Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta – A Decadent, Comforting Delight!


 



1. Cook the Pasta & Chicken

  • Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  • Season chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, salt & pepper.

  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through (~5-6 mins). Remove and set aside.

2. Make the White Cheddar Sauce

  • In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

  • Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute (don’t let it brown).

  • Slowly pour in milk & chicken broth, whisking constantly until smooth.

  • Simmer for 3-4 mins until slightly thickened.

  • Reduce heat to low and stir in white cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika until melted and creamy.

3. Combine & Serve!

  • Toss the cooked pasta and chicken into the sauce. Stir to coat evenly.

  • Garnish with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, or cracked black pepper.


Pro Tips for the Best Pasta

🔹 Use freshly shredded cheese – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.
🔹 Don’t overcook the sauce – Keep heat low when adding cheese to prevent separation.
🔹 Reserve pasta water – If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of starchy pasta water to loosen it.
🔹 Kick it up a notch – Add a pinch of cayenne or nutmeg for extra warmth.


Variations & Swaps

🍗 Protein swaps – Try shrimp, turkey, or even roasted veggies for a meatless version.
🧀 Different cheeses – Gruyère, fontina, or Gouda blend beautifully with white cheddar.
🥦 Add veggies – Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or caramelized onions.
🌶 Spicy twist – Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.


FAQs

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! Assemble, refrigerate, and reheat gently with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a little milk.

Q: Can I freeze this pasta?
A: The sauce may separate slightly when thawed, but it’ll still taste great! Freeze for up to 1 month.


Final Thoughts

This White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to hit the spot every time!