Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my obsession with white cheddar chicken pasta! It’s this wonderfully creamy dish that just wraps you in a cozy hug with every bite. I remember the first time I made it; I was experimenting in the kitchen one rainy afternoon, and the aroma of melting cheese and sautéed garlic filled my home. That’s when I knew I had stumbled upon something special. The rich, cheesy flavor paired with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta makes it a go-to meal for busy weeknights or when I just want to treat myself. Trust me, once you try this white cheddar chicken pasta, you’ll be hooked too!
Ingredients List
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making the most delicious white cheddar chicken pasta. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded for that melty goodness
- 1 cup heavy cream to make it ultra-creamy
- 1 cup chicken broth for extra flavor
- 1 tbsp olive oil for sautéing
- 2 cloves garlic, minced to add a fragrant touch
- Salt and pepper to taste, because seasoning is everything!
Make sure to check your pantry for these ingredients before you start cooking—it’ll save you a trip to the store!
How to Prepare White Cheddar Chicken Pasta
Alright, let’s dive into making this creamy white cheddar chicken pasta! It’s easier than you might think, and I promise it’s worth every step.
Cooking the Pasta
First things first, let’s get that penne pasta cooking. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil—trust me, don’t skip the salt; it’s vital for flavor! Once it’s bubbling, add in the 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes. You want it al dente, so keep an eye on it. When it’s ready, drain the pasta, but make sure to save a little pasta water just in case you need it later to loosen up the sauce!
Preparing the Chicken and Sauce
Now, while the pasta’s cooking, let’s move on to the chicken and sauce. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering, toss in the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant. Then, add in your diced chicken breast and cook it until it’s nicely browned on all sides—this should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure the chicken is cooked through; nobody wants to bite into raw chicken!
Once the chicken is looking golden and delicious, pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir it all together and let it simmer for a few minutes. Now, here comes the magical part—add in the 2 cups of shredded white cheddar cheese! Stir until it melts into a creamy, dreamy sauce. Season it with salt and pepper to taste. If you want it a bit saucier, feel free to add a splash of the reserved pasta water!
Combining Ingredients
Finally, it’s time to combine everything! Add the drained penne pasta right into the skillet with the cheesy sauce. Give it a good toss to coat all the pasta in that luscious white cheddar goodness. You want every piece of pasta to be covered in that creamy sauce! If it looks a little thick, you can add more of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. And voilà, it’s ready to serve—deliciousness awaits!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and creamy flavor that feels indulgent without being complicated.
- Comforting and satisfying, making it a family favorite.
- Uses simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand.
- Versatile—add your favorite veggies for an extra nutritional boost!
- Leftovers are just as delicious, making it a great meal prep option.
Tips for Success
To really nail this white cheddar chicken pasta, I’ve got a few tips that’ll make your life easier and the dish even more delicious. First off, if you’re short on time, don’t hesitate to use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. It’s a real time saver and still tastes fantastic! Another great idea is to sneak in some veggies—think spinach, broccoli, or even peas. They’ll add some color and nutrition without compromising on flavor.
Also, remember to taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning to your liking; maybe you want a little more salt or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick. And if the sauce seems too thick, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water you saved earlier. Trust me, these little tweaks can elevate your dish to a whole new level!
Nutritional Information
Keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so these numbers are just estimates. In each serving of this delicious white cheddar chicken pasta, you can expect around 600 calories, 30g of fat, 35g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. Enjoy this creamy dish knowing it’s a satisfying meal that checks off a lot of boxes!
FAQ Section
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the white cheddar chicken pasta ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to bring back that creamy texture.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Sure! While I love white cheddar for its creamy richness, you can experiment with other cheeses like gouda or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts well!
What can I add to this recipe for extra flavor?
If you want to elevate the dish, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or some fresh herbs like parsley or basil right before serving. It adds a lovely color and freshness!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure you use gluten-free penne pasta, and you’re good to go. This dish can easily be adapted for gluten-free diets.
Serving Suggestions
To make your white cheddar chicken pasta experience even better, I recommend serving it with a fresh side salad. A simple mix of arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a nice crunch and balances the creaminess of the pasta. You could also pair it with some garlic bread to really soak up that cheesy goodness! And if you’re feeling a bit fancy, why not top it off with a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan or some chopped herbs like basil or parsley? It’s all about elevating that comforting dish to new heights!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of this creamy white cheddar chicken pasta (which is rare, but it happens!), you’ll want to store them properly to keep that deliciousness intact. Just transfer the pasta to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help restore that creamy texture. Stir occasionally until heated through, and you’ll have a quick, comforting meal ready in no time!
Drucken
White Cheddar Chicken Pasta: 7 Steps to Comforting Bliss
- Gesamtzeit: 30 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Glutenfrei
Beschreibung
A creamy and delicious white cheddar chicken pasta dish.
Zutaten
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Anweisungen
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Add diced chicken and cook until browned.
- Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Reduce heat and add shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring until melted.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker option.
- Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 20 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Course
- Methode: Stovetop
- Küche: American
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 600
- Zucker: 2g
- Natrium: 800mg
- Fett: 30g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 15g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 50g
- Faser: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterin: 90mg
Keywords: white cheddar chicken pasta
