Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

Description

If you’re craving a rich, cheesy, and ultra-creamy pasta dish, this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is a must-try! Tender chicken breast, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious white cheddar cheese sauce come together to create an irresistible comfort meal. This dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you just need a cozy bowl of indulgent pasta. The combination of sharp white cheddar, garlic butter sauce, and seasoned chicken makes every bite packed with flavor.

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Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 400g), diced
• 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
• 1 tsp (5g) garlic powder
• ½ tsp (2g) onion powder
• ½ tsp (2g) paprika
• ½ tsp (2g) salt
• ¼ tsp (1g) black pepper

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 250g penne pasta (or any short pasta)
• 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced (10g)
• 2 tbsp (15g) all-purpose flour
• 500ml (2 cups) whole milk
• 125ml (½ cup) heavy cream
• 1 tsp (5g) Dijon mustard (optional, for extra depth)
• 200g sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• 2 tbsp (10g) fresh parsley, chopped
• 30g toasted breadcrumbs (for crunch)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Chicken

1. In a bowl, toss diced chicken breast with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

3. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the White Cheddar Cheese Sauce

4. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Whisk in flour and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a light roux.
6. Slowly pour in milk and heavy cream, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens (about 3-5 minutes).
7. Stir in Dijon mustard (if using), then add the white cheddar cheese and Parmesan. Mix until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Combine Everything

8. Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta into the sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy cheese sauce.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

9. Transfer to serving bowls and top with fresh parsley and toasted breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
10. Enjoy your Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta while warm!

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Nutrition Facts (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Protein: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fats: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg

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Tips & Tricks for the Best Pasta

✅ Use high-quality white cheddar – The sharper the cheddar, the more flavorful your sauce will be.
✅ Don’t overcook the pasta – Cooking it just to al dente will ensure it doesn’t turn mushy when mixed with the sauce.
✅ Add a splash of pasta water – If your sauce gets too thick, mix in a little reserved pasta water to maintain the creamy texture.
✅ Customize the protein – Swap chicken with shrimp, turkey, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
✅ Extra kick? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat.