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White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

This White Cheddar Chicken Pasta features spiral pasta and juicy chicken in a rich White Cheddar Cheese sauce with herbs and seasonings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 595 kcal

Equipment

  • large skillet
  • Measuring cup
  • Silicone spatula
  • timer

Ingredients
  

Chicken

  • 1 large boneless skinless chicken breast or 2 small, 10-11 oz.
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • ¼ cup flour
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil

Pasta/Sauce

  • ½ cup dry white wine see notes
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 cup half and half (half cream, half milk)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup white cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese grated
  • ½ lb. Fusilli pasta can also use rotini

Seasonings

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

Instructions
 

Prep Work

  • Combine the half and half, chicken broth, and seasonings in a large measuring cup with a spout and set aside. Measure out remaining ingredients before beginning.

Season/Sear the Chicken

  • Slice the chicken in half lengthwise to create 2-3 thinner slices. Place plastic wrap over the chicken and pound each side to about ¾-inch thick, it will plump up more when cooked. Pat each side dry.
  • Season with salt/pepper and Italian seasoning. Sprinkle each side with flour and rub it over the surface.
  • Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until a golden crust develops, 3-4 minutes per side. Set aside and let rest for 10 minutes, then cut into strips.

Make the Sauce

  • Start boiling water for the pasta.
  • Meanwhile, add the wine to the skillet and then set the heat to medium. Use a silicone spatula to clean the bottom and sides of the skillet, the 'fond' will add more flavor to the sauce. Bring to a gentle bubble and reduce by half, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the butter and garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Add the flour and stir continuously for 2 minutes, until the raw flour smell is cooked off.
  • Add the chicken broth/half and half mixture in small splashes, stirring continuously. Do this slowly to keep the roux intact and to maintain a thick consistency.
  • Bring to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to low and cover partially.

Boil the Pasta

  • Salt the boiling water and add the pasta. Cook until no more than al dente. Set a timer to avoid overcooking. Stir occasionally as it cooks. Drain once cooked.

Finish the Dish

  • Gradually sprinkle the cheese into the sauce, stirring continuously. Do this slowly to allow it to melt properly as it’s added.
  • Add the pasta and use a silicone spatula to gently toss to incorporate. There will be a lot of sauce, but the pasta continues to absorb it as it stands.
  • Add the cooked chicken along with any juices from the plate and toss to combine and heat through. Serve!

Notes

Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat leftovers in a makeshift double boiler to restore it back to its original consistency. A little milk or chicken broth can be added to smooth it back out.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 595kcal
Keyword cheese sauce, chicken, comfort food, herbs, pasta, White Cheddar Chicken Pasta
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