Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe
Indulge in a comforting bowl of Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta, a rich and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. This recipe features tender pieces of chicken, al dente pasta, and a luscious white cheddar cheese sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds. It’s a hearty, satisfying meal that combines creamy goodness with savory chicken for a truly delightful experience.
Equipment:
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- Tongs or spatula
- Colander
- Grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Chicken:
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the flour is lightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth, ensuring the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
- Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard (if using), and ground nutmeg (if using). Mix until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat it in the cheese sauce.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve:
- Serve the Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta hot, straight from the skillet, with extra grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Tips:
- Cheese Options: Feel free to substitute white cheddar with other cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or mozzarella for a different flavor.
- Vegetable Add-Ins: You can add sautéed spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or steamed broccoli to the pasta for extra color and nutrients.
- Reheating: This dish reheats well. If the sauce thickens too much, simply add a splash of milk or chicken broth when reheating to return it to its creamy consistency.
This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is a rich, decadent meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy white cheddar sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and delicious. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adapted to suit your taste, making it a must-try for any pasta lover!
