Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe
Looking for a comforting dish that combines tender chicken and rich white cheddar cheese? This creamy white cheddar chicken pasta is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of flavors that come together seamlessly, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option that the whole family will love.
Imagine digging into a plate of pasta coated in a velvety sauce, with juicy chicken pieces and a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. This dish is not just satisfying but also incredibly easy to whip up, which means less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
This recipe is one of those comforting classics that feels both indulgent and straightforward. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables or even switch up the protein, making it versatile for whatever you have on hand.’
Understanding the Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta
This dish is a delightful combination of al dente pasta, tender chicken pieces, and a rich white cheddar cheese sauce. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a satisfying meal that is both savory and comforting.
The white cheddar cheese provides a creamy texture and a depth of flavor that elevates the dish. A hint of garlic and a sprinkle of black pepper adds an extra layer of complexity, making each bite deliciously enticing.
Ingredients That Make the Difference
Key components include pasta, chicken, and the white cheddar cheese sauce. The choice of pasta shape, such as penne or rotini, can greatly affect the overall experience, allowing the sauce to cling perfectly.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe, as they become juicy and tender when cooked properly. Fresh parsley not only garnishes the dish but also adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.
The Cooking Process
Preparing this dish is straightforward and can be completed in just about 30 minutes. Start by cooking the pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture; it should have a slight bite to it.
While the pasta cooks, sauté the diced chicken in olive oil until browned. This step enhances the flavor of the chicken, ensuring it remains moist and tender throughout the cooking process.
Creating the Velvety Cheese Sauce
The cheese sauce is where the magic happens. After cooking the chicken, garlic is sautéed in the same skillet, infusing the oil with aromatic flavors.
Next, the chicken broth and heavy cream are added, creating a creamy base that is then enriched with shredded white cheddar cheese. Stirring these ingredients together until smooth is essential to achieving that velvety texture.
Bringing It All Together
Once the sauce is ready, the cooked pasta and chicken are incorporated, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. It’s important to toss everything well, ensuring that each piece of pasta is generously coated in the cheese sauce.
Before serving, a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a beautiful finishing touch, brightening the dish and enhancing its visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This creamy white cheddar chicken pasta can stand alone as a satisfying main course. However, it pairs wonderfully with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal experience.
For those looking to add a little extra nutrition, consider incorporating steamed vegetables, like broccoli or spinach, into the dish. This not only adds color but also enhances the meal’s overall health profile.
Delicious White Cheddar Chicken Pasta
This creamy white cheddar chicken pasta features al dente pasta mixed with succulent chicken and a luscious cheese sauce. The taste is rich and savory, balanced perfectly by a hint of garlic and a touch of black pepper.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini works well)
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute). Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and bring it back to a gentle simmer.
- Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, stirring until well combined and coated in the sauce.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 550kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
