White Sauce Pasta

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I’ve always had a soft spot for creamy, cheesy pasta dishes, and this White Sauce Pasta with Grilled Chicken might just be the one I turn to the most. There’s something irresistible about the velvety richness of the white sauce clinging to every ribbon of pasta, balanced perfectly by the smoky, golden slices of seasoned grilled chicken on top. It’s comforting without being heavy, and elegant enough to impress anyone you serve it to.

This is the kind of dish I crave when I want something satisfying but still fresh. The sauce comes together in minutes, but it tastes like you spent all afternoon stirring and coaxing out flavor. Whether I’m making it for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or just because I need a little food joy, this pasta delivers every time.

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Why You’ll Love This White Sauce Pasta with Grilled Chicken

• Rich, creamy, and garlicky – The white sauce is smooth, buttery, and infused with garlic and herbs.
• Quick and easy – You can pull this together in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable – Works well with different kinds of pasta and proteins.
• Comfort food level 100 – This is one of those meals that gives you a warm hug in every bite.
• Family-approved – Even picky eaters tend to ask for seconds.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for White Sauce Pasta with Grilled Chicken?

You’re not locked into one type of pasta here—this white sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of shapes and textures. I personally love using fettuccine because it holds the creamy sauce so well, letting each bite feel luscious and satisfying. But don’t shy away from penne, farfalle, linguine, or even rigatoni—they all soak up that garlicky parmesan flavor beautifully. The key is choosing a pasta with enough surface area or ridges to grip the sauce.

If you’re cooking for kids or just want something a bit lighter, angel hair pasta also works, but you’ll need to be careful not to overcook it. It can get mushy quickly, especially with a heavier sauce like this.

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Options for Substitutions

Sometimes you need to adapt based on what’s in your pantry or dietary preferences. Here’s how you can tweak this dish without sacrificing flavor:

• Milk & Cream: You can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. It’ll be a bit lighter but still delicious.
• Butter: If you’re dairy-free, try using plant-based butter or even olive oil in the roux.
• Parmesan Cheese: Swap for grana padano or pecorino romano for a sharper edge, or use nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
• Grilled Chicken: You can sub in shrimp, pan-seared tofu, or even roasted vegetables if you’re going meatless.
• Flour: Gluten-free flour works just fine here if you’re avoiding wheat.
• Garlic & Herbs: If you’re out of fresh garlic, garlic powder will work in a pinch. And don’t forget that Italian seasoning, oregano, or a pinch of chili flakes can be game-changers.

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Ingredients for This White Sauce Pasta with Grilled Chicken

Each ingredient in this dish plays a role in building flavor and creating that creamy, savory comfort we all crave. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why it’s essential:

• Fettuccine pasta – Its flat, wide shape is ideal for holding onto that rich, velvety white sauce.
• Chicken breasts – Lean, juicy, and perfect for grilling; adds protein and heartiness to the dish.
• Olive oil – Used to coat the chicken before seasoning and grilling, adding depth and a slight crisp.
• Paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper – These seasonings give the chicken bold, savory flavor with a hint of smokiness.
• Butter – The base of the white sauce; it adds richness and helps create the roux.
• All-purpose flour – Combines with butter to thicken the sauce into that perfect creamy consistency.
• Garlic (minced) – Infuses the sauce with aromatic, slightly spicy flavor.
• Whole milk – Creates a smooth texture in the sauce while keeping it light enough to enjoy a full bowl.
• Heavy cream – Adds indulgent creaminess and makes the sauce cling beautifully to the pasta.
• Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – Salty, nutty, and melty—this is the cheese that ties the whole sauce together.
• Red pepper flakes (optional) – For a touch of heat that balances the richness of the sauce.
• Dried parsley or oregano (for garnish) – Adds color and a hint of herbaceous flavor to the final dish.

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Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning your chicken breasts with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Make sure both sides are well coated. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 6–7 minutes per side until it’s golden and fully cooked through. Let it rest, then slice into thin strips.

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Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine (or your chosen pasta) according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water—you might need it later to loosen the sauce.

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Step 3: Make the White Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about a minute to cook out the raw taste.

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Step 4: Add the Milk and Cream

Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking as you go to prevent lumps. Cook the sauce, stirring regularly, for about 5–6 minutes until it begins to thicken.

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Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Lower the heat and add the grated parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them.

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Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the white sauce. Toss well to coat every strand in the rich, cheesy mixture. If the sauce is too thick, splash in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.

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Step 7: Plate and Garnish

Transfer the creamy pasta to plates or bowls, top with the sliced grilled chicken, and sprinkle with extra parmesan and dried parsley or oregano for a beautiful finish.

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How Long to Cook the White Sauce Pasta with Grilled Chicken

This dish is surprisingly quick to pull together, especially for something that tastes so indulgent. Here’s the general breakdown:

• Grilling the Chicken: 12–14 minutes total (6–7 minutes per side)
• Cooking the Pasta: 8–10 minutes
• Making the Sauce: 10 minutes
• Combining Everything: 2–3 minutes

Total time: Around 30 minutes from start to finish.

If you prep your ingredients ahead of time, you could shave off a few more minutes and have this on the table in closer to 25.

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Tips for Perfect White Sauce Pasta with Grilled Chicken

• Don’t overcook the chicken – Use a meat thermometer if needed; it should hit 165°F in the thickest part. Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
• Whisk the sauce continuously – Especially after adding the flour and milk. It prevents lumps and keeps the sauce velvety.
• Use freshly grated parmesan – It melts better and tastes way more flavorful than pre-shredded.
• Reserve pasta water – A splash helps thin the sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
• Taste as you go – The sauce is simple, so seasoning properly makes all the difference.
• Serve immediately – This dish is best when it’s hot and creamy; the sauce can thicken as it cools.
• Don’t skip the garnish – A sprinkle of herbs and extra cheese takes this from good to restaurant-worthy.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple dish like this can go sideways if you’re not careful. Here are a few things to keep in mind while making White Sauce Pasta with Grilled Chicken:

• Overcooking the pasta – You want it al dente so it holds up in the sauce and doesn’t turn mushy.
• Using cold milk or cream – Add them warm or at least room temp to avoid curdling and help the sauce come together faster.
• Not seasoning the chicken properly – Bland chicken brings the whole dish down. Don’t be shy with your spices.
• Rushing the roux – That flour needs a full minute to cook or your sauce will taste raw.
• Letting the sauce sit too long – White sauce thickens quickly. Serve it right after mixing or keep it warm on low heat with a lid.
• Using low-quality cheese – Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Go for the real stuff and grate it yourself.

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What to Serve With White Sauce Pasta with Grilled Chicken?

This creamy pasta can hold its own, but pairing it with the right side makes it a complete meal. Here are my top recommendations:

Garlic Bread

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—garlic bread is the perfect companion to scoop up that leftover sauce.

Caesar Salad

The cool crunch and tangy dressing of a Caesar balances the richness of the pasta beautifully.

Roasted Vegetables

Try broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers tossed in olive oil and herbs—adds freshness and color to your plate.

Steamed Asparagus

Lightly steamed with a squeeze of lemon, asparagus adds a nice earthy snap next to the creamy sauce.

Caprese Salad

Tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic—refreshing and elegant alongside the pasta.

Lemon-Herb Couscous

For something a little unexpected, a citrusy couscous dish makes a light, fluffy contrast to the creamy pasta.

A Glass of White Wine

A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with both the sauce and the grilled chicken.

Sparkling Lemon Water

If you’re going non-alcoholic, lemon water cuts the richness and keeps things bright and balanced.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (which isn’t always guaranteed with this one), White Sauce Pasta with Grilled Chicken stores well for a couple of days.

• Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm it on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life. Microwave is okay too, but stir halfway through and don’t overheat it.
• Freezing: Not recommended. The cream sauce tends to separate and turn grainy when thawed. If you must, freeze the grilled chicken and fresh-cook the pasta and sauce later.

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Estimated Nutrition

Keep in mind these are approximate values per serving and will vary based on portion size and specific ingredients used.

• Calories: ~620
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 120mg
• Sodium: 430mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

This dish leans rich and filling, so you might want to serve smaller portions with a fresh side salad to balance it out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of chicken is best for this pasta?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they cook quickly and slice nicely for topping. You can also use thighs if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat.

Can I make this white sauce pasta without chicken?

Absolutely. Just leave out the chicken or replace it with grilled veggies, shrimp, or tofu for a vegetarian or pescatarian version.

How do I keep the white sauce from clumping?

The key is to whisk constantly when adding milk and cream to the roux. Also, make sure the liquids aren’t ice cold—room temperature works best.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can easily make it so by using gluten-free pasta and substituting the flour with a gluten-free thickener or all-purpose gluten-free flour blend.

Can I add vegetables to the dish?

Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, broccoli, or peas all go really well stirred into the pasta or served on top alongside the chicken.

How do I make the sauce thinner or thicker?

If it’s too thick, add a splash of pasta water or milk. If too thin, let it simmer a bit longer, or whisk in a tiny bit more cheese or flour roux.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and grill the chicken ahead of time, but for best texture, cook the pasta fresh before serving. The sauce may need thinning when reheated.

What kind of cheese can I use instead of parmesan?

Try pecorino romano for a sharper bite or gruyère for a nuttier flavor. Just be sure it’s a cheese that melts smoothly.

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Conclusion

White Sauce Pasta with Grilled Chicken is one of those dishes that never goes out of style. It’s rich, creamy, satisfying, and endlessly customizable—perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a casual date night at home. With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, it’s proof that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. Once you’ve made it once, it’ll likely become one of those recipes you come back to again and again. Whether you’re serving it to guests or just treating yourself, this pasta is always a win.

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