjoy!

Nutrition (Per Serving, Makes 4 Servings)

• Calories: 550
• Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 51g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 6g
• Protein: 35g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 630mg
• Potassium: 530mg
• Iron: 2mg