There's nothing quite like the comforting aroma of Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta filling your kitchen. This dish is a delightful combination of tender, juicy chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety white cheddar sauce that’s irresistibly rich and satisfying.

I remember the first time I made this recipe. It was a chilly weeknight, and I was craving something warm and comforting yet easy enough to prepare after a long day. What started as a simple dinner experiment has since become a family favorite. The creamy, cheesy goodness paired with the savory chicken always hits the spot.
Let's dive into this simple yet indulgent recipe that you'll want to make on repeat.
Why You'll Love This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta
Get ready to fall head over heels for this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta. It’s a foolproof crowd-pleaser, perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick comfort meal.
First off, the flavors are absolutely incredible. The sharpness of white cheddar cheese balances perfectly with the creaminess of the sauce, while the seared chicken adds a savory, satisfying depth. It’s a recipe that feels gourmet but is incredibly simple to make.
You’ll also love how fast it comes together. In just 30 minutes, you can have a warm, cheesy pasta dish ready to serve. It’s ideal for those nights when you need a delicious dinner without a ton of effort or prep.
Plus, this recipe is wonderfully family-friendly. Even the pickiest eaters can’t resist the cheesy, creamy pasta paired with tender chunks of chicken. You can also customize it with veggies or seasonings to suit your family's taste.
And if you're looking for a budget-friendly meal, you're in luck. This dish uses affordable ingredients like chicken breasts and pantry staples, making it easy on your wallet. It’s fancy enough to impress but practical for any day of the week.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta lies in the simplicity of its ingredients. Each one is chosen to create a dish that's full of flavor and perfectly balanced.
- Chicken: For this recipe, I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. They cook quickly and remain juicy when seared properly. If you prefer, chicken thighs work just as well and add a bit more flavor.
- Pasta: Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini are ideal because they hold onto the creamy sauce so well. Their ridges capture all the cheesy goodness, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- White Cheddar Cheese: The star of the sauce! Use a good-quality, sharp white cheddar for the best flavor. It melts beautifully and adds a rich, tangy bite that balances the creaminess of the dish.
- Heavy Cream: This creates the luscious texture of the sauce. If you're trying to cut down on calories, you can substitute half-and-half, but keep in mind that the sauce won't be quite as rich.
- Garlic and Onion: These aromatic ingredients lay the foundation of flavor for the sauce. Sautéing them until fragrant brings out their natural sweetness, which pairs perfectly with the white cheddar.
You won't need any special equipment, just a large skillet and a pot for the pasta. Easy and efficient!
How To Make This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Creating this mouthwatering Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for a foolproof, delicious dinner.
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. While you're waiting for it to come to a boil, cut your chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. This ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your chicken pieces in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until done. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
With the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, and sauté diced onion until it's translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Lower the heat and stir in the shredded white cheddar cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth. The sauce should be thick and glossy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Meanwhile, cook your pasta in the boiling water until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining, as it will help loosen the sauce if needed.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat each piece. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, stir in the cooked chicken and let everything warm through.
This entire process should take about 30 minutes from start to finish. What you'll get is a pot of pure comfort, with tender pasta and savory chicken enveloped in a luxurious white cheddar sauce.
Storage Options
If you happen to have leftovers (though it’s so delicious, there might not be any!), this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta stores well for future meals.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will soak up some of the sauce as it sits, but you can easily revive it with a bit of milk or cream when reheating.
- Freeze: You can also freeze this pasta for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding cream or broth to bring back the sauce's creaminess.
When reheating, be sure to stir frequently to keep the sauce from separating and to warm the pasta evenly. A splash of chicken broth or cream can help restore its creamy texture.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are some easy ways to customize it to suit your taste or dietary needs.
- Veggie Boost: Add vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes to give the dish some color and extra nutrients. Sauté them with the onions for best results.
- Protein Options: Don’t have chicken? No problem! Try using shrimp or even bacon for a different twist. You can also make it vegetarian by adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies.
- Cheese Choices: While white cheddar is amazing, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or even mozzarella for a milder flavor. Just make sure the cheese melts well to keep the sauce creamy.
- Pasta Alternatives: If you’re watching your carbs, this sauce pairs well with zoodles or spaghetti squash. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta also works beautifully.
- Spicy Kick: If you like heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce. It’ll elevate the flavors and give the dish a pleasant warmth.
Feel free to make this recipe your own and have fun experimenting. No matter how you customize it, this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta will always be a satisfying and delicious meal. Enjoy!
PrintCreamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe
This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, featuring tender chicken bites tossed in a luxurious white cheddar cheese sauce. Quick and easy to prepare, this pasta dish is perfect for weeknight dinners and sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your choice)
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season diced chicken with salt and pepper, then cook until golden and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add butter and melt over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add shredded white cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until melted and smooth.
- Return cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss everything well to coat in the creamy sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melting consistency.
- For added flavor, try mixing in cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables.
- Adjust creaminess by adding more or less heavy cream as desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 720mg
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