If you are craving a comfort food that brings all the creamy, cheesy, and tender elements together in one dish, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe will absolutely win your heart. It’s a dish that wraps flavorful, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked pasta in a luscious white cheddar cheese sauce, all seasoned beautifully with herbs and a hint of spice. This recipe strikes an ideal balance between rich and fresh, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or whenever you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, honest ingredients are the secret to this recipe’s magic. Each one plays a vital role in creating a symphony of flavor, texture, and inviting color that makes this dish unforgettable.

Chicken breasts: Skinless and boneless for quick, even cooking and tender meat.
Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the chicken for that irresistible sear.
Dry mustard, thyme, oregano: A fragrant blend that seasons the chicken perfectly and brings herbal notes to the table.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essentials for seasoning every layer of the dish.
Short-cut pasta: Rotini or any similar shape captures the creamy sauce beautifully.
Butter and all-purpose flour: The foundation of our smooth roux that thickens the sauce.
Garlic and yellow onion: Aromatics that deepen the flavor with their sweet and savory notes.
Dry white wine: Adds a subtle acidity and brightness balancing richness.
Dijon mustard: A tangy surprise that rounds out the creamy sauce.
White cheddar cheese: Grated for that gooey, melty, cheesy goodness that defines the dish.
Whole milk: Creates a smooth, creamy base for the sauce.
Fresh thyme and crushed red pepper flakes: For garnish and a touch of warmth and freshness on top.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start by combining dry mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. This blend is the heartbeat of flavor that will make the chicken sing in this dish. Coat the chicken strips or cubes generously with this seasoning, ensuring every bite will be bursting with taste.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook until they are nicely browned on the outside and fully cooked through. This quick sear locks in juicy flavor and gives a lovely caramelized texture. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside; you’ll bring it back shortly.

Step 3: Prepare the Pasta

While the chicken cooks, bring a big pot of salted water to boil and cook your short-cut pasta according to package instructions until perfectly al dente. This chewy texture is crucial because it holds up wonderfully against the creamy sauce. Drain the pasta well and keep it ready for combining.

Step 4: Make the Cheesy Sauce

In the same skillet where the chicken cooked, melt butter and sprinkle in the flour to create a roux — this thickens the sauce wonderfully. Add minced garlic and diced onion, cooking until the onions soften and become translucent. Next, pour in the dry white wine and stir to deglaze the pan, picking up all those flavorful bits. Stir in Dijon mustard for a slight tangy kick. Slowly add the whole milk in batches, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens into a velvety base. Finally, melt in the white cheddar cheese, stirring gently until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine All Ingredients

Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta back to the skillet and toss everything together until every piece is luxuriously coated in that rich, cheesy sauce. This is the moment where all the flavors come together in perfect harmony, creating a dish that’s both satisfying and cozy.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves adds a lovely burst of herbal brightness, while crushed red pepper flakes give just the right amount of subtle heat. These simple garnishes elevate the dish without overpowering its creamy, cheesy essence.

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe pairs beautifully with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or even garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. The variety in sides balances the meal perfectly, adding crunch and freshness alongside the creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique touch, serve your cheesy chicken pasta in individual ramekins topped with a sprinkle of parmesan and broil for a minute to get a golden crust. Another fun idea is layering the pasta with spinach and additional cheeses in a casserole dish for a baked twist that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The creamy sauce holds up well for 2 to 3 days, but be sure to consume it within this time to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this dish for up to 2 months in airtight containers. However, keep in mind that the texture of the pasta may soften slightly upon thawing, so it’s best for casual meals rather than special occasions after freezing.

Reheating

When reheating, add a splash of milk to loosen the sauce and warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and smooth, restoring that freshly made experience.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe?

Absolutely! While white cheddar gives a sharp, tangy flavor, you can experiment with mozzarella for stretchiness, gouda for smokiness, or even a mix of cheeses to create your perfect cheesy sauce.

Is there a substitute for dry white wine in the recipe?

If you prefer to avoid alcohol, use low-sodium chicken broth or a splash of white grape juice with a half teaspoon of lemon juice. This will maintain the acidity and depth without the wine.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Yes. Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend for the roux, and choose gluten-free pasta to ensure the dish stays safe and delicious.

How spicy is this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe?

The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth, but you can easily adjust the amount to your taste—or omit it altogether for a milder version.

What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?

Short-cut pasta like rotini is ideal since its curls hold the creamy cheese sauce nicely, giving you a rich, flavorful bite every time. Penne or fusilli also work well if you don’t have rotini on hand.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—rich, comforting, and full of wonderful flavors. It’s straightforward to make, utterly satisfying, and perfect for both cozy weeknights and weekend gatherings. I hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with it as much as I have!

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

Author: Marina
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with a rich, creamy white cheddar cheese sauce and perfectly cooked short-cut pasta. Enhanced with garlic, Dijon mustard, and fresh thyme, it’s a comforting and flavorful dish ideal for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Instructions

Prepare the seasoning and chicken: In a small bowl, combine dry mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or 1-inch cubes and sprinkle with the seasoning mixture to coat evenly.
Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for several minutes until browned and cooked through. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short-cut pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Make the roux and sauce base: In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour to create a roux and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. Gradually add the dry white wine, minced garlic, diced onion, and Dijon mustard, stirring to combine. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onions soften.
Add the milk and thicken the sauce: Slowly pour in the whole milk in a few additions, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 4-6 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
Incorporate cheese and finish the sauce: Add the grated white cheddar cheese to the sauce and stir until melted and smooth. Then fold in the cooked chicken and pasta, mixing well to coat everything evenly with the cheesy sauce.
Serve: Serve the cheesy chicken pasta immediately, garnished with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or smoked paprika if desired.

Notes

For a richer sauce, you can substitute some of the whole milk with heavy cream.
Use a sharp white cheddar for more pronounced cheesy flavor.
If you prefer less heat, omit or reduce the crushed red pepper flakes.
Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme if fresh is unavailable.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing, Boiling, Simmering
Cuisine: American