Description
White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is a creamy and cheesy pasta dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts atop a rich white cheddar sauce with cavatappi noodles. This comforting and flavorful recipe is perfect for a family dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Pasta
- 16 ounces cavatappi noodles, cooked al dente according to package instructions
Sauce
- ¼ cup (½ stick / 57 g) unsalted butter
- 2 teaspoons garlic, chopped
- ¼ cup (31 g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (490 g) whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 cups (226 g) white cheddar cheese, shredded
Garnish
- Parsley, chopped for garnish
- Additional crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Season the chicken: In a small bowl, combine kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and paprika. Coat the chicken breasts evenly with the seasoning mixture on all sides.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. When hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip the chicken, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook an additional 5 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove chicken from skillet and transfer to a plate. Tent to keep warm.
- Make the sauce base: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add flour: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, whisking constantly to create a roux.
- Add milk: Slowly drizzle in the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits from the chicken.
- Season and simmer: Add dry mustard, crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. Reduce heat and simmer the sauce until slightly thickened, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add cheese and pasta: Stir in shredded white cheddar cheese until fully melted. Then add the cooked cavatappi pasta, stirring well to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce.
- Prepare chicken topping: Slice the cooked chicken into strips and place on top of the pasta.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley and additional crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Cook the pasta al dente following package instructions to ensure perfect texture when combined with the sauce.
- If white cheddar cheese is unavailable, a mild sharp cheddar can be used as a substitute.
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- This dish can be made ahead by preparing the chicken and sauce separately, then combining before serving.
- The cheesy pasta is delicious on its own for a vegetarian option by omitting the chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 735 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 22 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
