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!