There’s something genuinely comforting about a pasta that’s rich, velvety, and cheesy, and that’s exactly why this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe has become one of my favorite go-to meals. The tender chicken paired with sharp white cheddar and a luscious sauce makes every bite feel like a warm hug.

A black pan is filled with creamy macaroni pasta that looks pale yellow and smooth with some small green herb pieces mixed in. On top, there is a layer of sliced cooked chicken, arranged in a neat row and covering the center of the macaroni. The chicken slices are golden brown with some darker crispy spots and small bits of green herbs sprinkled over. The background surface is white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I whipped this up on a busy weeknight; it came together quickly but felt indulgent enough to impress. It balances creamy, savory, and just a hint of spice, which makes it a real crowd-pleaser every single time.

Simple Ingredients: Uses everyday staples you probably already have, which means no last-minute runs to the store.
Quick and Easy: Ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights when you want comfort food fast.
Creamy, Not Overwhelming: The white cheddar creates a silky sauce that’s flavorful without being too heavy.
Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap pasta shapes, add veggies, or adjust spices to suit your family’s taste.

A close-up view shows a fork holding two pieces of golden-brown grilled chicken and a small piece of curved macaroni pasta coated in creamy white sauce. The chicken has a grilled texture with slight browning and some seasoning marks. Below, there is a large pile of macaroni pasta in creamy white sauce with hints of herbs and spices, partially blurred in the background, all set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

I love how each ingredient in this recipe plays a specific role, coming together to create layers of flavor and texture. Choosing quality chicken and the right cheese are key for the best results.

Flat lay of a boneless, skinless chicken breast seasoned with a blend of kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and paprika, a few sprigs of fresh chopped parsley, a small mound of shredded white cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl with extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl with unsalted butter, a small white bowl filled with chopped garlic, a small white bowl holding all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl containing crushed red pepper flakes, and a portion of cooked cavatappi pasta, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and easy to cook evenly, seasoning them well is essential for tender, flavorful meat.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Basic but crucial for seasoning both chicken and sauce perfectly.
Dry mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess that really lifts the sauce.
Paprika: Offers mild warmth and a lovely color to the chicken.
Extra virgin olive oil: For cooking chicken with a slight fruity note and healthy fats.
Cavatappi noodles: Their spiral shape captures more sauce, making every bite saucy and satisfying.
Unsalted butter: Creates the base for a smooth roux to thicken the sauce without extra salt.
Garlic: A small amount adds a wonderful aromatic depth without overpowering the cheese flavor.
All-purpose flour: Needed to form the roux that thickens the sauce perfectly.
Whole milk: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce while keeping it light enough to enjoy.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a touch for balance and subtle heat — add more if you like it spicy!
White cheddar cheese, shredded: The star of the show — sharp, creamy, melts beautifully to make the sauce irresistible.
Parsley: Adds freshness and color as a garnish to brighten the dish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of my favorite things about this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe is that it’s so adaptable. I often switch up the pasta shapes or toss in seasonal veggies to keep it fresh and exciting.

Veggie Boost: I love adding steamed broccoli or spinach right at the end—adds color and extra nutrients without losing any of the creamy goodness.
Spice Level: If you’re feeling bold, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.
Cheese Swap: Played around with sharp cheddar or even smoked gouda for a different flavor profile, and both work surprisingly well.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour to accommodate dietary needs without sacrificing creaminess.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Season the Chicken Just Right

Mix kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and paprika in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning all over the chicken breasts to ensure every bite is packed with flavor. Don’t skip this step; it really makes the chicken pop.

Step 2: Perfectly Sear the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add chicken and cook undisturbed for 5 minutes to get a golden crust. Flip, lower the heat slightly, and cook another 5 minutes until internal temp hits 165°F. I like to tent it with foil to keep it juicy while preparing the sauce.

Step 3: Build That Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wash away those flavorful bits), melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and let it soften for 1 minute. Stir in flour to create a roux, cooking for another minute to avoid a raw taste. Slowly whisk in whole milk, scraping the pan to lift all those delicious brown bits from the chicken.

Step 4: Add the Seasonings and Cheese

Stir in dry mustard, crushed red pepper flakes, and salt. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens. Then fold in shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring constantly until completely melted and smooth. You’re aiming for that luscious velvety texture.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add cooked pasta directly into the sauce, stirring well so every bit is coated. Slice the rested chicken into strips and lay them over the top. Finish with freshly chopped parsley and, if you like, a sprinkling of extra red pepper flakes for a little kick.

Top Tip

After making this dish multiple times, I’ve found a few tricks that really take it to the next level, helping you avoid the usual pitfalls like grainy sauce or dry chicken.

Don’t Skip the Roux: Cooking the flour in melted butter for a full minute prevents lumps and gives the sauce a silky finish.
Temper the Milk Slowly: Pour the milk in gradually while whisking constantly to keep the sauce smooth and lump-free.
Rest the Chicken: Letting it rest tented keeps it juicy when sliced, so your pasta isn’t overshadowed by dry meat.
Cheese Quality Matters: Use good-quality sharp white cheddar that melts well — pre-shredded can sometimes be coated and won’t melt as smoothly.

How to Serve Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy White Cheddar Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I always go for fresh parsley for that pop of green and brightness. Sometimes I add extra crushed red pepper flakes if guests like heat. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also lift the richness if you want a little zing at the table.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted veggies like asparagus or brussels sprouts. Garlic bread is a classic side that never disappoints, perfect for soaking up leftover sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with a sprig of fresh herbs and a light dusting of extra cheese. It elevates the dish and makes everyone feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta does absorb some sauce over time, so you may want to add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back creaminess.

Freezing

This pasta freezes well, but I recommend freezing the sauce and pasta separately from the chicken if possible. Wrap chicken strips tightly and freeze up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the sauce smooth and the chicken tender.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of cheese for this recipe?

Absolutely! While white cheddar is the star in this recipe for its sharpness and meltability, you can substitute with mild cheddar, gouda, or even a blend of cheeses depending on your preference. Just make sure it melts smoothly.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—it should read 165°F. If you don't have one, make a small cut in the thickest part to ensure the juices run clear and there’s no pink inside.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply skip the chicken and add your favorite vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or roasted red peppers. You can also include plant-based protein alternatives if you want to mimic the heartiness of chicken.

What pasta works best for this creamy sauce?

Cavatappi is ideal because its spiral shape grabs the sauce well, but you can also use penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Avoid very thin noodles like angel hair, as they may get lost in the sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my recipe rotation because it’s one of those dishes that feels fancy yet is incredibly straightforward to make. I hope you give it a try and find it as comforting and satisfying as I do — it’s the kind of meal that brings friends and family back to the table again and again.