Here’s a creamy and comforting recipe for White Cheddar Chicken Pasta, featuring tender chicken, a rich and creamy white cheddar sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a delicious dinner that’s sure to please!
White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking pasta)
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Chicken
- Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Slice into strips or cubes when ready to serve.
- Cook the Pasta
- While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water.
- Make the Sauce
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the white cheddar and Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Cook until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Chicken
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat. Stir in the sliced chicken and cook for another 1-2 minutes to warm everything through.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Pair with steamed vegetables, like broccoli or spinach, for extra color and nutrition.
Tips and Variations
- Add Veggies: For extra flavor and nutrition, toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas into the sauce.
- Make It Spicy: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Use Different Cheese: If you like a sharper flavor, try adding a bit of grated Gruyère or sharp cheddar alongside the white cheddar.