Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe
This Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with al dente rotini pasta and a rich, creamy white cheddar cheese sauce infused with garlic, onions, and fresh herbs. Perfectly seasoned and easy to prepare, this hearty dish is ideal for a comforting family dinner or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Boiling, Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Ingredients
Scale
For the chicken:
- 2 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
- 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dry mustard
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the pasta:
- 1 pound short-cut pasta (rotini)
For the cheesy and creamy sauce:
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- ¼ cup dry white wine
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 8 oz white cheddar cheese, grated
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1–2 tbsp fresh thyme
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare seasoning mixture: In a small bowl, combine dry mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
- Season chicken: Slice chicken breasts into thin strips or cut into 1-inch cubes. Sprinkle with the prepared seasoning mixture evenly.
- Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for several minutes until browned and cooked through. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add rotini pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make roux and sauté aromatics: In the same skillet used for chicken, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux. Add dry white wine, minced garlic, diced onion, and Dijon mustard. Stir and cook for 3-5 minutes until onions are soft and mixture is fragrant.
- Add milk and thicken sauce: Gradually pour in whole milk in several additions, stirring constantly after each addition to avoid lumps. Continue cooking on low heat for 4-6 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add cheese: Stir in grated white cheddar cheese until melted and smooth, creating a creamy cheese sauce.
- Combine all ingredients: Return cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are thoroughly coated with the creamy cheesy sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh thyme leaves, crushed red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute rotini with penne, fusilli, or other short pasta shapes.
- Use low-fat milk or a milk alternative for a lighter sauce, but the texture may vary.
- For extra spice, increase the crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh chili.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta to avoid sogginess when combined with the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, cheddar pasta recipe, easy chicken dinner, creamy cheese sauce pasta
Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/cheesy-chicken-pasta-recipe-recipe/
