There’s something so comforting about a rich, cheesy pasta that wraps you in its warmth—and that’s exactly what this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe brings to the table. Velvety sharp white cheddar and tender chicken marry perfectly in a dish that feels both indulgent and approachable, making it a total winner for dinner any night.

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with creamy macaroni pasta that has a pale yellow color and smooth texture. On top, there is a layer of sliced golden brown grilled chicken, cooked with a crispy, slightly charred surface and seasoned with black pepper and green herbs. The chicken slices are arranged neatly in the center of the pasta, covering about half of the visible food area. Small green herb pieces are sprinkled over both the chicken and pasta, adding a fresh accent. In the blurred background, there is some green garnish. The overall setting includes a wooden surface but the main focus is on the food inside the pan. 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’ve made this creamy white cheddar chicken pasta more times than I can count, mostly because it combines bold flavors with simple steps. Plus, it’s one of those meals that feels fancy-ish but is totally doable on a weeknight.

Comfort in Every Bite: The white cheddar sauce is silky and sharp without overwhelming, creating a perfect balance with tender chicken and al dente pasta.
Quick and Straightforward: With just about 30 minutes from start to finish, you can have a satisfying dinner on the table fast.
Customizable Flavors: Love a little spice or extra garlic? This dish invites your personal touches while still delivering reliably delicious results.
Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing: Even picky eaters tend to come around because of the creamy sauce and familiar pasta shapes.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Everything in this recipe plays a role in creating that cozy, cheesy experience. From chicken seasoned with a little paprika kick to a white cheddar sauce that’s perfectly smooth and flavorful, each ingredient shines without needing a complicated cast.

Flat lay of a raw boneless skinless chicken breast, a small heap of coarse kosher salt crystals, a small pile of black peppercorns, a small mound of dry mustard powder, a small heap of paprika powder, a simple white ceramic bowl with extra virgin olive oil, a nest of cooked cavatappi pasta, a chunk of unsalted butter on a white dish, a small white ceramic bowl filled with chopped fresh garlic, a small white bowl with all-purpose flour, a white ceramic bowl with whole milk, a small white bowl containing crushed red pepper flakes, a pile of shredded white cheddar cheese, and a small pile of freshly chopped parsley, all placed 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 slice into tender strips—seasoning them well is key for flavor.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken and sauce just right.
Dry mustard and paprika: These add subtle warmth and depth to the chicken’s flavor profile.
Extra virgin olive oil: Gives a nice sear to the chicken without overpowering the dish.
Cavatappi noodles: Their spiral shape holds onto creamy sauce wonderfully, making every bite satisfying.
Unsalted butter: The base for the roux; it helps create that rich sauce texture.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and a hint of punch to the sauce.
All-purpose flour: This thickens the sauce for the perfect creamy consistency.
Whole milk: Brings creaminess without heaviness—make sure it’s not skim for best results.
Crushed red pepper flakes: A little kick that brightens up the cheese sauce.
White cheddar cheese, shredded: The star ingredient for that distinctive sharp, velvety flavor.
Parsley: Adds freshness and color as a garnish—don’t skip it!

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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

I love mixing things up a bit depending on what I have on hand or the mood we’re in. This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe really welcomes creativity without losing its comforting vibe.

Variation: Sometimes I swap the cavatappi for penne or rigatoni—they hold sauce just as beautifully and mix up the texture for something fun.
Vegetarian twist: Skip the chicken and toss in sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower for a satisfying veggie-packed version.
Extra garlic: If you’re a garlic fan like me, try doubling the amount for extra oomph in the sauce.
Mild heat: Adjust the red pepper flakes to taste—start with less if you’re serving kids or spice-shy friends.

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

Step 1: Season the Chicken Like a Pro

Mix kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and paprika together in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning all over your chicken breasts generously. I find this combo gives the chicken a subtle smoky, tangy flavor that complements the cheesy sauce beautifully.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken with Care

Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side without moving it too much—that helps develop a nice crust. Flip the chicken, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for another 5 minutes or until it reaches 165°F internally. Then, transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm. Don’t skip tenting—it helps keep the chicken juicy and tender!

Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, scraping up any leftover chicken bits—they add so much flavor! Add the chopped garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for another minute to form a roux, which thickens your sauce. Slowly whisk in the milk, making sure to whisk constantly so you don’t get lumps. Let it simmer gently until it thickens, about 3-4 minutes. Add dry mustard, red pepper flakes, and salt to boost flavor.

Step 4: Melt in the Cheese & Mix with Pasta

Stir in your shredded white cheddar cheese, blending it gently until smooth and melted. Then, fold in your cooked cavatappi noodles, stirring carefully to coat every twist and turn in that luscious sauce.

Step 5: Slice and Serve with Love

Slice your tender chicken breasts into strips and arrange them on top of the cheesy pasta. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and extra red pepper flakes if you like a little more spice. Serve immediately to enjoy the sauce at its creamiest.

Top Tip

From my many kitchen experiments with this dish, I’ve learned these little nuggets of wisdom help make your Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe shine.

Season Generously: Don’t be shy with the salt and spices on your chicken—it really builds the flavor foundation.
Patience with the Sauce: Whisk the milk slowly into the roux to avoid lumps—this makes your sauce super smooth every time.
Let Chicken Rest: Tent your cooked chicken; it retains juices and stays tender, which really makes a difference.
Use Sharp White Cheddar: The quality and sharpness of the cheese will elevate the sauce, so don’t settle for mild or pre-shredded blends with anti-caking agents.

How to Serve Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy White Cheddar Chicken - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m all about simple garnishes that add freshness and a bit of zing. A sprinkle of chopped parsley brightens up the creamy sauce and adds color. Sometimes I toss some extra crushed red pepper flakes on top for a gentle spice lift. If I’m feeling fancy, a little lemon zest gives a surprising pop that wakes up the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

I like serving this pasta alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness. Roasted or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon also pair perfectly. And if you want to keep it classic, some crusty garlic bread never hurts to mop up every last bit of that cheesy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this in individual mini cast iron skillets to keep it warm and feel a bit upscale. Another fun idea is layering the pasta in small glass bowls and topping with a sprinkle of extra cheese and parsley, making each serving look like a little work of art. These touches make family dinners or gatherings feel a little more festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for lunch leftovers or a quick next-day dinner.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta once or twice, and it works better if you freeze the pasta and sauce separately from the chicken. That way, when reheating, you can add the chicken fresh or warmed gently without drying it out. Label your containers well so you remember the combo!

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or water if the sauce gets too thick. This helps keep it creamy and prevents the cheese from becoming grainy. Microwave works in a pinch, but go slow and stir every 30 seconds for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While white cheddar gives this pasta its signature sharp and creamy flavor, you can try aged cheddar, gouda, or even a mix of mozzarella and parmesan for a milder or different twist. Just keep in mind that the sauce texture may vary slightly depending on the cheese's melting properties.

What’s the best way to cook the chicken to keep it juicy?

Cooking the chicken in the skillet with oil over medium heat and then lowering to medium-low after flipping helps it cook evenly without drying out. Also, tenting the chicken with foil after cooking traps steam and keeps it moist. Using a meat thermometer to reach 165°F ensures it’s perfectly cooked without overdoing it.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for thickening sauces, and swap regular pasta for gluten-free varieties like corn or rice-based noodles. The flavor and creaminess will be just as satisfying.

How can I make this recipe more kid-friendly?

To make it more appealing to kids, reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes and stick to milder seasonings. Using familiar pasta shapes like penne or shells instead of cavatappi can help. Also, cutting the chicken into small bite-sized pieces makes it easier for little ones to enjoy.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something that’s simple but feels special. The way the sharp cheddar melts into a smooth sauce and hugs every noodle is downright addictive. I hope you find as much joy in making (and eating) this as I do sharing it—because food like this is meant to be enjoyed and savored, just like a good conversation with a friend.