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Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Pasta Recipe Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 15 reviews

This Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender, seasoned chicken breast with al dente short-cut pasta all coated in a rich, creamy, and cheesy white cheddar sauce infused with garlic, onions, Dijon mustard, and fresh herbs. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this dish offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures with a hint of spice from crushed red pepper flakes.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

  • 2 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
  • 1 ½ tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dry mustard
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 1 pound short-cut pasta (such as rotini)
  • Salt, for boiling pasta water

For the Cheesy and Creamy Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • ¼ cup dry white wine
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 8 oz white cheddar cheese, grated
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1–2 tbsp fresh thyme
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare Seasoning Mixture: In a small bowl, combine dry mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Season and Cook Chicken: Slice chicken breasts into thin strips or 1-inch cubes. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken pieces. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for several minutes until cooked through and browned on all sides. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  4. Make the 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 create a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
  5. Add Aromatics and Liquids: Stir in the minced garlic, diced onion, and dry white wine. Add Dijon mustard and blend everything well. Cook the mixture for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until onions soften and wine reduces slightly.
  6. Incorporate Milk and Thicken Sauce: Slowly pour in the whole milk in small additions while stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Continue to cook on low heat for 4-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
  7. Add Cheese and Finish Sauce: Add the grated white cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir constantly until cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth.
  8. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
  9. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh thyme sprigs and a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or smoked paprika if desired for an extra kick.

Notes

  • You can substitute the white cheddar with sharp cheddar or a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Parmesan for different flavors.
  • If wine is not preferred, substitute with a light chicken broth or extra milk, but the wine adds a nice depth of flavor.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch as the thickener.
  • Fresh thyme enhances the flavor best but dried thyme can be used if fresh is unavailable.
  • Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes quantity based on your preferred spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: cheesy chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, cheddar cheese pasta, chicken rotini recipe, easy weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://frommamamaya.com/cheesy-chicken-pasta-recipe-recipe/