There's something utterly comforting about a rich, cheesy pasta that melts in your mouth, and this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe hits that spot perfectly. Its luscious white cheddar sauce paired with tender chicken makes every bite feel like a hug on a plate—trust me, once you try it, it might just become your new weeknight favorite.

A close-up view of a black skillet filled with creamy, pale yellow macaroni pasta as the bottom layer, topped with several slices of grilled chicken placed in the center. The chicken has a golden-brown, slightly crispy surface with visible specks of seasoning and small green herb pieces scattered on top. The plated dish looks warm and inviting with the pasta surrounding the sliced chicken evenly. 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 whipped up this creamy white cheddar chicken pasta—it was just dinner for two, but the leftovers had me craving it all week! This recipe is not only simple but also delivers that perfect balance of cheesy, spicy, and savory flavors that satisfy everyone at the table.

Comfort food made quick: Ready in about 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy nights without sacrificing on flavor.
Bold with subtle heat: The crushed red pepper flakes add just the right amount of kick to brighten the creamy sauce.
Versatile and customizable: You can switch up the pasta or add veggies to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge.
Logo-worthy leftovers: Like me, you’ll probably find yourself eating the next day straight from the pan (no judgment here!).

A close-up view of a silver fork holding two pieces of golden-brown grilled chicken and a small cluster of creamy white macaroni pasta covered in melted cheese. The background shows a plate filled with more creamy macaroni topped with brownish grilled chicken pieces, all resting on a white marbled surface. The chicken has a slightly charred, textured outside, while the macaroni appears smooth and coated in rich cheese sauce photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe blends simple ingredients that come together beautifully for a dish that’s creamy and rich but also packed with flavor. Choosing good quality white cheddar and fresh chicken really makes a difference here, so I always grab the best I can find.

Flat lay of boneless skinless chicken breasts seasoned with a sprinkle of paprika and dry mustard, two whole uncracked brown eggs beside a small white bowl of chopped garlic, fresh sprigs of parsley, a handful of uncooked cavatappi pasta spirals, a small white bowl of extra virgin olive oil, a small white bowl of unsalted butter, a small white bowl of all-purpose flour, a small white bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl of shredded white cheddar cheese, a small white bowl of crushed red pepper flakes, and a small white bowl of kosher salt and black pepper mixed together, all arranged in perfect symmetry 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: They cook quickly and stay tender—perfect for slicing over pasta.
Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the sauce to bring out all the flavors.
Black pepper: A little warmth that balances the creaminess.
Dry mustard: Adds a subtle tanginess that deepens the flavor of the sauce.
Paprika: Gives the chicken a nice smoky touch without overpowering it.
Extra virgin olive oil: For a clean, fruity flavor to properly sear the chicken.
Cavatappi noodles: Their spiral shape traps the creamy sauce perfectly; you can swap with any sturdy pasta.
Unsalted butter: Creates a rich base for the roux that thickens the sauce.
Garlic: Adds aromatic depth—don’t skip it!
All-purpose flour: The thickening agent for that silky sauce.
Whole milk: Creamy without being too heavy, balancing richness and lightness.
Crushed red pepper flakes: Just enough heat to keep things interesting.
White cheddar cheese: The star of the show, melting into a dreamy sauce that's sharper and more nuanced than regular cheddar.
Fresh parsley: Brightens and adds a fresh herbaceous note as garnish.

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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 that you can easily personalize this creamy white cheddar chicken pasta recipe depending on what you're feeling or what you have on hand. Seriously, it’s a great base to experiment with, so don’t be shy about making it your own.

Variation: I've swapped out the chicken for crispy bacon or sausage to make it a little indulgent and my family loved that twist.
Veggie boost: Tossing in sautéed spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms adds color, texture, and nutrition.
Spicy upgrade: If you like heat, double the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Dairy-free alternative: Use a dairy-free cheese and milk substitute for a creamy but allergen-friendly version.

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

Step 1: Season and Sear the Chicken

Start by mixing kosher salt, black pepper, dry mustard, and paprika in a small bowl. Rub this seasoning all over your chicken breasts—don’t be shy, the flavor really makes a difference. Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat and add the chicken. After about 5 minutes, flip the pieces, lower the heat to medium-low, and cook another 5 minutes or until they hit 165°F inside. Once cooked, take them off to rest while you finish the sauce—this keeps them juicy and tender.

Step 2: Build Your Creamy White Cheddar Sauce

In the same skillet (yay for flavor from that browned chicken!), melt your butter over medium heat. Toss in the chopped garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant—don’t let it burn. Stir in flour and cook for another minute to make your roux. Slowly pour in whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Scrape the pan to lift up any bits sticking—the flavor gold right there! Add dry mustard, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt, then let it simmer gently until thickened, usually 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Cheese It Up and Combine

Lower the heat and stir in your shredded white cheddar cheese until it melts into a glossy, creamy sauce. Toss in your cooked cavatappi pasta, stirring to coat every curly noodle in cheesy goodness.

Step 4: Slice and Serve

Slice your rested chicken into strips and arrange them on top of the pasta. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and, if you like, a few more red pepper flakes for color and a little extra kick. Serve immediately while everything is warm and inviting.

Top Tip

I've made this creamy white cheddar chicken pasta recipe numerous times, and a few kitchen tricks have made it foolproof. These tips save time and guarantee creamy sauce perfection every single time.

Don’t skip the roux: Cooking the flour and butter together before adding milk prevents lumps and puts you in control of the sauce thickness.
Resist the urge to rush the sauce: Let it simmer just enough to thicken but not boil vigorously, or the cheese might seize and get grainy.
Use freshly shredded cheese: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting; shred your own for a smoother sauce.
Rest your chicken: Letting it rest after cooking locks in juices, making your chicken slices tender, not dry.

How to Serve Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe

Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I personally love garnishing this dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and brightness. Sometimes, I sprinkle a little extra crushed red pepper flakes to give it that snappy heat that contrasts with the rich cheese sauce—adds such a nice balance!

Side Dishes

To keep things simple and balanced, I usually pair it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or roasted green beans with a touch of garlic. Both options add freshness and crunch that go beautifully with the creamy pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I've plated this recipe in deep pasta bowls and topped with edible flowers and a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture. It turns a cozy dinner into something that feels a little more festive and fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I always keep the chicken slices separate if I can, but honestly, mixing it all together is just fine and makes reheating easier.

Freezing

I've frozen this Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe once or twice with decent results. The sauce can separate a little, so be sure to thaw slowly in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring to bring it back together.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce and warm it over low heat on the stovetop, stirring often. Microwave works too, but keep checking every minute so it doesn’t dry out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different cheese instead of white cheddar?

Absolutely! Gouda or fontina work well for a similarly creamy texture, but white cheddar has a distinct tang that really makes this recipe pop. Just pick a cheese that melts well.

What if I don't have cavatappi pasta?

No worries—penne, rotini, or fusilli are good substitutes since their grooves also hold onto the sauce nicely. Choose a sturdy pasta that can stand up to the creamy cheese sauce.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?

The safest way is using a meat thermometer—165°F is the ideal internal temperature. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part to make sure there’s no pink and the juices run clear.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook and season the chicken a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. Just reheat gently before adding atop the pasta. You can also make the cheese sauce a few hours ahead and warm it up when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta Recipe is one of those dependable dishes that never disappoints, whether you're making it for a busy weeknight, a cozy dinner with friends, or even impressing family on a Sunday night. The creamy, cheesy sauce with well-seasoned chicken feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to pull off. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it sticking around your recipe rotation just like I did!