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White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 138 reviews

This White Cheddar Chicken Pasta is a creamy and cheesy skillet dish featuring tender seared chicken breast, fusilli pasta, and a rich white cheddar sauce. Enhanced with Italian seasonings, white wine, and Parmesan cheese, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast (10–11 oz) or 2 small breasts
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1–2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce and Pasta

  • ½ cup dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup half-and-half
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese (preferably extra sharp)
  • 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ lb (8 oz) Fusilli pasta

Seasonings

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic salt
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon mustard powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried parsley
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ⅛ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare Dairy and Broth Mixture: In a large measuring cup with a pouring spout, combine half-and-half, chicken broth, onion powder, garlic salt, dried oregano, dried basil, mustard powder, dried parsley, dried thyme, and black pepper. Stir well and set aside for later use.
  2. Season and Pound Chicken: Slice the chicken breast lengthwise into 2-3 thinner pieces. Cover with plastic wrap and gently pound to about ¾-inch thickness. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Lightly coat each piece with flour, shaking off any excess.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the floured chicken pieces and sear them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and transfer to a plate. Let rest for 10 minutes to retain juices, then slice into strips.
  4. Deglaze and Reduce Wine: Pour the white wine into the same skillet and set heat to medium. Using a silicone spatula, scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet to incorporate their flavor. Let the wine simmer and reduce by half, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
  5. Create Roux and Cook Sauce Base: Add the unsalted butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the reduced wine. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and cook continuously for 2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste and form a roux.
  6. Incorporate Dairy Mixture: Slowly add the prepared half-and-half and broth mixture to the roux in small splashes, stirring constantly to keep the sauce thick and smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to low and partially cover the skillet to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken further.
  7. Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta well once cooked.
  8. Finish Sauce and Combine: Gradually add the shredded white cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese to the simmering sauce, stirring continuously to melt the cheese evenly and create a smooth, creamy sauce. Fold in the cooked pasta and sliced chicken strips along with any accumulated resting juices. Toss gently to combine and heat through thoroughly. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer a little longer after adding the cheese.
  • Use extra sharp white cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavor.
  • White wine can be substituted with additional chicken broth in a pinch.
  • Make sure to not overcrowd the skillet when searing chicken to ensure even browning.
  • Resting the chicken after cooking helps keep it moist and juicy.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor infusion.

Keywords: White Cheddar Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, cheesy pasta, skillet chicken recipe, fusilli pasta recipe, easy dinner, Italian seasoning chicken

Find it online: https://kitchenbyrita.com/white-cheddar-chicken-pasta-recipe/