Cranberry White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

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Cranberry White Cheddar Chicken Pasta

Cranberry white cheddar chicken pasta put a seasonal spin on traditional macaroni and cheese with festive craisins and pecans. It's an easy way to upgrade a classic into a flavorful meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends during the holiday season.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Chicken, Dinner, Entree, Main Course, Pasta

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 783kcal

Author: Meaghan - The Quicker Kitchen

Ingredients

12 oz rotini pasta
2 tbsp of butter
3 cloves garlic minced
2 tbsp flour
2 cups milk
4 oz cream cheese softened
2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 cup dried cranberries
2 cups diced, cooked chicken
1 cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup chopped chives

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
12 oz rotini pasta
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
2 tbsp of butter, 3 cloves garlic
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking continuously until smooth.
2 cups milk, 2 tbsp flour
Add the cream cheese, white cheddar cheese, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4 oz cream cheese, 2 cups shredded white cheddar cheese, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp pepper
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, dried cranberries and pecans to the skillet. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
1 cup dried cranberries, 2 cups diced, cooked chicken, 1 cup chopped pecans
Remove from heat and sprinkle the sliced chives over the top before serving.
1/4 cup chopped chives

Notes

Rotisserie chicken is perfect for this.
If you time it right, you can make the sauce while the pasta is cooking. I'd start the sauce as soon as you put the pasta in the boiling water.
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of milk before serving.
Sharp white cheddar will give you the most flavorful sauce, but you can use mild white cheddar for less tang.

Nutrition