White Chicken Cheddar Fettucine (30 Minutes)

Send it straight to your inbox, and cook it when you're ready!

Print

Print Recipe

White chicken cheddar fettuccine is a creamy and indulgent pasta dish, perfect for those who love rich and comforting flavors. This recipe features tender, bite-sized pieces of chicken mixed with fettuccine pasta, all enveloped in a smooth and velvety white cheddar cheese sauce.

The combination of the succulent chicken and the cheesy sauce creates a delightful meal that’s sure to satisfy. It’s an ideal dish for a cozy family dinner or when you want to treat yourself to something special. The flavors are simple yet satisfying, making it a hit for all ages.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 lb fettuccine pasta
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 2 cups sharp white cheddar cheese, grated
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: parsley or thyme for garnish, red pepper flakes for heat

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta (10-12 minutes): Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
  2. Sauté Onion and Garlic (5 minutes): In a large pan, heat olive oil and melt butter over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, then add garlic and cook for another minute.
  3. Make Cheese Sauce (5 minutes): Lower the heat and add the heavy cream and chicken broth to the pan. Gradually stir in the grated cheddar cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
  4. Add Chicken (3 minutes): Add the cooked, bite-sized chicken pieces to the sauce, stirring until the chicken is heated through.
  5. Combine with Pasta (2 minutes): Add the cooked fettuccine to the pan with the chicken and cheese sauce. Toss until the pasta is well coated.
  6. Season and Serve (2 minutes): Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with parsley or thyme and optional red pepper flakes.

Notes

For this dish, using sharp cheddar cheese enhances the flavor of the sauce, but you can experiment with different types of cheese for variety. The key to a smooth sauce is to add the cheese gradually and keep the heat low to avoid curdling.

If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream. The addition of herbs like parsley or thyme adds a fresh element to the dish. Serve this dish with your favorite sides and enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 700
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg

Pair this with...

Fresh Mixed Greens Salad

Start with a base of mixed greens, combining varieties like arugula, spinach, romaine, or any leafy greens you love. Slice up a handful of cherry tomatoes for a burst of juiciness. Next, peel and shave or thinly slice a carrot for a sweet and crunchy addition. Now, here's where you get to be creative. Raid your fridge for veggies – maybe some leftover bell peppers, slices of cucumber, or even some steamed broccoli or green beans. Toss them all into your salad. Drizzle with your favorite vinaigrette or dressing, give it a good mix, and you've got a vibrant, crunchy, and fresh salad that goes well with just about any meal.

Garlic Bread

Grab a loaf of your favorite bread—baguette or ciabatta are classics. Slice it up, but not all the way through, so it fans out nicely. In a bowl, melt some butter and stir in minced garlic (as much or as little as you like), a sprinkle of salt, and maybe a touch of dried parsley for that extra flair. Generously brush or spread this garlicky goodness between the slices. Wrap the loaf in foil and pop it into a pre-heated oven. When it's golden and aromatic, pull it out and enjoy the buttery, crispy, garlicky delight.

Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini is a fan favorite that brings out the vegetable's natural sweetness, complemented by a smoky char. Start by slicing your zucchini lengthwise into planks, not too thin to ensure they hold up on the grill. Lightly brush them with olive oil on both sides to keep them from sticking and to enhance that delicious grill flavor. Season with a pinch of salt and maybe a touch of pepper or your favorite herbs. Once your grill is nice and hot, lay those zucchini slices down and listen to that satisfying sizzle. Grill for a few minutes on each side until you've got those hallmark grill marks and the zucchini is tender with a slight crunch.

For Tomorrow's Dinner

Broccoli Cheddar Soup with Crispy Bacon and Scallions (42 Minutes)

Turkish Eggs and Toast with Spiced Paprika Olive Oil (31 Minutes)

Loaded Cheeseburger Macaroni (30 Minutes)

Roasted Vegetable Lasagna (1 Hr, 35 Mins)

Hi, I'm Alaina! As a busy mom of two, I'm tired of always wondering "what's for dinner?" That's why I created this website; to share easy and tasty recipe ideas the whole family will love. If you're not subscribed yet, join 47,098 others here - thanks for stopping by!