Description
Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken and al dente pasta with a rich, velvety white cheddar cheese sauce. This comforting, cheesy meal is quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, diced
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika or crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, melt 1 tbsp butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt remaining butter. Stir in flour to form a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Slowly whisk in milk and heavy cream. Simmer until sauce thickens.
- Stir in shredded white cheddar cheese and continue stirring until melted and smooth.
- Return cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss until evenly coated in cheese sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Stir in steamed broccoli or spinach for added veggies.
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for depth.
- Bacon bits make a great topping.
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
