There’s something incredibly comforting about a dish that’s both rich and satisfying. This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe perfectly balances tender chicken with a luscious, velvety cheese sauce—making every bite feel like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me, it’s worth every minute in the kitchen.

A black pan filled with creamy, light beige macaroni pasta covers the base, sprinkled with small green herb pieces. On top, a sliced grilled chicken is placed in the center, showing a golden brown, slightly crispy skin with dark grill marks and tender white meat inside. The chicken slices fan out evenly over the pasta. The whole dish is set against a white marbled surface. 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 still remember the first time I made this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe—it was one of those comforting dinners that felt like a celebration after a long day. The creamy white cheddar sauce is incredibly indulgent without being overwhelming, and the way the chicken is perfectly seasoned and cooked makes the dish shine.

Comfort Food at its Best: The creamy cheese sauce wraps around every noodle with just the right amount of richness but never gets too heavy.
Easy Weeknight Meal: Despite tasting fancy, it comes together quickly and uses simple pantry staples.
Kid-Friendly Flavor: The mild but flavorful white cheddar cheese appeals even to picky eaters in my family.
Versatility: You can dress it up with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or keep it simple and creamy—your call!

The image shows a close-up of three pieces of grilled golden brown chicken and one spiral-shaped macaroni pasta held on a silver fork in the foreground. In the blurred background, there is a white plate full of creamy, light yellow macaroni pasta and several pieces of grilled chicken that have a slightly charred texture with hints of orange spices. The setting is on a white marbled surface, with the focus sharply on the fork and food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe plays its part in building layers of flavor and texture. From the zesty spices on the chicken to the smooth, cheesy sauce, here’s why I love each component.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with paprika and dry mustard, two brown eggs with clean shells, a small mound of shredded white cheddar cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of chopped garlic, a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of unsalted butter, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white ceramic bowl of kosher salt, a small white ceramic bowl of black pepper, a small white ceramic bowl of crushed red pepper flakes, a small white ceramic bowl of dry mustard, a neat pile of cooked cavatappi pasta, and a small heap of freshly chopped parsley arranged symmetrically 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: Easy to cook evenly and great for absorbing the seasoning mix.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple but essential; they help bring out all the natural flavors.
Dry mustard: A subtle tang that wakes up both the chicken and the sauce without overpowering them.
Paprika: Adds a gentle smokiness and lovely color to your chicken.
Extra virgin olive oil: My go-to for cooking the chicken—it adds flavor and ensures a nice sear.
Cavatappi noodles: The corkscrew shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly—plus, they’re fun to eat!
Unsalted butter: Builds the base of the sauce, ensuring it’s rich but not salty.
Garlic: Fresh, chopped garlic adds an aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with cheddar.
All-purpose flour: Helps thicken the sauce into a silky smooth coating for the pasta.
Whole milk: Provides creaminess—full-fat makes the sauce luxuriously smooth.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional but great for adding a faint heat contrast.
White cheddar cheese: The star of the sauce—sharp, creamy, and melting beautifully to create that signature cheesy flavor.
Parsley: Fresh and bright, it adds a pop of color and freshness on top.

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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 the things I love most about this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe is how adaptable it is. I often tweak the spice levels or swap out veggies depending on the season or my mood.

Add Veggies: Toss in some steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms—both add great texture and a pop of color.
Spice It Up: If you enjoy heat, I recommend extra crushed red pepper flakes or even a dash of cayenne.
Make It Gluten-Free: I’ve tried this with gluten-free pasta and a cornstarch slurry instead of flour—the sauce still turns out creamy and delicious!
Change the Cheese: Mixing in a little smoked gouda or mozzarella with white cheddar can create a milder, more complex flavor.

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

Step 1: Season Your Chicken Like a Pro

Start by mixing kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and paprika in a small bowl. Coat your chicken breasts evenly with this seasoning blend. I find that this step really infuses the chicken with subtle layers of flavor that pair wonderfully with the creamy sauce later.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken Just Right

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large nonstick skillet. When it’s shimmering hot, place your chicken breasts in. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip, lower the heat to medium-low, and cook another 5 minutes or until the internal temperature hits 165°F. Don't rush this part—overcooking can dry out the chicken, and undercooking is just a no-go. Once done, move the chicken to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.

Step 3: Build Your Creamy White Cheddar Sauce

In the same skillet (no need to wash it!), melt the butter over medium heat. Add chopped garlic and let it cook for about a minute until fragrant—watch closely so it doesn’t burn! Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to make a roux. Slowly whisk in whole milk, scraping the pan to lift up any tasty browned bits the chicken left behind. This adds wonderful depth to your sauce.

Step 4: Season and Thicken Your Sauce

Add dry mustard, crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. Turn the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. The aroma at this stage always gets me excited—I know the dish is about to come together beautifully!

Step 5: Stir in Cheese and Pasta

Gently mix in shredded white cheddar cheese until fully melted and silky smooth. Then add your cooked cavatappi noodles, making sure every noodle is lovingly coated in that cheesy goodness.

Step 6: Slice and Serve With Love

Slice your rested chicken into strips and nestle them on top of the cheesy pasta. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and extra red pepper flakes if you like a touch of heat. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!

Top Tip

I’ve made this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe countless times, and here are some tips that make a huge difference in getting it just right every time:

Don’t skip resting the chicken: Letting the chicken rest under foil keeps it juicy and lets the flavors settle.
Whisk the milk in slowly: Pouring in whole milk gradually while whisking prevents lumps in your sauce, making it silky smooth.
Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that prevent smooth melting—fresh shredding is key for creaminess.
Maintain medium-low heat on the sauce: Too high can cause the dairy to separate, so patience here keeps your sauce perfect.

How to Serve Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy White Cheddar Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I love garnishing this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley—it adds a pop of green and a fresh note that cuts through the richness. Sometimes, I add an extra pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when serving, for those who like a little kick.

Side Dishes

For sides, a crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the creaminess brilliantly. Roasted asparagus or garlic green beans also bring an earthy contrast that balances the meal nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist during dinner parties, I’ve served this pasta in small, individual ramekins with a sprinkle of extra cheese melted on top under the broiler. It’s a cozy, pretty presentation that always impresses my guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce thickens as it cools, so before serving again, I stir in a splash of milk to loosen it up and bring back that creamy texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well, though I recommend freezing the pasta and sauce separately from the cooked chicken to maintain the best texture. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove, adding a splash of milk if needed. This helps the sauce regain its original creamy consistency without drying out or clumping.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While white cheddar is the star here, you can experiment with cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile. Just make sure whatever cheese you use melts well to keep that creamy texture.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer; the internal temperature should read 165°F. If you don’t have one, make sure the chicken is no longer pink inside and juices run clear when cut—this keeps it juicy yet safe to eat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead and store them in the fridge. It’s better to add the freshly cooked chicken just before serving for the best texture and flavor. Simply reheat gently and combine when ready to serve.

What pasta works best with this creamy white cheddar sauce?

I highly recommend cavatappi for this recipe because its spiral shape holds onto the creamy sauce wonderfully. However, you can also use fusilli, penne, or even rotini as alternatives. Just cook until al dente for the best texture.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen because it combines simplicity with a touch of luxurious comfort that everyone enjoys. Whether you’re feeding family or having friends over, it’s the kind of recipe that brings smiles and seconds. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight dinner!