If you’re craving something irresistibly comforting and packed with flavor, this Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten up your dinner table. Imagine tender, perfectly seasoned chicken tossed with al dente pasta, all smothered in a luxuriously creamy white cheddar sauce infused with fragrant herbs and a little kick of red pepper flakes. It’s an easy yet impressive dish that brings together simple ingredients into one unforgettable, heartwarming meal. Once you try this masterpiece, it’ll quickly become your go-to for cozy nights in or when feeding family and friends with something truly special.

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients is your first step towards a dish bursting with the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and cheesy goodness. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the ideal textures, layers of flavor, and a gorgeous color contrast that makes this meal pop on your plate.

Chicken breasts (2, skinless and boneless): The star protein of the dish, tender and versatile when seasoned and cooked just right.
Olive oil (1 ½ tbsp): Adds richness and helps achieve that beautiful golden sear on the chicken.
Dry mustard (1 tsp): A subtle tang that enhances both the chicken seasoning and sauce depth.
Dried thyme (½ tsp plus 1-2 tbsp fresh thyme): Invokes an herby earthiness throughout the recipe.
Dried oregano (½ tsp): Adds a Mediterranean flair and an aromatic punch to the chicken.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Pasta (1 pound short-cut pasta): Choose your favorite type like rotini or penne to hold onto the creamy sauce.
Butter (2 tbsp): The base for that dreamy, silky cheese sauce.
All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Helps thicken the sauce to the perfect luscious consistency.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses the sauce with a fragrant, savory warmth.
Yellow onion (1, diced): Sweated down for subtle sweetness and texture.
Dry white wine (¼ cup): Adds acidity and complexity to the sauce.
Dijon mustard (1 tbsp): Brings a gentle sharpness and depth to the creamy sauce.
White cheddar cheese (8 oz, grated): The heart of that cheesy flavor, melting into a smooth, gooey delight.
Whole milk (2 cups): Creates a rich, creamy sauce that coats every bite.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1 tsp): Provides a subtle heat that balances the creamy richness beautifully.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe

Step 1: Season Your Chicken

Start by mixing the dry mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. This simple blend packs a punch of flavor that perfectly complements the mild chicken. Then, slice your chicken breasts into thin strips or cubes, and generously coat them with this seasoning mix. This step ensures every bite of chicken is bursting with herbaceous, spicy notes.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, and add the seasoned chicken pieces. Let them cook evenly for a few minutes until they’re browned and fully cooked through. The golden crust locks in the juiciness, delivering tender, flavorful bites that will shine in your final dish. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside to keep warm.

Step 3: Prepare the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, bring it to a rolling boil, and add a pinch of salt along with your short-cut pasta. Cooking the pasta until it’s al dente—meaning it still has a slight bite—ensures it won’t turn mushy once it’s mixed into the creamy sauce later. After cooking, drain the pasta and set aside, ready to soak up all the cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Using the same skillet that cooked the chicken, melt butter over medium heat to capture any leftover flavors. Gradually stir in the flour, cooking everything together to form a roux that will thicken the sauce. Add the minced garlic, diced onion, dry white wine, and Dijon mustard, stirring and cooking until the onions soften and the mixture smells heavenly. Slowly pour in the whole milk in several additions, stirring continuously to keep it silky smooth. Let the sauce simmer on low for a few minutes until it thickens perfectly.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Combine

Now comes the best part. Stir in the grated white cheddar cheese until it melts completely, creating an irresistible, velvety sauce. Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet, tossing gently so every piece is fully enveloped in that cheesy creamy goodness. For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle in fresh thyme and crushed red pepper flakes, then give everything one last stir before serving immediately.

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes on top not only brightens the colors but also adds fresh, aromatic, and spicy notes that make the whole dish sing. A dusting of smoked paprika can also add a subtle smoky aroma that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple green sides like a crisp romaine salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette, or sautéed garlic green beans for a bit of crunch. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also make a lovely companion, balancing richness with their natural earthiness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve portions in shallow wide bowls to showcase that creamy sauce at its best. For a dinner party, garnish individual servings with a sprig of fresh thyme and a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for some shimmer. To turn it into a baked delight, transfer the fully mixed pasta and chicken to a casserole dish, top with additional cheese, and broil until golden and bubbly for a comforting twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow leftover Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Stored in the fridge, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for quick weeknight meals or lunchboxes.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but be mindful that creamy sauces sometimes change texture after thawing. To freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers or bags and label with the date. It will keep well for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, use a microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming and to bring back that luscious, creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! While white cheddar gives this recipe its signature sharpness and creaminess, feel free to experiment with mozzarella for gooey meltiness or Gruyère for a nuttier flavor. Just make sure to grate it finely so it melts smoothly.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce and use gluten-free pasta varieties. Just keep an eye on cooking times as gluten-free pasta cooks a bit differently.

Can I use other cuts of chicken?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal here for even cooking and lean texture, but chicken thighs can add more moisture and richness. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a gentle warming heat from the crushed red pepper flakes, but you can easily dial it up or down depending on your preference by adjusting the amount or omitting them altogether.

What’s the best pasta type for this recipe?

Short-cut pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or fusilli are perfect because their twists and ridges hold the creamy cheese sauce beautifully, guaranteeing delicious bites every time.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about a Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe that effortlessly blends simplicity with indulgence. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for weeknights or special occasions when you want comfort food done right. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to this creamy, cheesy, flavorful delight — it’s simply too good to resist!

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 25 reviews

Author: Olivia
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken with a rich, creamy white cheddar sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, featuring a blend of herbs, garlic, and a hint of Dijon mustard to elevate the cheese sauce.

Instructions

Prepare seasoning mixture: In a small bowl, combine dry mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside to use for the chicken.
Season chicken: Slice chicken breasts into thin strips or 1-inch cubes. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re well coated.
Cook chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 4-6 minutes. Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the short-cut pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
Make roux and sauce base: In the same skillet used for chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Once melted, add all-purpose flour and stir constantly to form a roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes until bubbling and lightly golden.
Add aromatics and liquids: Stir in dry white wine, minced garlic, diced onions, and Dijon mustard. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the onions soften, stirring frequently.
Incorporate milk and thicken: Slowly pour in the whole milk in several additions, stirring after each until fully combined. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 4-6 minutes until the sauce thickens sufficiently.
Add cheese: Mix in the grated white cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until fully melted and smooth.
Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together ensuring the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy cheese sauce.
Garnish and serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh thyme leaves and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a mild heat. Optionally, add smoked paprika for extra flavor complexity.

Notes

Use whole milk for a richer sauce; for a lighter version, substitute with 2% milk, but the sauce will be less creamy.
Dry white wine adds depth but can be omitted if preferred, substitute with extra milk or chicken broth.
Fresh thyme imparts bright herbal notes; dried thyme can be used in a pinch but use about one-third of the fresh amount.
Make sure not to overcook the pasta to keep it firm and prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
This dish is best served fresh but can be reheated gently with a splash of milk to revive the sauce.
For a gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for thickening sauces.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Boiling
Cuisine: American