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Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta
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Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender chicken breast combined with a luscious white cheddar cheese sauce perfectly coating penne or rotini pasta. This easy-to-make recipe promises a smooth and satisfying texture with a flavorful blend of butter, garlic, and cream, making it an ideal meal for weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups shredded sharp white cheddar cheese
  • 3 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or milk
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Pasta

  • 12 ounces penne or rotini pasta

Garnish (optional)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.
  2. Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook for 6-8 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine and thicken. Lower the heat and gradually add shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  4. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Return the cooked pasta and chicken to the skillet with the cheese sauce. Toss everything together until evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for brightness and serve immediately to enjoy the best creamy texture and fresh flavors.

Notes

  • Use sharp white cheddar cheese for a richer, more flavorful sauce.
  • Do not overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
  • Add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve a silky smooth sauce without thinning it too much.
  • Grate your own cheese instead of pre-shredded to avoid additives that cause grainy sauce.
  • Keep the heat medium-low when melting cheese to prevent sauce separation and curdling.

Nutrition

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

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