Few things hit the spot quite like a bowl of Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta. This dish combines tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a luxuriously cheesy white cheddar sauce for a meal that's indulgent and comforting. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing potluck, it’s simple enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for special occasions.

I first made this dish when craving macaroni and cheese but wanted something a little more grown-up. By adding chicken and the bold flavor of white cheddar, it quickly became a family favorite. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta
This recipe is a total game-changer for your dinner rotation. Here’s why:
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The white cheddar creates a sharp, creamy sauce that’s elevated and flavorful.
- Protein-Packed: Adding chicken turns this into a hearty, satisfying main course.
- Customizable: You can easily tweak this recipe by adding vegetables, spices, or even swapping the pasta shape.
- Kid and Adult Friendly: The cheesy sauce is a hit with kids, while the bold flavor of white cheddar appeals to adults.
Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in its flavor and texture. Let’s break it down:
- Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or any sturdy pasta that holds sauce well is ideal. Cook it al dente for the best texture.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs work perfectly. Dice them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- White Cheddar Cheese: The star of the show. Look for sharp white cheddar for the best flavor and freshly grate it for a smooth melt.
- Heavy Cream: Creates the creamy base of the sauce. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
- Milk: Balances the cream, making the sauce the perfect consistency. Whole milk works best.
- Butter and Flour: Combined to make a roux, which thickens the sauce.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and depth to the sauce.
- Chicken Broth: Infuses the sauce with savory flavor and keeps it from being too heavy.
- Parmesan Cheese: Enhances the flavor of the sauce with its salty, nutty notes.
- Paprika: Adds a touch of smoky warmth and color.
- Parsley: Optional, but adds a bright, fresh finish to the dish.
How to Make Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

This recipe comes together in just a few steps. Follow along to create a cheesy masterpiece:
- Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. - Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of butter or oil. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika, then sauté until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. - Make the Roux
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour, whisking constantly, and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden and smells nutty. - Build the Sauce
Gradually whisk in the chicken broth, milk, and heavy cream, ensuring no lumps form. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly. Once the sauce thickens, stir in the garlic, white cheddar, and Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt completely. - Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. - Serve and Garnish
Transfer the pasta to a serving dish and garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), this pasta reheats beautifully with just a little care.
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to refresh the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions in 30-second intervals, stirring between bursts.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is versatile and easy to customize. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Vegetables: Stir in steamed broccoli, peas, or sautéed spinach for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Swap the Protein: Use cooked shrimp, grilled chicken, or even bacon for a different twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour substitute for the roux.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce for some heat.
- Herby Upgrade: Mix in fresh basil or thyme for an herby, aromatic twist.
This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, combining rich, cheesy sauce with hearty chicken and pasta. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish will quickly become a favorite. Serve it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Happy cooking!
PrintCreamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe
This creamy white cheddar chicken pasta recipe is a hearty dish featuring tender chicken, pasta, and a rich white cheddar cheese sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika, then cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened.
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded white cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and creamy.
- Season the sauce with onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with parsley or chives.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melting consistency.
- Substitute chicken breast with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra veggies.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¼ of recipe
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
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