White Cheddar Chicken Pasta
A comforting and creamy pasta dish that combines rich flavors and textures, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces 8 ounces of your favorite pasta (fettuccine or penne works wonders) Cook according to package instructions.
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed Ensure the chicken is cut into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons olive oil For cooking the chicken.
- ½ teaspoon ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a kick) Adjust to your spice preference.
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 cloves 2 cloves garlic, minced Sauté until fragrant.
- 1 cup 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup 1 cup heavy cream For a rich and creamy sauce.
- 1.5 cups 1 ½ cups shredded white cheddar cheese Melt into the sauce for creaminess.
Garnish
- to taste Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish Add for presentation.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package instructions until it's al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a cup of pasta water.
Sautéing the Chicken
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Making the Sauce
- In the same skillet, add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and scrape any bits stuck to the pan.
- Add the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in white cheddar cheese until melted. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked chicken and pasta into the skillet, tossing until well coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serving
- Plate your pasta and garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach or broccoli for added nutrition. Substitute chicken with shrimp or mushrooms for a different twist. Stir the sauce well if it appears lumpy.