Cozy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe
If you’re craving a comforting and creamy dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in, this Cozy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is sure to become a family favorite. With tender chicken, pasta, and a velvety white cheddar sauce, this dish combines the best of both worlds: comfort food and delicious flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the cooking process, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese (freshly shredded for best results)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for a little heat)
How to Make Cozy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in a large pot of salted water. Cook it according to the package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Pro tip: Save about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. It can help adjust the sauce consistency later if needed.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the White Cheddar Sauce
In the same pan, add a little more olive oil or butter if necessary. Sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes until softened. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Next, stir in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Pro tip: Stir frequently to ensure the cream doesn’t curdle.
Once the cream has warmed through, reduce the heat to low and gradually add the shredded white cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until it melts smoothly into the sauce.
Step 4: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy white cheddar sauce. Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If the sauce feels too thick, you can add some reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Final Touches
Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve and Enjoy!
This Cozy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is ready to serve! Pair it with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort meal that everyone will love.
Pro Tip: This dish can be easily customized. Add your favorite veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or peas for extra flavor and texture. Or for a lighter version, swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative like coconut milk.
Enjoy this cheesy, creamy pasta dish with your loved ones — it’s sure to warm both your stomach and your heart!
