Triple Cheddar Chicken Pasta

There’s something heartwarming about a comforting dish like Triple Cheddar Chicken Pasta. I remember the first time I made it; it was a chilly evening, and the aroma of melting cheese and sautéed chicken filled my kitchen, making my family gather around the table with eager smiles. This dish is not just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors, textures, and the joy of togetherness. I often whip it up for family gatherings or a cozy night in, knowing that its creamy, cheesy goodness will bring warmth and happiness to those I love. The combination of chicken, cheddar cheese, and pasta creates a dish that feels indulgent yet simple to prepare. Each bite is a delightful experience that transports you to comfort food heaven.

Ingredients for Triple Cheddar Chicken Pasta

When it comes to creating the perfect Triple Cheddar Chicken Pasta, the ingredients play a crucial role. Every component brings something special to the table: the chicken adds a hearty protein, while the variety of cheeses delivers that irresistible creaminess! Each ingredient complements the others, coming together to create a dish that’s not only delicious but also comforting.

• 2 to 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch pieces: These tender morsels of chicken provide the perfect protein base for our dish, soaking up the cheesy goodness.
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme: This herb adds a fragrant touch, elevating the dish with its earthy flavor.
• Olive oil: Essential for sautéing the chicken, this adds richness and helps to achieve a lovely golden color.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance the flavor of the chicken.
• 1 pound fusili pasta or rotini: The perfect pasta choice, these shapes hold onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
• 2 tablespoons butter: Adds creaminess and helps to create the base of our cheese sauce.
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: This thickens the sauce to achieve that luscious, creamy texture.
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic: This aromatic ingredient packs a punch of flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
• 2 cups milk: The base of our cheese sauce, providing creaminess and helping to melt the cheddar.
• 1 cup shredded triple cheddar cheese: The star of the show, this cheese delivers a rich, cheesy flavor that’s impossible to resist.
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme: A herbaceous touch that brings freshness to the dish.
• 1 tablespoon oregano: Adds a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the cheeses.
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: A finishing touch that adds a salty, nutty flavor to our creamy masterpiece.

How to Make Triple Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Making Triple Cheddar Chicken Pasta is easier than you think! With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious meal that’ll impress everyone. Grab your ingredients, and let’s get started!

1. Begin by cooking the fusili pasta according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. This will ensure it has a nice bite to it, which is perfect for holding onto our sauce.
2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken pieces. Season with salt, pepper, and half the thyme. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes.
3. In another pan, melt the butter over medium heat. As it melts, sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. This should take about 1 to 2 minutes until it begins to bubble slightly.
4. Add the minced garlic to the roux and cook for an additional minute, allowing the garlic to infuse its flavor into the mixture.
5. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue to cook until the sauce thickens, which should take around 3 to 5 minutes.
6. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low and stir in the triple cheddar cheese until it melts and creates a smooth sauce.
7. Next, incorporate the cooked chicken and fusili pasta into the cheese sauce. Use tongs to mix everything together, ensuring the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the creamy goodness.
8. Sprinkle the remaining thyme and oregano over the dish for added flavor, stirring to combine.
9. Finally, transfer the Triple Cheddar Chicken Pasta to a serving dish, and top with grated Parmesan cheese before serving warm. Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Pro Tips and Tweaks

To make your Triple Cheddar Chicken Pasta experience even better, here are some pro tips you’ll love:

• Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish before baking. Just assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months.
• Pairing: Serve this dish with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Customization: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick!

Serving This Triple Cheddar Chicken Pasta

When it comes to serving Triple Cheddar Chicken Pasta, get creative and think about what you’ll pair it with. Here are some ideas to elevate your meal:

• Fresh Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Soft, buttery garlic bread is always a hit; it’s perfect for sopping up any leftover cheese sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Serve alongside steamed broccoli or asparagus for a nutritious touch.
• Perfect for Gatherings: This dish is ideal for family gatherings or casual dinners with friends, making it a crowd-pleaser.
• Leftover Lunches: Enjoy the leftovers for lunch the next day; they taste just as good, if not better!
• Meal Prep: Consider making a larger batch for meal prep; it stores well and tastes great throughout the week.

FAQ

Conclusion

In conclusion, Triple Cheddar Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction in every bite. It’s not just a meal; it’s a memory in the making. I encourage you to try making it; your taste buds will thank you for the delicious experience. Gather around the table and enjoy this cheesy goodness with your loved ones tonight!

Triple Cheddar Chicken Pasta

The ultimate comfort food, Triple Cheddar Chicken Pasta combines creamy cheese sauce with tender chicken and pasta for an easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love. Packed with flavor and super satisfying, it's a dish you'll want to make tonight!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Dinner

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 620 kcal

Equipment

• Wooden Spoon
• Grater
• Mixing Bowl
• Frying Pan
• Whisk

Ingredients

  

• 2 to 3 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch pieces
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
• olive oil
• salt to taste
• pepper to taste
• 1 pound fusili pasta or rotini
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup shredded triple cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

 

• Cook the fusili pasta as directed on the box to al dente.
• While the pasta is cooking, add olive oil to a pan and add the chicken pieces. Sprinkle on thyme, salt, and pepper, and cook until the chicken is cooked through.
• In a separate pan, add butter and melt on medium heat. Once melted, add flour and whisk together. Add minced garlic and cook for a few minutes, followed by the milk. Cook until the sauce thickens and then add cheese and stir to melt.
• Then, add the chicken pieces and pasta to the sauce and mix until well combined. Sprinkle on thyme and oregano. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and serve warm.

Notes

• Tip 1: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
• Tip 2: You can freeze this dish before baking. Just assemble, cover tightly, and freeze for up to three months.
• Tip 3: Serve this dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
• Tip 4: Feel free to add your favorite vegetables like spinach or broccoli for extra nutrition.
• Tip 5: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick!

Keyword Chicken Pasta Recipe, creamy pasta dish, easy weeknight dinner, triple cheddar pasta