Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta
Comforting and satisfying creamy white cheddar chicken pasta, perfect for a weeknight dinner or company. Tender chicken and pasta coated in a rich, flavorful, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta of your choice
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tablespoons 1/2 stick unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese shredded
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Optional garnishes: fresh parsley chopped, or red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve pasta water before draining.
- Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook until smooth and thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in shredded white cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. Add pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Add cooked chicken and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Toss to combine.
- Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.