White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

This White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is the perfect comfort food, bringing together tender chicken, bowtie pasta, and a velvety white cheddar cheese sauce. The pasta is coated in a creamy, cheesy mixture that clings to every bite, while seared chicken adds protein and golden flavor. A hint of spice from red pepper flakes and a garnish of fresh parsley brighten up the dish, making it both delicious and balanced. This skillet meal feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough to prepare at home on a weeknight.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this White Cheddar Chicken Pasta because it combines everything you want in comfort food: creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, and tender bites of chicken all wrapped around bowtie pasta. It’s a one-pan dish that saves time and cleanup, yet tastes like something you’d order at a cozy restaurant. With just the right touch of seasoning and optional heat from red pepper flakes, it’s family-friendly and satisfying.

White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful one-pan meal made with bowtie pasta, seared chicken, and a rich white cheddar sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 2 chicken breasts skinless and boneless
• 1 ½ tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pound short-cut pasta rotini, bow-tie, or penne
• 2 tablespoon butter
• 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 yellow onion diced
• ¼ cup dry white wine
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 8 oz white cheddar cheese grated
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 2 tablespoon fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

 

• In a small bowl, combine dry mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
• Slice chicken breasts into strips or 1-inch cubes.
• Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the chicken and toss to coat.
• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add chicken and cook until golden brown and fully cooked, about 5–7 minutes.
• Transfer to a plate and set aside.
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente.
• Drain and set aside.
• In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat.
• Stir in flour to make a roux and cook for 1–2 minutes.
• Add minced garlic, diced onion, white wine, and Dijon mustard. Mix well.
• Cook for 3–5 minutes until onions soften and mixture thickens slightly.
• Gradually add milk in small portions, stirring continuously. Cook on low heat for 4–6 minutes until sauce thickens.
• Add grated white cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth and melted.
• Return chicken and pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
• Toss gently until everything is coated in the cheesy, creamy sauce.
• Sprinkle fresh thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika over the top.
• Serve hot and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

For an even creamier sauce, reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining and stir it into the sauce if it feels too thick.

Keyword cajun chicken pasta, ground chicken recipes, white cheddar chicken, white cheddar chicken pasta

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