Easy Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

If you love creamy, cheesy comfort food that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta will quickly become your new favorite dinner. Made with tender seasoned chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich homemade white cheddar sauce, it's the kind of dish that looks straight out of a restaurant, but comes together in just 30 minutes.

Whether you're cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this easy chicken pasta recipe delivers the perfect mix of creamy, cheesy, and cozy every single time. White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is creamy, cheesy pasta topped with seasoned strips of chicken for a satisfying meal for the entire family! I first discovered a version of this at Studio Movie Grill, and Adam declared it his new favorite. So naturally, I had to recreate it at home.

Why You'll Love This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Rich and comforting: The white cheddar cheese sauce creates a velvety texture that coats every piece of pasta perfectly, making this simple cheesy chicken pasta incredibly satisfying.
• Quick and easy: This quick and easy pasta with chicken, creamy sauce, and herbs comes together in 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinner family-friendly meals.
• Better than restaurant: This white cheddar chicken pasta studio movie grill copycat tastes even better than the original and costs a fraction of the price.

Ingredients for Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

This creamy chicken pasta using white cheddar features juicy chicken smothered in a rich cheese sauce that makes every bite special. The key is using a block of cheese grated for melt rather than pre-shredded cheese, which melts much smoother and creates that signature creamy cheesy pasta texture.

What You'll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces spiral pasta (rotini or fusilli)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the White Cheddar Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups white cheddar cheese, freshly grated
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Why These Ingredients Matter

• White cheddar cheese: Creates a sophisticated, sharp flavor that's less orange and more elegant than regular cheddar. This white cheddar pasta has a cleaner taste.
• Seasoned strips of chicken: The paprika and garlic powder create flavorful, tender chicken that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Grating your own creates that velvety texture you want.

How to Make Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook until al dente according to package directions, usually 8 to 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, season the chicken strips with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned strips of chicken and cook for 5 to 6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, whisking constantly for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux.
6. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
8. Reduce heat to low and add the grated white cheddar cheese a handful at a time, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
9. Add onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
10. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the white cheddar cheese sauce.
11. Slice the cooked chicken and place on top of the pasta.
12. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Hint: For cheesy chicken pasta with broccoli, add 2 cups of steamed broccoli florets when you add the pasta to the sauce. This adds nutrition and a pop of color to this creamy cheddar chicken penne style dish.

Making Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta with My Family

Last Friday, Adam helped me grate the cheese for this pasta. He asked, "Why can't we just use the bag cheese?" I explained that the pre-shredded kind doesn't melt as smoothly. He was skeptical until he saw how perfectly the fresh cheese melted into the sauce. "Oh wow, it's like magic cheese!" he said.

When we sat down for dinner, Adam took his first bite and declared, "This is better than the movie theater one!" Grandma Viola, who was visiting, agreed. "This cheesy chicken pasta truly has it all," she said. "Creamy, cheesy pasta topped with tender seasoned strips of chicken. You've outdone yourself, Olivia."

Substitutions for Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Cheese: Swap white cheddar for sharp yellow cheddar, Gruyere, or a blend of both for different flavor profiles.
• Pasta: Use penne for creamy cheddar chicken penne, or try bow tie pasta for a fun shape that holds sauce well.
• Protein: Replace chicken with shrimp or keep it vegetarian by omitting the meat and adding extra vegetables.
• Milk: Use all whole milk instead of cream for a lighter version, though the sauce won't be quite as rich.

Variations on Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Broccoli version: Make cheesy chicken pasta with broccoli by adding 2 cups of steamed broccoli florets for a complete one-pot meal.
• Tomato twist: Create cheesy chicken pasta tomato by adding 1 cup of diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy contrast.
• Baked version: Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and more cheese, then bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Check out this cheddar cheese chicken pasta bake recipe for inspiration.

Equipment for Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Large pot: For cooking the pasta with plenty of room so it doesn't stick together.
• Large skillet: A 12-inch skillet works perfectly for cooking the chicken and making the sauce all in one pan.
• Whisk: Essential for creating a smooth, lump-free cheese sauce.
• Box grater: For freshly grating the white cheddar cheese, which melts much better than pre-shredded.

Storage Tips for Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so add a splash of milk when reheating.
• Freezer: Cream-based pasta doesn't freeze particularly well, but if needed, freeze for up to 1 month. The texture may separate slightly when thawed.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy consistency. Microwave on 50% power, stirring every minute.

This creamy cheesy chicken pasta is perfect for meal prep and pairs beautifully with a simple salad. It works great alongside our creamy tomato pasta when you're planning a week of pasta dinners that the whole family will love.

FAQ about Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Conclusion

And there you have it, the ultimate Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta that's rich, flavorful, and so simple to make! Each bite is filled with velvety cheese sauce and juicy chicken for that irresistible comfort food experience everyone craves. The spiral pasta and juicy chicken smothered in a delicious White Cheddar Cheese sauce creates a simple cheesy chicken pasta that beats takeout every time.

Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can make it again on those nights when you need something quick, satisfying, and seriously delicious. Serve it with garlic bread and a crisp salad for a dinner that's as comforting as it is impressive. If you're looking for more pasta dinners, try our crispy beef and cheese chimichangas or big mac wraps for variety. Let me know how your cheddar chicken pasta turns out! Enjoy.

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recipe

Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is a cozy, family-favorite dinner filled with tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and a dreamy white cheddar sauce. It’s rich, comforting, and ready in just 30 minutes و the kind of meal that brings everyone around the table with smiles.

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Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cheesy pasta dinner, Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, family-friendly meals, white cheddar sauce

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 580kcal

Cost: $12

Equipment

• 1 Large pot For boiling pasta evenly.
• 1 Large Skillet Ideal for cooking chicken and making the sauce.
• 1 Whisk Helps keep the cheese sauce smooth and lump-free.
• 1 Box grater Freshly grates white cheddar for perfect melt.
• 1 Cutting board & knife For prepping chicken and herbs.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts Cut into strips
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika Adds mild color and flavor
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil For searing chicken

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces spiral pasta(rotini or fusilli) Cooked al dente
• 1 tablespoon salt For pasta water

For the White Cheddar Sauce

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic Minced
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups white cheddar cheese Freshly grated
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley For garnish

Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the [spiral pasta] until al dente (8–10 minutes).Olivia’s Note: My daughter, little Olivia, loves stirring the pot and watching the pasta “dance.” It’s our signal that dinner magic is starting!
• In a bowl, toss the [chicken strips] with [garlic powder], [paprika], [salt], and [black pepper].Tip: Let your little helper sprinkle the seasonings, it makes them feel like the “official flavor master.”
• Heat [olive oil] in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the seasoned [chicken] for about 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt [butter] over medium heat. Add the [minced garlic] and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Sprinkle in [flour] and whisk constantly for 1–2 minutes until smooth.
• Slowly pour in the [milk] and [heavy cream], whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until it begins to thicken.
• Lower the heat and gradually add the [white cheddar cheese], stirring until fully melted and creamy. Add [onion powder], [salt], and [black pepper].Olivia’s Trick: Always grate cheese fresh, she calls it “magic snow” because it melts like a dream!
• Add the cooked [pasta] into the sauce and toss to coat evenly. Slice the [chicken] and place it on top. Garnish with [fresh parsley].
• Serve immediately while warm and creamy.Olivia’s Reflection: These are the meals that make memories, creamy bites, laughter at the table, and a little bit of “Mom, can I have seconds?” every single time.

Notes

• Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for all milk or half-and-half.
• Add veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli or spinach for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk when reheating to revive the sauce.
• Freezing: Not ideal for freezing due to the dairy base, but it keeps well in the fridge.
• Kid Tip: Let your little one sprinkle the cheese or parsley, it’s a fun, easy way to get them involved!

Nutrition

Serving: 1plate (about 350g) | Calories: 580kcal | Carbohydrates: 45g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 130mg | Sodium: 720mg | Potassium: 490mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 400IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 380mg | Iron: 1mg