There's nothing quite like a steaming bowl of Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta to turn a regular dinner into something special. The tender chicken, paired with perfectly al dente pasta, all smothered in a rich and velvety white cheddar sauce—it's comfort food at its finest.

I first discovered this recipe during a quest to recreate a dish I had at a small, family-owned bistro. After a few tries, I found the perfect combination of ingredients, and now, this pasta is a regular star at our dinner table. Whether you're looking to impress guests or whip up a quick family meal, this dish never disappoints.

Why You'll Love This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Get ready to meet your new favorite pasta dish. This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta checks all the boxes: it's indulgent, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make.

First, it’s a weeknight wonder. You can have this dish ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for those busy evenings when time is tight but you still want something homemade.

Next, it's a crowd-pleaser. From picky eaters to foodies, everyone loves the creamy, cheesy goodness of the white cheddar sauce combined with the savory chicken.

Let’s not forget about the versatility. You can customize it to your heart’s content—swap out the chicken for shrimp or add a pop of color with some fresh veggies.

Finally, it’s budget-friendly. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish at a fraction of the cost.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, so let's break them down.

Pasta: I recommend using penne or rigatoni. Their ridges are perfect for holding onto that creamy white cheddar sauce, ensuring every bite is flavorful. Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape if you prefer!
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They’re lean, cook quickly, and have a mild flavor that pairs well with the sauce. You could also use thighs for a slightly richer taste.
White Cheddar Cheese: The star of the dish! Opt for sharp white cheddar to give the sauce its signature tangy, cheesy flavor. Pre-shredded cheese works in a pinch, but freshly grated is always better for a smoother sauce.
Heavy Cream: This creates the luscious base for the sauce. For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce will be less rich.
Chicken Broth: Adds depth to the sauce while keeping it from feeling too heavy. Use low-sodium broth to better control the salt level.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a subtle warmth and complexity to the dish.
Butter and Flour: These form the roux, which thickens the sauce to creamy perfection.

Special Equipment: A large skillet for the sauce and a pot for boiling pasta are all you need. A box grater for the cheese is also handy!

How To Make This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

This recipe is as simple as it is delicious. Here’s how to make it step by step:

Start by cooking your pasta in a large pot of salted water. Boil until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve about a cup of the pasta water—this will help adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and cook the chicken, seasoned with salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder, until golden and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour to form a roux, cooking for about a minute until it’s lightly golden. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Lower the heat and stir in the freshly grated white cheddar cheese, one handful at a time. Stir until melted and smooth. Add minced garlic for a burst of flavor, then taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Finally, toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring every piece is coated. Return the chicken to the skillet and stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

This dish is ready in under 40 minutes, and the result is a creamy, cheesy pasta that’s perfectly balanced by the savory chicken.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores beautifully!

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure the pasta and chicken are completely cooled before sealing the container.
Freezer: While the sauce may slightly change texture, you can freeze this pasta for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to the pasta before warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave. This helps the sauce regain its creamy consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to make it your own:

Protein Swap: Replace the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even crispy bacon for a different flavor profile.
Veggie Boost: Add steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Cheese Variety: Try mixing in some Parmesan or Gruyère with the white cheddar for a deeper flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and swap the flour in the roux for a gluten-free alternative like cornstarch.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick.

No matter how you tweak it, this pasta will deliver a plate of comfort every time. Experiment and find your favorite version!

There you have it—a warm, creamy bowl of Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta that's perfect for any occasion. Once you try it, this recipe will undoubtedly earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation. Enjoy!