Cheesy Chicken Pasta Creamy (Print-Friendly Version)

Creamy cheese sauce coats pasta and chicken for a comforting, delicious meal ideal for busy evenings.

# What You’ll Need to Make This:

→ Chicken

01 - 2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
02 - 1.5 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 teaspoon dry mustard
04 - 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
05 - 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano
06 - Salt, to taste
07 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Pasta

08 - 450 grams short-cut pasta

→ Cheese Sauce

09 - 2 tablespoons butter
10 - 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
11 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
12 - 1 yellow onion, diced
13 - 60 millilitres dry white wine
14 - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
15 - 225 grams white cheddar cheese, grated
16 - 480 millilitres whole milk
17 - 1-2 tablespoons fresh thyme
18 - 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

# How to Prepare:

01 - In a small bowl, mix dry mustard, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until combined.
02 - Slice chicken breasts into thin strips or 2.5 cm cubes. Toss with the prepared seasoning mixture.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté seasoned chicken until browned and cooked through. Transfer chicken to a plate and set aside.
04 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
05 - In the same skillet used for the chicken, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and cook, whisking for 1 minute until blended. Stir in dry white wine, minced garlic, diced onion, and Dijon mustard. Cook for 3-5 minutes until onions are softened.
06 - Gradually add milk to the skillet, stirring constantly. Cook on low heat for 4-6 minutes until thickened. Incorporate grated white cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted.
07 - Add cooked chicken and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Toss until everything is coated evenly. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh thyme, crushed red pepper flakes, or smoked paprika as desired.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Use freshly grated cheddar for a smoother sauce. Do not overcook the pasta; aim for al dente texture.